If you love filling your home with plants but worry about your curious cat or playful pup, you’re not alone. Many popular houseplants can be toxic to animals, leaving pet lovers with a tough choice between greenery and safety. But here’s the good news: you don’t have to compromise. There are plenty of pet-safe plants that are just as beautiful—and even better, they naturally freshen the air.
From softly scented herbs to blooming beauties with light floral notes, these 20 plants aren’t just non-toxic—they actually make your space smell fresh, clean, and inviting. Some even have extra benefits, like repelling insects, boosting humidity, or purifying the air. They thrive on windowsills, side tables, and hanging baskets—and won’t mind the occasional tail swipe or sniff.
Whether you live in a tiny apartment or a spacious home, this list will help you create a space that’s green, fragrant, and completely pet-friendly. Your nose—and your four-legged roommates—will thank you.
Lavender
Lavender, acclaimed for its soothing aroma, is a wonderful plant that offers peace to both humans and pets. Its calming scent is often associated with relaxation and stress relief. Whether in a pot on your windowsill or as part of a larger indoor garden, lavender can fill your home with its delightful fragrance.
Besides its aromatic appeal, lavender is also celebrated for its gentle touch on pet health, making it a safe choice for households with animals. This plant is more than just a pretty face; it’s a harmonious addition to any pet-friendly environment.
Rosemary
Rosemary isn’t just a culinary delight; it brings a refreshing scent to your home that pets can enjoy too. Known for its invigorating aroma, rosemary elevates any space with its robust fragrance.
Place it in a kitchen corner or a sunny windowsill for an aromatic addition that’s as beautiful as it is functional. This versatile herb is non-toxic to pets, so you can breathe easy knowing your furry companions are safe around it, while you enjoy its fresh and lively scent.
Mint
Mint’s refreshing aroma is both energizing and pet-safe, making it a delightful addition to your indoor plant collection. Its crisp scent can awaken your senses and add a touch of freshness to any room.
Perfect for small pots or larger garden settings, mint is easy to care for and can thrive in various conditions. Additionally, it’s non-toxic to pets, so you can enjoy its invigorating presence without worry, knowing it adds a splash of green and a breath of fresh air to your home.
Basil
Basil, with its sweet and spicy aroma, is a kitchen staple that doubles as a delightful air freshener in pet-friendly homes. Its scent can inspire culinary creativity while also enhancing the ambiance of your living space.
This versatile herb is safe for pets, making it a worry-free choice for families with animals. Whether you’re using it in cooking or simply enjoying its fragrant presence, basil offers a refreshing and aromatic experience that brightens both your home and your senses.
Lemon Balm
Lemon Balm is a gentle giant in the herb world, known for its calming lemony scent that can soothe the senses. It creates a peaceful atmosphere, perfect for unwinding after a long day.
Safe for pets, lemon balm can be placed in various settings within your home to spread its delightful aroma. Its easy-going nature and fragrant charm make it a wonderful addition to your plant collection, offering both visual and olfactory pleasure without any risk to your furry friends.
Parsley
Parsley isn’t just a garnish; it’s a vibrant addition to your home that offers a mild, fresh scent. Perfect for kitchens, this herb can enhance the aesthetic and olfactory appeal of any space.
Its non-toxic nature makes it a safe companion for pets, so you can enjoy its green presence without worry. Whether you’re adding it to your dishes or simply enjoying its fresh fragrance, parsley provides a simple yet effective way to keep your home smelling delightful and pet-friendly.
Sage
Sage is more than just seasoning; its earthy fragrance can transform your home into a sanctuary of calm. The gentle scent offers a touch of tranquility, perfect for introspective moments or casual gatherings.
This plant is not only aromatic but also safe for pets, ensuring a harmonious environment for all inhabitants. Whether in a pot or as part of a larger herb garden, sage adds character and a pleasant aroma to your living space.
Thyme
Thyme, with its subtle yet distinct aroma, adds a touch of freshness and elegance to any home. This herb’s fragrance is both inviting and invigorating, making it a pleasant addition to your space.
Renowned for its culinary uses, thyme is also pet-friendly, allowing you to incorporate its aromatic charm without worry. Whether you’re cooking up a storm or simply enjoying its presence, thyme can enhance your home’s atmosphere with its delightful scent.
