Which Flowers and Plants Are Pet Safe

Bouquets and Blooms for You and Your Pet

With the days growing longer and the scent of early summer in the air, many of us are drawn to the beauty of fresh flowers and lush greenery. Bringing seasonal blooms into our homes is a timeless way to celebrate nature’s renewal—but for those who share their space with pets, it’s essential to choose wisely and decorate with pet-safe flowers and plants, as not all are safe for curious paws and whiskers.

While certain popular species—such as lilies—pose serious risks to cats and dogs, there are plenty of exquisite alternatives that offer both charm and peace of mind. From delicate petals to vibrant greenery, you can still enjoy nature’s splendor without compromising your pet’s well-being. To help you make pet-friendly choices, we’ve curated a selection of flowers and houseplants that are non-toxic and safe to display around animals.

For additional pet safety tips, check out our blog post on human foods your dog shouldn’t eat to ensure your furry friend stays healthy and safe.

Of course, even non-toxic plants may cause mild digestive upset if ingested. Symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea can occur, and in rare instances, excessive consumption of plant matter may lead to intestinal obstruction. To prevent mishaps, keep arrangements and potted plants out of reach, and if you notice any signs of nibbling or distress, consult your veterinarian without hesitation.

Pet-Safe Bouquet Flowers

Flowers for Bouquets

Bringing fresh flowers into your home is one of the joys of the season—but when pets are part of the family, choosing pet safe blooms and plants is key. Fortunately, there’s a variety of stunning flowers that are both safe for cats and dogs and beautiful in bouquets. Below is a curated selection of pet-friendly options:

Calendula (Calendula spp.)
A cheerful member of the daisy family, calendulas are not only visually vibrant but also edible. Historically used to create natural dyes, these golden-orange blossoms bring warmth and tradition to any floral arrangement.

Daisy Varieties
Many daisy species are considered safe in moderation, including Gerberas (Gerbera spp.), the Common Daisy (Bellis perennis), and the edible Crown Daisy (Glebionis coronaria). While ingestion of large quantities may irritate the digestive tract, occasional nibbling on one or two petals is generally harmless.

Rose (Rosa spp.)
Timeless and elegant, roses are non-toxic and often edible—rose petals have been used in desserts and sugared garnishes for centuries. While florists typically remove thorns for safety, it’s still wise to check before displaying them within paw’s reach.

Sunflower (Helianthus spp.)
A bold and sunny addition to any bouquet, sunflowers—also part of the daisy family—are safe for pets. Their classic yellow petals are most common, but varieties like the Common Sunflower (Helianthus annuus) can also be found in warm shades of orange and red.

Snapdragon (Antirrhinum spp.)
Known for their whimsical, dragon-like blooms, snapdragons add vertical elegance to bouquets. They’re available in a wide spectrum of colors and are safe to display around curious pets.

Freesia (Freesia spp.)
These delicate, fragrant blooms belong to the iris family and feature a characteristic trumpet shape. Freesias come in hues of white, yellow, crimson, and violet-blue, and they’re as gentle on pets as they are on the eyes.

Madagascar Jasmine (Stephanotis floribunda)
Despite the name, this plant isn’t a true jasmine, but its waxy white star-shaped flowers offer a sweet, tropical fragrance. A refined addition to wedding bouquets and spring displays, it’s also safe for your furry companions.

Dahlia (Dahlia spp.)
Native to Central America and beloved for their vivid colors and full-bodied blooms, dahlias are another safe option. These flowers make a striking visual statement without posing a threat to pets.

Hibiscus (Hibiscus spp.)
With their bold petals and tropical flair, hibiscus flowers are a captivating choice. Hibiscus sabdariffa, in particular, is known for its use in herbal teas rich in Vitamin C. While pet-safe, these blooms should still be displayed mindfully to avoid overindulgence.

African Violet (Streptocarpus sect. Saintpaulia)
A popular houseplant and bouquet flower, the African Violet brings a burst of color with its rich purple hues. Originating from eastern tropical Africa, it’s as gentle as it is striking, and perfectly safe to keep near pets.

