We independently evaluate all of our recommendations. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. The 7 Best Artificial Grass for Dogs to Take Potty Breaks Anytime By Mary Jo DiLonardo Mary Jo DiLonardo Mary Jo DiLonardo is a writer and dog mom to Brodie, a border-collie mix who loves to learn. She is also bringing in new foster dogs in need of a home and has cared for over 75 dogs and puppies. In her 25+ years as a journalist, she has contributed to WebMD, CNN, and Treehugger, covering pets and animals, health and wellness, nature and sustainability, and all things environmental. Learn more about The Spruce Pets' Editorial Process Updated on 11/19/24 In This Article View All In This Article Top Picks Reviews What to Look for FAQ Why Trust The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets If you don’t want to take your new puppy outside every hour to go potty, you work long hours, or you live in a spot without a yard, artificial grass for dogs offers a convenient, washable bathroom spot that you can place on a patio, deck, or even in the kitchen. Additionally, some artificial turf comes in rolls so you can replace lawn that’s been damaged by dog urine. Certified professional dog trainer Susie Aga, owner of Atlanta Dog Trainer, who has taught dogs in high rises to use artificial grass, says dogs should imprint on a textured surface instead of something soft like a potty pad that's similar to blankets or beds, but make sure you clean it really well. “It should be big enough so they are able to turn around on it, just like a crate...[and] feel comfortable, so make sure it’s not too small," says Aga. Top Picks Best Overall: PetGrow Pet Pad at Amazon $74 Jump to Review Best for Potty Training: Pick for Life Dog Grass Potty Patch at Amazon $54 Jump to Review Best Budget Potty Training: Petmaker Artificial Grass Potty Mat at Amazon $33 Jump to Review Best for Outdoor Space: SunVilla Realistic Indoor/Outdoor Artificial Grass at Amazon $175 Jump to Review Best Grass Alternative: Bark Potty Disposable Dog Potty at Amazon $38 Jump to Review Most Attractive: City Loo Premium Potty Solution at Amazon Jump to Review Best Roll-Out: Goasis Lawn Artificial Grass Turf at Amazon $130 Jump to Review Best Overall PetGrow Pet Pad Credit: Amazon $74 at Amazon View on Petgrows.com What We Like Looks realistic Four layers Durable, but soft Many sizes Can be cut to fit What We Don’t Like No small pieces available PetGrow Pet Pad has four color shades woven throughout the turf so it looks like real grass and thatch. Four layers, including a bottom drainage tier for easy cleaning, make the turf sturdy, but it’s still soft on bare feet and paws. A rubber backing keeps it from sliding and pet owners say it’s easy to install if you want to put some down in your yard. Available in rolls from 4 by 7 feet up to 13 by 82 feet, it's relatively easy to cut, so you can buy the smallest size and lop it off into sections that fit your porch, your deck, or even a corner of the kitchen—though you will need to purchase a separate tray to keep your floors clean. Artificial grass can get hot, but pet owners say this grass isn’t too bad. It’s also easy to clean with a hose or an enzyme-based cleaner. Sizes: Varies | Materials: Polyethylene, polypropylene | Pile Height: 1.37 inches Best for Potty Training Pick for Life Dog Grass Potty Patch Credit: Amazon $54 at Amazon What We Like Four sizes Three-piece system Includes washable pee pad Easy to wash What We Don’t Like Can be smelly if not cleaned regularly The sturdy and reusable Pick for Life Dog Grass Potty Patch is easy to clean, well-rated, and looks like real grass. Available in four sizes, the three-piece system features artificial grass, a machine-washable pee pad—which we prefer over disposable ones—and a solid tray. You can choose a set based on the size of your dog and your available space. All the components are durable, so the potty can be kept outside. But like other artificial grass, it can soak up smells, so it will need to be cleaned regularly. Using a disposable pad and changing it regularly can help. Sizes: 35 x 22.6 inches, 41 x 26.8 inches, 45.1 x 29.1 inches, 47.6 x 29.2 inches | Materials: Plastic | Pile Height: 1.4 inches Best Budget Potty Training Petmaker Artificial Grass Potty Mat Credit: Amazon $33 at Amazon $30 at Chewy $44 at Target What We Like Three sizes Three-layer or four-layer systems Good for indoors Works for small spaces like apartments and patios What We Don’t Like Can retain urine smell This relatively basic potty mat from Petmaker could be a good way to check out the world of artificial grass to see if your dog (and you) like it. Also sold under the names Pet Adobe and Pet Pal, this system is good for indoor use or smaller spaces like apartments and patios. It comes in three sizes in two different configurations—a three-layer system with a base pan, a drainage layer, and an artificial grass mat, and a four-layer system with the addition of an odor-resistant cloth mat. The grass mats are washable, but like all artificial turf, they can retain urine odors and require frequent washing. Some pet parents like to have a spare so one is always clean, while others slip a puppy pad under the mat to help keep the bottom tray clean. Sizes: 16 x 20 x 1.2 inches, 20 x 25 x 1.25 inches, 30 x 20 x 1.25 inches | Materials: Synthetic plastic, hard plastic | Pile Height: 1.25 inches Best for Outdoor Space SunVilla Realistic Indoor/Outdoor Artificial Grass Credit: