Imagine a world where grass is always green and luscious. It never grows and therefore never needs to be cut. There are never any weeds that grow, no brown patches, no dust, no mud, and no dirty dogs. Inside and out, everywhere you look is green, comfortable grass. Is it possible? The answer is a resounding “YES” with artificial (synthetic) grass.

The word is getting out, and excitement and euphoria are spreading as pet care facility owners realize there is a “green” solution to many of their grass-related and surfacing problems. Along with the exuberance is typically a flurry of questions: What exactly is artificial/synthetic grass? Does it grow? Do dogs like it? Don’t they tear it up? How do you keep it clean? What happens to the dog waste? How is it installed? Is it for indoor use or outdoor use? Is it expensive? What is the benefit to me? Since there are often many questions, let’s start at the beginning with the basics.

Artificial grass, also referred to as synthetic grass, is made of plastic fibers, and it does not grow. Modern day artificial grass products evolved from a product developed in the early 1960s to surface football fields. Because of its high profile use by the NFL in the Houston Astrodome in 1966, the artificial grass became commonly known as AstroTurf ®. It is important to note that AstroTurf ® is now a registered trademark and not a general term as it is often used. Many companies now have artificial grass products designed and used for a variety of applications. These include, but are not limited to, sport fields, playgrounds, landscaping, golf, green roofs, and yes, dog facilities.

As any dog owner knows, dogs and grass are a match made in heaven. Dogs love to romp, run, and play as well as rest and enjoy the soft, relaxing feel of grass. They also intuitively know that this is typically a safe and acceptable place for them to eliminate waste. Unfortunately, dogs that are grouped together are hard on grass, regardless of the climate. The result is that it is very difficult and expensive to keep a grass surface intact in dog boarding and daycare facilities. Since this is the status quo and generally accepted circumstance, dog boarding facilities and doggy daycares either limp along, trying to make the best of the grass areas they have, or they end up replacing it with other surfacing options. These include gravel, concrete, asphalt, rubber surfacing, and other less desirable and conducive alternatives. Never fear, artificial grass is here!

Every dog facility is different, but the challenges related to creating a warm, inviting play area inside and outside while keeping a clean, comfortable play potty area are pretty universal. Specifically designed and professionally installed artificial grass provides an effective solution to meet these challenges. It is important to emphasize that “specifically designed” and “professionally installed” are not just catch phrases but rather key components to long-term success and satisfaction. (I will specifically address these considerations in more detail in subsequent articles.) Some of the benefits of artificial grass in a pet boarding or daycare facility are difficult to measure while other aspects can be easily quantified. Let’s first begin with those that are hard to measure. The intrinsic value rests with you as the facility owner in conjunction with your customer and their four-legged friends.

The comfort, warmth, and peace of mind dog owners have when they are deciding where to leave their pets are critical components to attracting and retaining clients. This value proposition is a combination of the staff, accommodations, and desire of the dog to leave their side when going to spend time with someone else. Artificial grass, installed inside or out, will enhance the surroundings, so the owner knows you have gone to great lengths to provide the most natural and comfortable spaces possible. Dogs and dog owners love the look and feel of cozy green grass. The mindset changes from “this is where my pet has to stay until I return” to “this is a country club-like atmosphere that my pet gets to enjoy until I return.” The sense of cleanliness and comfort are unmistakable.

Artificial grass is soft and cushiony, which reduces stress on dog joints and paws. Since it is made of inorganic material, It has the potential to mitigate insect concerns, including ticks and fleas. Unlike natural grass, it is basically made of nothing that interests bugs. It is also hypoallergenic, which means that dogs with allergies, especially those that are sensitive to grass, can enjoy the grass without the concern of having an allergic reaction.

Other benefits are more easily quantifiable and immediately improve your bottom line. The use of artificial grass, especially outdoors, typically provides a reduction in maintenance. Solid waste is easy to locate and remove while liquid waste passes through and will not puddle (this is subject to getting the correct artificial grass product). Artificial grass will never grow, so there is never a need to mow it. It will not die or turn brown, so there is never a need to reseed or re-sod. Watering to keep grass growing as well as the use of lawn chemicals and fertilizers are eliminated. Since the artificial grass separates the dogs from dirt and dust, the dogs will not get dirty or muddy. This makes for a nicer, cleaner area outside but also reduces the need for mopping up after them when they come back into the facility. Paws stay clean, which means that so do floors, equipment, cages, and mats. Many facility owners have commented that the addition of artificial grass has allowed them to reduce or even eliminate the need to bathe dogs before sending them home.

All of the benefits add up to increased customer satisfaction, revenue, retention, and acquisition of new clients. Since the addition of artificial grass makes your facility one that is “higher end” and more desirable to your clients, you will also have the option to increase rates accordingly.

Green grass is possible with pet boarding and daycare. Understanding how it can be utilized will give you the competitive advantage you need to leverage it to the benefit of your staff and clients. Future articles will provide insights into what to look for in a synthetic grass as well as specific considerations regarding installation (both indoor and outdoor) and maintenance.

Ken Karmie is the K9Grass Brand Manager and part owner of ForeverLawn Incorporated, the makers of K9Grass, artificial grass designed specifically for dogs. Ken received a Bachelor of Science Degree from Mount Union College and spent 20 years working in the technology field before joining brothers Dale, Brian, and Jim at ForeverLawn Inc. Ken designs artificial grass and related products, installation systems, maintenance programs and has worked in the synthetic grass field for over nine years. Ken currently has two patents pending related to Indoor K9Grass design and Flushing System. Ken has also been invited to speak at various conferences and seminars regarding aspects of artificial grass use with dogs. Headquartered in Uniontown, Ohio, ForeverLawn provides innovative synthetic grass products to create better landscapes worldwide. In addition to its K9Grass lines (www.K9Grass.com), ForeverLawn also offers specialty products including SplashGrass, Landscape, SportsGrass, Playground Grass, and GolfGreens. ForeverLawn—Grass without limits. www.foreverlawn.com. ForeverLawn is not just leading the curve, it is defining it.

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