Having pets doesn’t mean you have to give up on your dream for a beautiful, weed-free garden! We’re animal-lovers as well as gardening fans.
So, we’ve written up some helpful information on the best pet safe weed killers that you can buy or make at home that aren’t just effective, but organic too.
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Top Pick
Premium Choice
Best Value
Best Pet Safe Weed Killers for 2024
Product | Our Rating | Price | |
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3. Just For Pets Weed Killer Spray |  | | |
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5. Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer |  | ||
6. Espoma Weed Preventer Plus |  | ||
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8. OrganicMatters Natural Weed Killer |  | ||
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Top Pick for Best Pet Safe Weed Killer for 2024
Our top pick as best pet-safe weed killer for 2024 is the Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed Killer! This glyphosate-free formula includes ocean salt water and commercial-grade vinegar to create a high-performance yet all-natural weed killing formula that’s safe for pets as well as people and the environment, so it won’t harm animals or insects in your yard.
It works well on all emergent, common weed types, although tougher weed growth may need a second spray. It has a long shelf-life too, so it’s safe to keep for several seasons even if you buy much more than you need.
Best Premium Choice Pet Safe Weed Killer
Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed Killer is our premium pick for 2024, as it’s ideal for homeowners who are happy to pay more for a certified organic product.
You get a lot for your money with this premium product, as it’s very fast-acting and very effective at killing weeds or grass if you’re clearing a new bed.
There are no toxic chemicals in the glyphosate-free formula, which contains 20% acetic acid – that’s 4 times stronger than household vinegar. This product also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied!
Best Value Pet Safe Weed Killer
The Just For Pets Weed Killer Spray is a great value option for people who want an organic, pet-safe solution that’s easy to use and easy on your wallet.
Unlike many of the others on this list, this product smells good thanks to the cloves and natural ingredients, and doesn’t have a heavy vinegar smell. It dries quickly, contains only organic ingredients, and is 100% biodegradable, so it’s gentle on the environment too.
And if you need any more convincing, a percentage of the sales go directly to pet shelters!
The Problem with Chemical Weed Killers
Many chemical weed killers on the market are problematic for the environment and for pet owners, and they can be dangerous for children and adults too.
Some can be deadly to pets, people, beneficial insects and wildlife, while others can cause dangerous allergic reactions, so it’s important to look at what your weed killer contains before you buy it.
5 Alternative Pet Safe Weed Killers
Manual Weed Removal
This is the safest way of removing weeds, but it is very labor-intensive, and especially hard on your back. If you have a small or well-established garden with few weeds, then this is a good option.
Use a thin digging tool to dig down and remove the entire weed, including the roots. It’s best to do this when the ground is damp, as they’re a lot easier to pull out.
Try to spend time doing manual weeding in early spring, before the weeds develop seed heads and start to spread.
Boiling Water
Pouring boiling water onto a plant will kill it, so it’s a very effective way of killing weeds safely. Unfortunately, it can harm other plants that are close by, so it’s not recommended for lawns or flowerbeds unless they are overrun, and you are starting afresh with new plants.
This method is very effective for removing weeds safely from paving, pathways and driveways.
Salt
Most weeds cannot survive in salty soil, so you can sprinkle the weeds with salt or combine it with boiling water. Like the boiling water method, this can harm other nearby plants, so it’s best to use it for weeds that have settled in paving or gravel rather than lawns and flowerbeds.
Vinegar
Vinegar that has an acetic acid level of 5% or more is a very pet friendly weed killer. All you need to do is spray it onto the plant (tougher weeds may require a second or third spraying a couple of days later), and the acid will kill off the weed.
Make sure you avoid spraying the plants you want to keep, as it may damage them too.
Cornmeal
The gluten in cornmeal is a good, organic herbicide that works on pre-emergent weeds rather than weeds that are already growing. This means that it will stop new weeds from growing from seeds without affecting the health of established plants.
You can spread it onto areas in early spring before seeds start to sprout (keeping it away from any seeds you have planted yourself).
How to Apply Weed Killers Safe for Pets
Although these products are animal friendly weed killers, there are a few tips you should always follow when applying your weed killer.
Follow the Manufacturer’s Instructions
Weed killers are their most effective when they are applied in the right amount and manner. Don’t make the solution stronger than is recommended if you are mixing it yourself, as this doesn’t make it more effective.
Apply it at the right time of year, repeat it if the instructions require it, and take the recommended safety precautions.
