Pet Turf — Worth It or Just Marketing?

If you’re getting sold on “pet turf,” the biggest thing to understand is the turf itself isn’t what determines if it’s going to work well for dogs — it’s the system underneath it. What you really want to look for is how they’re building the base and what infill they’re using. A proper install should include a well-compacted rock base (not just dirt leveled out), grading for runoff, and ideally some form of drainage layer so urine doesn’t just sit there. Then comes infill — this is huge. Basic sand can actually trap urine and make smells worse over time, while better options like antimicrobial or zeolite-based infill help absorb and neutralize ammonia. Also ask how water flows through the system (not just “it drains”) and where it actually goes. A lot of companies focus on selling the turf blade or calling it “pet-specific,” but in reality, good drainage + the right infill + solid prep is what keeps it from smelling and makes it last. If they can’t clearly explain those parts, that’s a red flag.