Do you have a dog that simply refuses to go out in the yard? Or do you have limited space or no access to grass where you live? Indoor potty areas are great solutions for various bathroom woes. You can buy commercial products, but it might be cheaper to make your own.
We rounded up the best potty alternatives for your pup. Pick one that is the best for your personal setup so your dog can get relief without always relying on you. You can put these potties on your porch, breezeway, balcony, or sunroom.
The 12 DIY Indoor Dog Potty Plans
1. Instructables Dog Porch Potty
| Materials: | Two 6 x 8 feet wooden beams, 3 ft linoleum, 4 ft tubing, screws, tub caulk, artificial turf grass, linoleum glue, pressboard, 1/8 wood beam, square plastic grate |
| Tools: | Drill, circular saw |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
The Instructables Dog Porch Potty is a terrific option for your porch or room. This is especially good for balcony areas or places with inaccessible potty places. It doesn’t take a lot to get started. The creator reports that she spent a little over $60 in supplies, but keep in mind that this varies depending on the products you choose.
This tutorial provides basic instructions alongside photos in a step-by-step fashion. If you have a basic understanding of hand tools and construction, you can assemble this in no time. The design connects a thin clear tubing to the drain, but it will require frequent cleaning.
2. Oodle Life DIY Balcony Dog Porch Potty
| Materials: | Wood, screws, wheels |
| Tools: | Drill, hacksaw |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
If you’re more of a visual learner who needs to follow action-based instructions, the Oodle Life DIY Balcony might work best for you. The makers initially stain the wood, which is an optional step. Instead of staining, you can also paint the wood your preferred color before assembling.
This DIYer makes the job look easy, but we recommend this one for people who have basic knowledge of building—it’s a little more intricate than some others. But if it’s in your skill level, this is an aesthetically pleasing option for a potty station.
3. Dengarden How to Build a DIY Patio Potty for Your Dog
| Materials: | Wooden boards, plywood sheet, plastic shower curtain, PVC pipe, wood screws, silicone sealant, sod, staples |
| Tools: | Drill, staple gun, tape measure, hole saw, spade drill bit |
| Difficulty: | Moderate |
If you’re a person who loves detailed instructions with specific numbers, the Dengarden How to Build a DIY Patio Potty for Your Dog is an exceptionally written example. Each part is explained in great detail, so you can follow along without missing a bit of information.
This particular DIY uses sod instead of Astroturf to give the potty area a natural feel. This could be a great training tool or emergency potty.
4. Imgur DIY Porch Potty
| Materials: | Drip pan, plywood, drain spout, wood, steel, sod |
| Tools: | Hammer, screwdriver, screws, nails |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
If you like a visual aid of everything that you need up front, the Imgur DIY Porch Potty comes in handy. The creator shows you all the supplies first so you can gather what you need and get going.
Rather than following the step-by-step instructions, there is quite a bit of room for creative freedom here. This person got many of their items for free using upcycled pieces.
5. Photographic Mom DIY Dog Potty
| Materials: | Shower pan, wood, tote, river rock (or gravel) |
| Tools: | Hammer, drill |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
The Photographic Mom DIY Dog Potty for indoors is a fabulous option for in-home use. It is a simple tutorial, giving basic instructions and straightforward photos. It’s definitely the easiest and least messy option on this list.
Rather than using sod or Astroturf, this interesting potty uses stones to filter the urine. The stones are long-lasting and easy to clean. They don’t retain odor, and you can easily sift and spray when needed.
6. Firefly Haven DIY No-Drain Puppy Patch
| Materials: | Wooden tray, plastic tarp, kitty litter, grid, sod or Astroturf |
| Tools: | Litter Scooper |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
The Firefly Haven DIY No-Drain Puppy Patch is a genius idea for the person who doesn’t want to deal with all the waste. This DIY uses cat litter to absorb the urine and contain the smell. With other potty areas, you have to use tubing and a draining tub to collect your pup’s waste.
This DIYer didn’t stop there. She added two follow-ups with more tips and revisions. Check those out too to see if they are relevant to your project.
7. Hub Pages Homemade Dog Potty
| Materials: | Plywood, wood, sod, nails |
| Tools: | Drill |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
The Hub Pages Homemade Dog Potty is perfect for someone who has next to no carpentry skills. The creator is not tool savvy, so she used minimal supplies for achievable results. The DIY combines written instructions and visual aids to guide you.
This potty was designed for porch use, providing a safe place for your pup to go despite the wind and rain. It is an easy option that looks quite pleasing.