Amazon $175 at Amazon $21 at Wayfair View on Sunvillagrass.com What We Like Lots of sizes Non-toxic Fire-resistant Looks like real grass What We Don’t Like Gets hot in warm weather Whether you just want a small spot on your deck or want to cover your entire backyard, SunVilla Realistic Indoor/Outdoor Artificial Grass is our favorite for an outdoor space. It has multi-color green and yellow blades with curly fibers that make it look like real grass. It’s also non-toxic, fire-resistant, and lead-free. The grass comes in a huge range of sizes ranging from a 28-by-40-inch square mat to rolls that are a massive 13 feet by 25 feet. The one drawback to artificial grass is that it can get hot and uncomfortable in really warm weather, so be sure to test it before your dog touches it with their paws. Sizes: Wide range available | Materials: UV-resistant curled polypropylene, monofil polyethylene yarns, dual layer polypropylene backing sealed with latex rubber waterproof coating | Pile Height: 1.38 inches Best Grass Alternative Bark Potty Disposable Dog Potty Credit: Amazon $38 at Amazon $49 at Chewy View on Barkpotty.com What We Like Two sizes Replaces up to 60 pee pads Naturally odor resistant and durable Recyclable What We Don’t Like Can take time to train a dog to use it Some dogs dig at it Filled with natural odor-absorbing bark covered by a mesh screen, Bark Potty is a disposable and recyclable alternative to artificial grass that blends in nicely with most spaces. Available in two sizes, with the larger version for bigger dogs or those requiring a bit more room for bathroom breaks, it's designed to last about a month or the equivalent of about 60 puppy pads. Our tester was not only impressed by the durability of Bark Potty, which had no noticeable signs of wear and tear or problems with leakage, but also by its ease of use, commenting, "Since Bark Potty is subscription-based, we never have to clean it. We just replace it when the new one arrives." There can be a little bit of a learning curve as you train your dog to use the Bark Potty, but fortunately, the company has a trainer available to give tips and answer questions. And, some dogs find the bark pretty interesting and will dig at it like they might in the yard. Sizes: 24 x 16 inches, 30 x 20 inches | Materials: Natural bark | Pile Height: flat (product is 2 inches tall) Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Credit: The Spruce Pets Most Attractive City Loo Premium Potty Solution Credit: Amazon View on Amazon View on Thecityloo.com What We Like Keeps everything contained Available in white or black Easy to assemble What We Don’t Like Only for dogs 20 pounds or less If aesthetics are important to you, the City Loo is the best-looking indoor dog potty around and an attractive option if your dog’s indoor bathroom facilities are going to be on display. The frame is made of fiberboard and comes in either white or black, with walls made of clear acrylic to keep everything contained. If you don't want to use the artificial grass, you can substitute a plastic or reusable pee pad. While the whole potty is relatively small—only suitable for dogs 20 pounds or less—it does weigh 40 pounds so it's not that easy to move around. Nevertheless, it's easy to assemble and comes with all the necessary tools. Sizes: 21 x 29.25 x 21.25 inches | Materials: Fiberboard, clear acrylic | Pile Height: N/A The 5 Best Dog Potties For Easy Bathroom Breaks, Tested With Real Dogs Best Roll-Out Goasis Lawn Artificial Grass Turf Credit: Amazon $130 at Amazon View on Walmart View on 2daydeliver.com What We Like Low pile for low profile UV-, fade-, mold-, and mildew-resistant Lead-free 10-year warranty What We Don't Like Little cushioning Like our best overall pick, Goasis rolls are well-rated, reasonably affordable, and one of the simplest ways to create your desired space that's appropriate for indoor and outdoor applications. You’ll appreciate the wide range of sizes, in widths from 2 to 13 feet and lengths from 3 to 82 feet. That means you can buy the closest size for your space and then cut it if needed for a perfect fit. It’s lightweight, easy to clean, drains well, and has a low pile, which some might find too artificial-looking and shiny. However, your dog will like that it’s soft to the touch. Plus, many customers like how easy it is to install and keep clean on patios, dog runs, and decking. Sizes: Wide range | Materials: UV-resistant polyethylene yarn, polypropylene fabric, reinforced net with latex backing︱Pile Height: 0.4 inches Final Verdict Our favorite artificial grass for dogs is the PetGrow Pet Pad. It looks realistic, has four durable layers, and comes in many sizes, so you can cut it to fit perfectly where you need it. We also like the Pick for Life Dog Grass Potty Patch, which has three layers and comes with a washable potty pad. What to Look For in Artificial Grass for Dogs Common Terms Here are some of the more common phrases you might come across when shopping for artificial grass: Stitch count: The density of the yarn (also called stitch count) is the number of blades per square inch. A denser stitch count usually signifies a higher-quality, more durable turf that looks more like a real lawn.Face weight: This refers to how many ounces of material per square yard a type of turf has. Heavier face weights generally indicate better quality and more durability, but face weight does not include the weight of the backing material.Backweight: This is the total weight