Pet Turf vs Regular Artificial Turf: What's the Difference?

If you have dogs and are considering artificial turf, you have probably seen "pet turf" as an option and wondered if it is worth the extra cost. The short answer: if your dogs will regularly use the turf area, yes. Pet turf is specifically engineered for animal use with enhanced drainage, antimicrobial infill, and fibers designed to handle the unique wear patterns of pets. Here is a detailed breakdown of how pet turf compares to regular artificial turf.

Quick Comparison

How Pet Turf Is Different

Enhanced Drainage

The most important difference is drainage. Pet turf has a perforated backing with larger, more frequent holes that allow urine to drain through immediately — typically at rates of 60-100+ inches per hour compared to 25-40 inches per hour for standard turf. This rapid drainage prevents urine from pooling on the surface and reduces contact time with the turf fibers.

Antimicrobial Infill

Standard turf uses silica sand or crumb rubber infill. Pet turf uses specialized infill designed to neutralize urine odor:

• Zeofill: A zeolite-based infill that absorbs ammonia and neutralizes urine odor naturally. The most popular pet infill option.
• BioFill: An organic infill with built-in antimicrobial properties that breaks down organic compounds.
• Envirofill: Acrylic-coated sand with antimicrobial agents that inhibit bacterial growth.

Shorter, Denser Pile

Pet turf typically has a shorter pile height (1-1.5 inches versus 1.5-2.5 inches for landscape turf). Shorter fibers are easier to clean, dry faster, and resist matting from the repetitive traffic patterns of dogs running the same paths.

What Happens with Regular Turf and Pets

If you install regular turf in a pet area, here is what typically happens over time:

• Urine drains slowly and saturates the standard infill
• Standard infill absorbs urine odor and becomes increasingly difficult to clean
• Bacteria build up in the infill and backing, creating persistent odor
• High-traffic paths from repetitive running patterns mat down and flatten
• After 6-12 months, the odor may become strong enough to be noticeable from several feet away

Replacing the infill in an existing installation costs $1-$3 per square foot — nearly as much as the premium for pet turf upfront. Getting pet turf from the start is almost always the better investment.

Base Preparation for Pet Turf

Proper base preparation is even more critical for pet turf than for standard installations. The base must facilitate rapid drainage so urine does not pool beneath the turf. A typical pet turf base includes:

• Excavation: Remove 3-4 inches of existing soil
• Crushed aggregate base: 2-3 inches of compacted decomposed granite or Class II road base
• Drainage layer: Some installers add a weed barrier with drainage channels
• Proper grading: Slight slope (1-2%) to direct water away from structures

Skimping on base preparation is the most common reason pet turf installations develop odor problems. Even the best pet turf will smell if urine cannot drain away from the installation.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Pet Turf If:

• You have one or more dogs that will use the area regularly
• The turf area is a dedicated dog run or primary outdoor space for pets
• Odor control is a priority — especially in warm climates
• You want a low-maintenance solution that stays clean with simple rinsing
• You live in a hot climate where odor is amplified by heat

Choose Regular Turf If:

• Pets are not the primary users of the turf area
• The turf is for a front yard, play area, or decorative landscaping
• You do not have dogs (cats rarely use turf areas)
• Budget is the primary concern and pet use will be minimal

Get Professional Installation

Proper installation — especially base preparation and drainage — is critical for pet turf performance. Browse Turf Install Pros to compare contractors in Arizona, California, and Nevada.

Related guides: Complete Pet Turf Guide · Turf Infill Types Explained · Artificial Turf Installation Cost Guide