Dog-Safe Houseplants You Can Actually Buy in Ottawa

Dog-Safe Houseplants You Can Actually Buy in Ottawa

Terra Flowers & Flavours is Ottawa's flower shop, café, and plant boutique in Barrhaven, and yes, we carry houseplants that are safe for dogs. This guide walks through the pet-safe plants we currently stock, a few more ASPCA-approved options worth knowing about, and simple ways to keep your plants (and your pup) out of trouble.

Key Highlights

  • Terra carries several genuinely dog-safe houseplants, including Peperomia, Haworthia, Hoya, Calathea, Spider Plant, and Money Tree
  • All plants listed are cross-checked against ASPCA's non-toxic plant guidance, but we always recommend a quick double check for your specific pet
  • We've included a few well-known pet-safe plants we don't currently stock, so you have the full picture
  • Want something specific? We can source it. Just reach out
  • A few practical tips (and product ideas) for keeping plants out of paw's reach
  • Every plant on this list can be picked up in Barrhaven or delivered across Ottawa

Dog people and plant people are usually the same people, and that's exactly who we built Terra for. We hear the same question a lot from customers walking through our Barrhaven shop with a leash in hand: "Is this one safe if my dog takes a bite?" It's a fair question. Some of the most popular houseplants right now, think Pothos, Philodendron, and Sansevieria, are actually toxic to dogs. So we put together a real, honest list.

This isn't a generic "top 10 pet-safe plants" post copied from somewhere else. Everything in the first section is something you can actually walk into Terra and buy today, or have delivered to your door in Ottawa, Barrhaven, Kanata, Nepean, Manotick, or Orleans. We also added a few more ASPCA-approved plants below in case you're plant shopping elsewhere too, because we'd rather you have accurate information than sell you something we don't have.

One quick note before we get into it: "non-toxic" doesn't mean "eat as much as you want." Even safe plants can cause mild stomach upset if a dog chows down on a whole pot of soil. Keep an eye on your plants either way.

What Houseplants at Terra Are Safe for Dogs?

Based on ASPCA's non-toxic plant list, these are pet-safe options currently in our Barrhaven collection:

A quick heads up: a few names sound safe but aren't automatically. "Ivy" can mean a safe Hoya wax plant or a toxic English Ivy depending on the variety, and Jasmine, Lucky Bamboo, and some Tradescantia varieties come with mixed guidance. If you're not sure about a specific plant in the shop, just ask our team before you buy.

What Other Pet-Safe Plants Should I Know About?

A few more ASPCA-approved, dog-safe houseplants that aren't in our current Barrhaven stock, in case you're building out a full pet-friendly plant collection:

  • African Violet
  • Boston Fern
  • Areca Palm
  • Cast Iron Plant
  • Christmas Cactus

These are popular, easy to care for, and worth knowing about even if you don't find them on our shelves this week. Which brings us to the next point.

Can I Order a Specific Pet-Safe Plant From Terra?

Yes. Our plant selection changes with what's available from our growers, so if you're after a specific pet-safe variety, dog-safe or otherwise, reach out and we'll do our best to source it for you. Call us at 613-440-0033 or stop by our Barrhaven location. We deliver across Ottawa, Barrhaven, Kanata, Nepean, Manotick, and Orleans, so your new plant can come straight to your door either way.

How Can I Keep My Plants Safe From a Curious Dog?

Even a non-toxic plant can get knocked over, dug into, or chewed to bits by a bored dog. A few things that help:

  • A hanging or wall-mounted planter keeps plants up and out of reach
  • A soil moisture meter helps you avoid overwatering, which also means less soggy soil for a dog to dig into
  • A pet-safe bitter deterrent spray applied to leaves can discourage chewing without harming your dog
  • Pet-safe potting soil that skips the added fertilizers and pest treatments that can upset a dog's stomach
  • An elevated plant stand works well for bigger plants that can't hang

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog-Safe Houseplants

Is Peperomia really safe for dogs?

Yes. Peperomia is listed as non-toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. We carry several varieties at our Barrhaven location, so it's an easy one to start with if you want low-risk, low-maintenance greenery.

My dog ate a leaf from a plant on this list. Should I still call the vet?

Non-toxic doesn't mean risk-free in every situation. Large amounts of any plant material can cause stomach upset, and every dog reacts differently. If your dog seems unwell, it's always worth a call to your vet.

Are succulents like Echeveria and Haworthia safe for dogs?

Most of the succulents we carry, including Echeveria, Haworthia, and Sedum, are non-toxic to dogs. Just watch out for anything with spines or sharp edges, since the physical injury risk is separate from toxicity.

Is Aloe Vera safe for dogs?

No, Aloe Vera is actually mildly toxic to dogs and cats, even though it's often grouped with other easy-care succulents. It's not on our safe list for that reason.

Can I bring my dog into the Terra shop in Barrhaven?

We'd love to see your pup. Give us a call at 613-440-0033 before you visit so we can let you know what to expect that day.

Do you deliver plants outside of Barrhaven?

Yes, we deliver across Ottawa, Barrhaven, Kanata, Nepean, Manotick, and Orleans.

 

Visit Terra Flowers & Flavours
Unit 102/103, 220 Kennevale Drive, Barrhaven, Ottawa, ON K2J 6B6
📞 613-440-0033 | terraplantsandflowers.ca
Hours: Mon–Sun 9:30am–7pm | Delivery area: Ottawa, Barrhaven, Kanata, Nepean, Manotick, Orleans

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