I did this myself years ago when I lived in Chicago. My deck/ balcony was concrete, so I just laid some tarp on the ground, spread out a bag of soil, and put a piece of sod on top. Here's the link: http://puppyparenting.files.wordpress.com/2008/09/101_0281.jpg?w=225&h=300

Because of the wind, I used bricks as edging, and planted catnip around the perimeter. I think this picture was before it all "took" so it's not the best styling, but it worked great!

The only problem was that one cat used it as a litterbox and the other wanted to lay on it. I ended up replacing the sod on the original area and creating a second area so that we could all live in peace!

Hello--this is a little off the topic, but I would love the PetaPotty in my apartment for our kitties, who love grass but don't go out. However, when I looked at the product, it contains synthetic grass. Do you think it would be possible to build a similar structure but grow real grass in it? Our cats would love that!! They wouldn't use it as a toilet, but they would eat the grass most likely.

when I lived in a tiny apartment, I considered this. However, with the cost, the size (sizes were limited then), and then the cost of shipping? No way. I was still taking my pup out several times a day, but just needed something to let her go in when it was really late.

So, I box trained her. It worked wonders. It was very affordable, the box fit in my unused coat closet, and she still got in the habit of scratching at a door when she needed to go potty. I'd highly recommend box training for those who don't have yards but still walk their dogs.

http://www.kturby.com/litter/litter.htm
(PS - I DID NOT have luck with the "pellets", I just cut up cheap puppy pads and tossed them with every use)

I live in a condo in the city, when we first got a puppy, we bought this Petapotty pictured. We couldn't exactly take a puppy that needs to go... down the elevator. She just couldn't hold it.

Anyway, the premise of these it that the dog pees and you 'water' the area. This dilutes the urine and pours into a tray beneath.

The problem we ran into... when it came time to empty the tray (picture yourself trying to move a cookie tray filled with pee-water), you would often experience a Pee tidal-wave.
After a few spills and many frustrations, we found a company that had an ingenious system where the liquid funnels into a catch pan that can be easily emptied daily.

Ours is a http://www.cosmopolitancanine.com/ and it has worked wonders. Anyway... I thought I would share my story.

And I certainly hope that no one is offended by gratuitous use of the verb and noun 'pee'.

Julia, For our cat we've planted a low round vase (made for floating candles) with a cat grass seed packet from Whole Foods. We keep it on top of a bookcase for decor and bring it down 15 minutes a day so she doesn't binge on it.

have this indoor grass http://www.portabledogpotty.com/ (originally for boats) for my 42 lb Aussie- She uses it for emergencies only since we don't have outdoor access. In case of emergency I can hose it off outside and all is clean- In Fact, my cat claims the grass as her spot when it is clean. I have the smaller sized version but would consider getting the larger one as my pup is a little big for it, but the nice thing is that it hides nicely under my computer desk or sofa when I have guests. (Check ebay for lower price)