Keep Your Dog Inside
Although there are dog friendly weed killers, it still means keeping your pet out of the space while you apply it. If it drifts into their eyes or nose, it can cause harm to them, and you don’t want them licking it up either. Only let your pet out once the solution is fully dry.
Take Precautions
Wear sun protection, use a scarf over your mouth, wear gloves and cover your arms as you work. This will help prevent any irritation from the solution coming into contact with you, and keep you protected from the sun while you’re working outside.
Choose the Right Weather
Choose a day that is warm, windless and has a low chance of rain. You don’t want the spray drifting into your eyes or mouth, or onto plants that it can harm, and rain can wash the spray away before it has enough time to work.
Reviews of the Best Pet Safe Weed Killers
1. Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed Killer
This formula of salt, water, vinegar and soap is designed to kill weeds quickly without putting pets, people or the environment at risk. It’s a non-selective solution, however, so it can damage surrounding lawn and plants, so you have to be careful how you apply it.
The bottle is ready to use and comes with a spout for easy application, and you can buy it in a number of different sizes to suit your needs.
Pros
- Rage of sizes to suit application
- Commercial-strength vinegar with high acetic acid level
- Spout for easy application
- Glyphosate-free
- Multi-ingredient formula for improved effectiveness
Cons
- Can damage surrounding plants
- Will not kill weed seeds
2. Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed Killer
This certified organic and pet-safe weed killer contains 20% acetic acid and is glyphosate-free. It’s similar to a home vinegar solution, but much more powerful and effective, so it kills weeds faster with fewer applications, while still being safe to use.
The formula is biodegradable too, which means that it will have no hazardous effect on the environment. While this weed killer is effective, you must be careful not to spray it on plants you want to keep. It will also only kill emergent (growing) weeds without harming seeds.
Pros
- Certified organic
- Glyphosate-free
- Kills weeds faster with fewer applications
- Money-back guarantee
Cons
- Will not kill especially tough weeds (or may need several applications)
- Will not kill weed seeds
3. Just For Pets Weed Killer Spray
Designed by pet owners with pet owners in mind, this ready-to-use glyphosate-free formula has no harsh chemicals, contains only organic ingredients, and dries quickly. It’s effective too, causing weeds to yellow and die off in a few hours.
The high-performance formula includes vinegar, citric acid, sodium chloride, glycerin, clove oil, and lemon juice, so it’s 100% biodegradable and safe for wildlife and the environment as well as your pets.
It comes with a spray for easy application and comes ready-mixed. One great bonus is that a portion of all their sales go to animal shelters!
Pros
- Glyphosate-free formula
- 100% biodegradable
- Ready-mixed in spray bottle
- Fast-drying
- Kills weeds in a few hours
- A portion of the sale supports animal shelters
Cons
- Can damage surrounding plants
- Will not kill weed seeds
4. PureGro Weed Crush Ready-to-Use Organic Herbicide
This ready-mixed pet-safe weed killer comes in a spray bottle, so you’re ready to work as soon as it arrives. The fast-acting formula kills weeds on contact, which results in as little as 15 minutes. It’s long-lasting too, preventing regrowth.
Pros
- Kills weeds in 24-48 hours
- Rainproof
- Dries in 30 minutes
- All-natural ingredients
- Pleasant cinnamon scent
- Glyphosate-free formula
Cons
- Can damage surrounding plants
- Best used on weeds under 12 inches
- Will not kill weed seeds
5. Natural Armor Weed and Grass Killer
This natural, glyphosate-free formula is designed to kill over 250 common weed types without harming the environment or your pets. The solution includes vinegar (acetic acid), citrus, sodium, glycerin, essential oil, and water, and is ready-mixed so you can apply it immediately.
It’s fast-acting and designed to kill off weeds in just a few hours, and they offer a 30-day money-back guarantee to back up their offer.
Pros
- Natural ingredients
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Glyphosate-free formula
Cons
- Can damage surrounding plants
- Will not kill weed seeds
6. Espoma Weed Preventer Plus
If you want to kill off weeds before they grow, this is a great, pet-safe option for your yard. It uses cornmeal gluten to kill off seeds that lie dormant over the winter, so it’s best to apply it in the early spring to prevent these seeds from sprouting.
It won’t affect established and growing weeds, so it’s a good idea to use it in combination with an acetic-acid based weed killer.