Pet-Safe Houseplants

Safe and Stylish: Pet-Friendly Houseplants

Houseplants can brighten up any living space—but when pets are around, it’s important to stick with pet-safe flowers and plants that won’t put your furry friends at risk. From leafy greens to soft blooms, the options below are non-toxic and safe to enjoy in a pet-friendly home.

Spider Plant
Chlorophytum comosum
Beloved for its resilience and graceful arching leaves, the Spider Plant is a staple in many households—and fortunately, it’s also safe for pets. However, while the plant poses no harm, your curious cat may find it irresistible to chew or bat at, so consider placing it somewhere secure.

Ferns
Most true ferns are non-toxic to cats and dogs, making them an excellent choice for pet-friendly homes. Varieties such as the Boston Fern (Nephrolepis exaltata) and Holly Fern (Cyrtomium falcatum) are particularly well-suited. Do note that Asparagus Ferns are an exception—they are toxic and should be avoided.

Cat Grass
Often composed of safe cereal grasses like oat (Avena sativa), rye (Secale cereale), barley (Hordeum vulgare), or a specific species like Dactylis glomerata, cat grass is a healthy treat for your feline friend. It supports digestion and can even help divert their attention from less chew-friendly plants.

Catnip
Nepeta cataria
A member of the mint family, catnip produces a compound called nepetalactone that many cats find irresistible. Safe to ingest, this plant encourages playful behaviour—rolling, purring, drooling—and is usually followed by a relaxed nap. Be warned: frequent feline visits may shorten the plant’s lifespan!

Money Tree
Pachira aquatica
Sometimes called the Malabar Chestnut, the Money Tree is a pet-safe, larger houseplant that can eventually be moved outdoors as it matures. Its braided trunk and lush leaves add both elegance and safety to your living space.

Peperomia
Peperomia spp.
Also known as radiator plants, Peperomias are compact, easy-to-care-for houseplants that come in a variety of shapes and colours. Species such as the Watermelon Peperomia (Peperomia argyreia), Japanese Peperomia (Peperomia japonica), and Baby Rubber Plant (Peperomia obtusifolia) are all non-toxic to pets.

Herbs
Aromatic and edible, herbs like basil (Ocimum basilicum), rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus), sage (Salvia officinalis), and dill (Anethum graveolens) are pet-friendly and make a practical, fragrant addition to any indoor kitchen garden.

How to Check Whether a Plant is Pet Safe

Verifying the Safety of Plants for Pets

Our list includes some popular flowers and houseplants, though many more species aren’t listed. If you have any concerns about plants not mentioned in our list, there are several resources available, though these may vary depending on where you live.

Knowing the common name of the plant is a useful first step; however, since common names tend to vary regionally, it’s worth knowing the Latin name of the plant. There are several plant identification apps available for free that can aid you here. Looking up a plant’s common name online should lead you to its Latin name. You might also like to seek advice from a gardener, garden centre, or even a botanist; they can provide the Latin name and more specialised information regarding plant species.

There are several websites that host databases of plants that are poisonous to pets. Many animal charities (such as the PDSA, RSPCA, and ASPCA), veterinary clinics, and some government departments provide lists, which include the English and Latin plant names, photographs, and sometimes details like the type of toxin and what symptoms to look out for.

Animal poison helplines are another valuable source of information and advice. The advantage of a hotline is access to expert information and advice; available at any time, on any day.  The employees are typically veterinarians or toxicologists, who have specialised in this field.

These services tend to be specific to particular countries; for example, there’s the Animal Poison Line in the UK, or Animal Poison Control in the USA. In some countries there are multiple different hotlines. There are also international services such as the Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS). Be aware that some of these helplines are targeted at veterinarians rather than the general public (such as VPIS). Certain helplines charge a fee for their services.

When in doubt, always double-check plant names through reputable databases or apps to ensure you’re only decorating with pet-safe flowers and plants.