A Florist's Guide to Pet-Friendly Cut Flowers
For clients with curious cats or playful pups, it's essential to offer flower arrangements that are both beautiful and safe. This guide highlights cut flower varieties that are considered non-toxic to pets, so you can design with peace of mind.
Safe and Stunning: Pet-Friendly Flowers
Roses
A timeless favorite, roses are a florist staple that come in nearly every color. Thankfully, they're also non-toxic to pets. Just be sure to snip off the thorns before adding them to arrangements.
Gerbera Daisies
These bright, joyful blooms are perfect for cheerful arrangements. Gerberas are safe for both cats and dogs, and they look great paired with soft greenery.
Sunflowers
Bold and sunny, sunflowers bring warmth and energy to any bouquet. They’re completely safe for pets and make a big impact in rustic or autumn-themed designs.
Snapdragons
Tall and colorful, snapdragons add height and texture to floral arrangements. They’re safe for pets and come in soft pastels and vivid jewel tones.
Orchids
Many orchids, especially phalaenopsis and dendrobium varieties, are considered pet-safe. Their elegant shapes and exotic look make them a luxurious option for high-end designs. Still, it’s always good to verify species just in case.
Zinnias
These bright, sturdy flowers are perfect for summer and garden-inspired arrangements. They're non-toxic to pets and offer a great pop of color.
Alstroemeria (Peruvian Lily)
With speckled petals and a great vase life, alstroemeria is often used as a filler flower. It’s generally considered safe for pets, though not meant to be ingested. Use it to bulk up arrangements with both color and texture.
Pet-Safe Foliage and Greenery
When it comes to adding greens, go for options like spider plant fronds, Boston fern, areca palm, or salal (lemon leaf). These provide lush volume without the toxicity risk. Avoid common toxic greenery like eucalyptus (in large quantities), asparagus fern, or ivy.
Flowers to Avoid Around Pets
While building pet-friendly arrangements, it's just as important to know what to steer clear of. Popular flowers like lilies (especially toxic to cats), tulips, daffodils, chrysanthemums, and peonies can cause anything from mild irritation to serious illness if ingested.
Baby’s breath is another common addition in floral design, but it can upset a pet’s stomach, so it’s best to skip it in pet-safe arrangements.
Florist Tips for Pet-Safe Floral Design
Offer a special line of “pet-safe” bouquets in your shop or online store.
Use signage or tags to help customers identify safe options.
Remind clients that even non-toxic flowers can cause minor tummy trouble if chewed or eaten in large quantities.
Encourage pet owners to place arrangements out of reach—especially in households with kittens or puppies who love to nibble.