Pros
- Organic, biodegradable ingredient
- Prevents weed seeds from sprouting
- Only needs to be applied twice a year in early spring and late summer/early fall
- Prevents dandelions, crabgrass, and other common weeds
- Provides long lasting greening that won't burn
Cons
- For established lawns only - do not use when seeding your lawn
- Will not kill established or above ground weeds
7. ECO Garden Pro Organic Vinegar Weed Killer
Sold in 1 gallon units, this organic weed killer is great for removing weeds in pathways, driveways and patios, as it may damage surrounding plants if used on a lawn or in a flowerbed.
The active ingredients include salt and acetic acid (8%), which kill off weeds quickly without harming the environment. It’s biodegradable, works in 24 hours and effective on most weed types, and can even be used on poison ivy.
Pros
- Biodegradable, natural ingredients
- Can be used on poison ivy
- Fast-acting
- Safe for pets, people, bees and livestock
Cons
- Can damage surrounding plants
- Will not kill weed seeds
- May need more than one application
8. OrganicMatters Natural Weed Killer
This all-natural, glyphosate-free formula can be used on more than 250 types of common garden weeds, including dandelions, crabgrass and other broadleaf weeds, and comes with a 30-day money back guarantee if you’re not satisfied.
The ingredients in the spray include acetic acid, citric acid, clove oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium chloride, glycerin and lemon juice, so it’s safe for pets, people and wildlife.
It’s a non-selective weed killer, so be careful where you spray it as it can damage or kill grass and other plants along with the weeds. It’s very convenient to use as it comes with a spray attachment – refills are also available.
Pros
- Glyphosate-free formula
- Fast-drying
- 100% natural and biodegradable
- 30-day money back guarantee
Cons
- Can damage surrounding plants
- Will not kill weed seeds
9. Energen Carolina LLC 578 Vinegar Weed & Grass Killer
This is a very heavy vinegar-based pet-safe weed killer that’s designed to act quickly even on tough weeds. It can be used on crabgrass, clover, dandelions, thistles, and ground ivy, in residential, commercial or agricultural applications.
The glyphosate-free formula is fully biodegradable and contains 20% acetic acid, which is much higher and therefore much more effective than home-use vinegar.
It’s a non-selective herbicide, however, so you must be careful not to spray any plants other than weeds as they may get damaged or die.
Pros
- Glyphosate-free formula
- 20% acetic acid
- 100% biodegradable
- Can be used on crabgrass, clover, dandelions, thistles, and ground iv
Cons
- Repeat applications are needed to kill root growth
- Can damage surrounding plants
- Will not kill weed seeds
Best Weed Killers Safe for Pets
Top Pick for Best Pet Safe Weed Killer for 2024
Our top pick as best pet-safe weed killer for 2024 is the Doctor Kirchner Natural Weed Killer! This glyphosate-free formula includes ocean salt water and commercial-grade vinegar to create a high-performance yet all-natural weed killing formula that’s safe for pets as well as people and the environment, so it won’t harm animals or insects in your yard.
It works well on all emergent, common weed types, although tougher weed growth may need a second spray. It has a long shelf-life too, so it’s safe to keep for several seasons even if you buy much more than you need.
Best Premium Choice Pet Safe Weed Killer
Green Gobbler Vinegar Weed Killer is our premium pick for 2024, as it’s ideal for homeowners who are happy to pay more for a certified organic product.
You get a lot for your money with this premium product, as it’s very fast-acting and very effective at killing weeds or grass if you’re clearing a new bed.
There are no toxic chemicals in the glyphosate-free formula, which contains 20% acetic acid – that’s 4 times stronger than household vinegar. This product also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee if you aren’t satisfied!
Best Value Pet Safe Weed Killer
The Just For Pets Weed Killer Spray is a great value option for people who want an organic, pet-safe solution that’s easy to use and easy on your wallet.
Unlike many of the others on this list, this product smells good thanks to the cloves and natural ingredients, and doesn’t have a heavy vinegar smell. It dries quickly, contains only organic ingredients, and is 100% biodegradable, so it’s gentle on the environment too.
And if you need any more convincing, a percentage of the sales go directly to pet shelters!
Have a Weed-Free, Pet-Friendly Yard with the Best Pet Safe Weed Killer!
You and your pet can now enjoy a beautiful, weed-free yard that’s safe for people, animals and the environment with the right pet-safe weed killer.
Remember to look for organic products that contain effective ingredients like salt and acetic acid that will kill weeds quickly and safely, and are 100% biodegradable.
Regardless of which solution you choose, it’s best to keep your pet out of your yard until the solution is dry, and to always follow basic safety and manufacturer recommendations. We hope you found this list of the best pet safe weed killers helpful!