of the primary backing, through which the yarn fibers are tufted, and the secondary backing which locks the tufted fibers in place. Higher quality backweights, above 26 ounces, are preferable for high-traffic areas.Pile height: Pile thickness, or grass height, is somewhat of a matter of preference, although a thicker pile will likely hold up better for larger dogs. Materials Yarn, or the grass part of turf, is made of either a single or a combination of plastics like polyethylene, polypropylene, and nylon, which is the most expensive and durable, though not soft or commonly used for pet greens. For the most realistic-looking grasses, look for thatch yarn in a different color, weight, or texture that mimics the inconsistencies of natural grass. Also, opt for products with UV- and fade-resistant filaments which are more durable, and those that come with a quality warranty. Unless you’re buying a small patch of grass in a catchment tray, grasses installed for pet use should have a fully permeable backing with drainage holes that allow pet urine to pass through. Without them, urine will sit in the turf, trapping odors and leaving moisture near the surface for your dog to track into your home. Environmental Concerns The downside of artificial grass products is that they are mostly made from interwoven synthetic plastics and rubber made from fossil fuels, which prevents them from being reasonable to recycle, though you could find ways to repurpose them. Otherwise, the landfill will be its final destination, so be sure you’re committed to the idea before undertaking a large area. On the upside, one environmental benefit of artificial grass is that, unlike natural grass, it does not require watering, fertilizer, or pesticides to control weeds or insects. While some services and retailers claim that their turf is eco-friendly and sustainable, you have to look closer to know for sure. Polyethylene can be considered a sustainably made "bioplastic" when the ethanol used to synthesize it comes from fermented corn or beet sugar, which degrades within a few months to a few years—compared to several hundred to several thousand years or more for other plastics—though the manufacturing process still consumes energy. And, since interwoven products are no longer recyclable or biodegradable when mixed with other materials, the product might be better described as more eco-friendly than other products. Installation and Infill Products in trays are easy, but if you’re installing grass outside, the process is much more involved, so research the manufacturers' installation instructions and thoroughly measure and plan if you're installing it yourself. Some require more preparation of the ground surface or sub-base to look its best and last longer. Also, consider what associated materials you will need and include them in your budget, such as seam tape for connecting multiple strips of turf or infill, which will incur additional costs and labor. While some artificial grasses don't require infill, those designed for use with infill will become flat and matted without it. Infill also helps keep fibers upright, acting as a stabilizer to prevent the turf from moving, and make the grass look and feel more realistic. Some help keep the turf cooler in hot weather, while others that are black or other dark colors will heat the turf, so consider those recommended for your climate when selecting an infill. Additionally, infills cushion your dog’s paws and protect the backing from sun damage. A wide variety of infill materials are available, including silica sand and black crumb rubber. For pet surfaces, choose brands with antimicrobial, anti-odor, or cooling properties. FAQ Is artificial grass safe for dogs? “Artificial turf is safe for dogs to use for elimination, but no dog should be left unattended with any form of artificial surface until they are old enough to be trusted not to ingest any of the surface,” says Kate Perry, a certified dog trainer with the Animal Behavior College and author of the bestselling guide Training for Both Ends of the Leash. "If you cannot trust your dog not to chew on the surface, an alternative form of elimination surface, such as an eco-friendly WizSmart Pad, would be a better solution.” How do you install artificial grass? Many hire a professional when installing artificial grass over natural turf. That’s because it requires multiple preparation steps before you roll out the turf. That includes accurately measuring, removing the turf, and laying weed barriers, gravel, and sand layers.There is also a range of ways to cut, trim, tape, and bind artificial grass. You’ll likely have the best results if you watch a few short how-to videos or articles like this one by Bob Vila that can provide much more detail than we can include here. Why Trust The Spruce Pets This roundup was written by Mary Jo DiLonardo who Mary Jo has been writing about pets and animals for several decades. She has a rescue dog and has fostered more than 70 dogs and puppies. Potty training is a constant part of her puppy fostering life, so she is always trying different products and tips to keep the bathroom business under control. Certified professional dog trainer Susie Aga, owner of Atlanta Dog Trainer, and Kate Perry, a certified dog trainer with the Animal Behavior College and author of the bestselling guide Training for Both Ends of the Leash provided insight for this article. The 21 Best Dog Foods of 2026 Explore more: What to Buy Dog Products