8. Balcony Boss DIY Balcony Dog Potty
| Materials: | Wood, screws, peg board, landscape fabric, soil, grass, pea gravel |
| Tools: | Drill |
| Difficulty: | Easy |
The Balcony Boss DIY Balcony Dog Potty might be among the most attractive options to do at home. It has a lovely dual-section potty place—one grass, one pea gravel—to give a textured, functional outcome. Or you can fill it with 100% sod.
We think that your dog will adore it, whether you use it in the home or outdoors. You don’t need much experience to make this potty place. You just need to buy the right items and assemble them correctly. With real grass, much liquid is absorbed, making cleaning a breeze.
9. The Banana Hammock Dog Potty Patch
This dog potty patch by Banana Hammock is incredibly simple and perfect for apartment living. The end result doesn’t look quite as nice as some of the other dog potty plans on this list, but if you want something fast and easy, it serves its purpose. Banana Hammok’s dog seemed to love it!
You’ll just need to cut a large tarp to the size you need, then spray Concrobium (used to prevent mold) where you’re going to lay the tarp. Spray a bit of Concrobium on top of the tarp, then cover it in mulch, and you’re finished! You’ll also want to replace the mulch every month or so to prevent the odor from becoming too bad.
10. Instructables Indoor Doggie Potty
This doggie potty found on Instructables isn’t quite as simple as the previous two, but it isn’t difficult either. The most challenging part seems to be cutting the ceiling grate to size, but otherwise, it’s relatively easy.
Get whatever size washer tray will work best for you, then a ceiling grate to match (you might need more than one piece of ceiling grate if the washer tray is huge, which is where the zip ties come in). After you’ve sorted your ceiling grate and cut or tied it where needed, you’ll put it in the washer tray and cover it with astroturf. The person who put this together suggested also adding kitty litter or puppy pads beneath the grate to help with odor, but that’s up to you.
There are several photos included with this plan, so putting it together should be a breeze!
11. The Annoyed Thyroid Real Grass Dog Toilet
Do you want to make a doggie potty using real grass? Then this plan by the Annoyed Thyroid is the one for you! It’s similar to a couple of other plans on this list, but it uses a bread crate, which ends up working well to contain the grass and soil.
If you know a local baker, you can ask if they have a spare bread crate; otherwise, you’ll probably have to buy a few of these, as they often come in bulk. (That said, if you have multiple dogs or a large one, you’ll probably need more than one, anyway.) Once you have your crate, you want to cut the plastic liner to fit it. Then, top with soil, followed by turf! Besides that, you just need to remember to water your grass regularly!
12. Trish Parr Dog Litter Pan
This litter pan for dogs will work best for small breeds. But if you don’t want to deal with real or fake grass when making an indoor dog potty, this is the plan you want. It’s so simple!
You’ll cut the egg crate styrene to fit the utility tray. Then, line the tray with newspaper, puppy pads, kitty litter, or whatever you fancy. Put the styrene on top, and you have a nice little tray for your indoor dog to use when they need the bathroom!
Benefits & Downfalls of Having a Potty Patch
Several reasons pet parents love these potty options for their dogs. It is incredibly convenient for you both. Many people live in heavily populated areas with limited to no grass. These potty boxes are fantastic alternatives rather than resorting to messy and expensive puppy pads.
So, whether your dog is impossible to convince or can’t access the potty when needed, here are both sides of owning a potty patch.
Benefits
Easy Access
Your dog (and you) will have quick, easy access to the potty without expansive walks, breaks, or preparation. This can come in handy in the cold or rain and be a perfect alternative for dogs that can’t make it to the potty on time.
Controlled
The potty space is controlled, so you’re not going to have to poop or scoop all over the place. You can essentially treat it like a litter box, scooping it and cleaning it as needed.
Convenient
Your dog won’t have to wait to relieve themselves anymore. You can put this box in the house for immediate use or on a patio or balcony.
Reusable
Your dog can use this potty again and again, permitting you to clean it regularly.
Great for Training
If you have a pup still learning the ropes, this little box can be a terrific alternative for puppy pads, training your dog to go on grass instead.
Great for Emergencies
Your dog won’t have to hold it anymore. They can relieve themselves as needed, especially when their humans are gone or too busy to take them out.
Downfalls
Requires Maintenance
Despite the potty being reusable, you need to clean it regularly. It can easily get stinky and cause bacteria to build up if you let it go too long.
Could Leak
If you don’t build the box correctly, it could leak. That might not be such a big deal for certain setups, but for others, it could be dripping on the carpet or porch—and no one wants that.
Wrapping Up
Ultimately, we think that an indoor or on-the-porch potty box is outstanding for specific situations. If you and your dog could benefit from having a small potty spot, we believe that the effort is worth the reward.
We hope that you found a DIY that you can start today. We tried to scoop up one for every need and experience level. Which was your pick?
Related Reads:
Featured Image Credit: Ollie Tabooge, Pexels