Chamomile
Chamomile, celebrated for its calming properties, brings a gentle floral note to your home without any risk to pets. Its soothing scent is perfect for creating a serene ambiance, ideal for relaxation and reflection.
Whether in a pot by your reading chair or as part of a garden display, chamomile’s fragrance can enrich your living environment. This plant’s pet-friendly nature ensures your furry friends can roam freely, enjoying the same peaceful atmosphere as you do.
Jasmine
Jasmine’s intoxicating scent is a true delight, offering a fragrant escape within your own home. Known for its romantic aroma, this plant adds a touch of exotic elegance to any room.
Fortunately, jasmine is safe for pets, making it a stress-free option for households with animals. Whether you’re indulging in its sweet scent or admiring its beautiful blossoms, jasmine enriches your space with both visual and aromatic splendor, creating a pet-friendly paradise.
Spider Plant
Spider plants are champions of air purification, offering a fresh, clean scent that enhances any home. Their dynamic appearance and ease of care make them a popular choice for plant enthusiasts.
Pet owners can rejoice, as spider plants are non-toxic to animals, allowing them to coexist happily with your furry family members. Whether suspended in a hanging basket or perched on a shelf, spider plants bring vitality and freshness to your surroundings, creating a harmonious living environment.
Marigold
Marigolds offer more than cheerful colors; their gentle fragrance can brighten any space. Known for their vibrant blooms, these flowers add a splash of sunshine to your home.
Safe for pets, marigolds can be placed indoors or outdoors, providing a fragrant backdrop to daily life. Whether in a pot or garden bed, marigolds invite warmth and happiness, ensuring your home is both pet-friendly and visually appealing.
Zinnia
Zinnias are the life of the party, with vibrant colors and a gentle fragrance that can uplift any space. These flowers are perfect for adding a splash of color and joy to your home.
Pet lovers can rest easy, as zinnias are non-toxic to animals, making them a delightful addition to any pet-friendly household. Whether adorning your patio or brightening up a room, zinnias bring cheer and a sweet scent to your surroundings.
Snapdragon
Snapdragons, with their whimsical blooms, add character and charm to any garden or indoor setting. These flowers offer a light fragrance that can make your home feel more alive.
Fortunately, snapdragons are safe for pets, allowing your furry companions to enjoy their beauty without harm. Whether in a vase or as part of a larger floral arrangement, snapdragons can enhance your home’s aesthetic and aromatic appeal.
Petunia
Petunias bring a burst of color and a light, sweet fragrance that can invigorate your living space. Known for their ease of care, these flowers are a favorite among gardeners.
Pet-friendly and versatile, petunias can be placed in pots, window boxes, or garden beds, offering a fragrant and colorful addition to any home. Their cheerful presence and safe nature make them a wonderful choice for families with pets seeking a touch of nature indoors.
Alyssum
Alyssum’s delicate flowers provide a sweet scent reminiscent of honey, perfect for creating a gentle ambiance. These blossoms add a touch of elegance and fragrance to gardens and homes alike.
Pet owners can include alyssum in their plant collection without worry, as it poses no threat to animals. Whether cascading from a planter or brightening a flower bed, alyssum offers a charming and aromatic presence that can enhance any environment.
African Violet
African violets are known for their stunning blooms and gentle fragrance, making them a favorite among plant enthusiasts. These flowers bring a touch of elegance to any room.
Safe for pets, African violets can be placed on windowsills or tables, adding beauty and a sweet scent to your home. Their vibrant colors and soft petals create a cozy atmosphere, ensuring your living space is both inviting and pet-friendly.
Freesia
Freesias are celebrated for their vibrant colors and enchanting fragrance, providing a lively and aromatic touch to any home. These flowers can lift your spirits and brighten any day.
Pet owners will appreciate that freesias are non-toxic, allowing for worry-free enjoyment of their beauty. Whether in a vase or as part of a garden display, freesias offer a delightful floral experience that complements a pet-friendly lifestyle.
Gerbera Daisy
Gerbera daisies are a burst of joy with their vibrant blooms and mild fragrance, perfect for enlivening any indoor space. These flowers add a touch of brightness and cheer.
Their non-toxic nature makes them safe for pets, allowing you to adorn your home with their beauty without concern. Whether on a balcony or in a cozy corner, gerbera daisies provide a colorful, welcoming presence that enhances any living environment.