How can I get rid of weeds without harm to animals?

The best way is to pull them up and turn them into compost. Another weed killer is white vinegat, just pour it into a spray bottle and it will kill weeds without harming the environment, non-toxic.

You could use wet news paper on the area you are weeding to kill any unwanted plants. Cover with mulch purchased by bag and the weed will not come through for quite some time.

Check and see if the city has mulch that they give away or sell real cheap. Mulch isn't really that expensive, why not have everyone chip in and order mulch to use, or everyone just buy their own.