We’re hearing the term ‘pet friendly’ everywhere these days, and as a dog, I think that’s pawsome! Whenever I hear those magical words, I know an adventure with my humans is on the horizon. But it got me thinking – what does ‘pet friendly’ really mean? More importantly, what should it truly represent?
There’s a huge difference between places that are merely ‘pets allowed’ and those that are genuinely ‘pet friendly.’ Sadly, many humans don’t seem to grasp this distinction. The good news is that more and more establishments – restaurants, shops, and other places – are ‘allowing’ pets. This is a step in the right direction for us dogs and our humans, but as a self-proclaimed ambassador for all things pet friendly, I have to be honest: we deserve more. So, settle down, grab a treat, and listen to my pet friendly manifesto. Maybe you’ll join my pet friendly army!
Being pet friendly is a philosophy, not just a policy you slap on the door. If businesses want to truly welcome pets, they need to consider us furry patrons and how their staff feels about this whole pet-friendly thing. Let me tell you about a truly embarrassing experience my humans and I had. We contacted a fancy hacienda restaurant just outside of Merida. They confirmed via Messenger that they were pet friendly and were excited to welcome us. We drove all the way there, hungry and excited, only to be turned away at the door because the staff didn’t approve of my handsome doggy appearance! It doesn’t matter what your official policy is if your employees aren’t on board with it. So, that’s the first crucial point to consider.
Even more vital is ensuring everyone feels comfortable and safe – and I mean everyone, humans and dogs alike. Not all humans are dog lovers. Some are even scared of us, believe it or not! It’s essential to respect their feelings too. Especially in places like restaurants, pet-friendly locations should provide designated areas that allow other patrons – and other dogs – to pass by without anyone feeling threatened or anxious.
In some situations, a ‘one dog at a time’ policy might be beneficial. This can prevent awkward or even tense encounters if two dogs happen to arrive at the same time and don’t immediately become best friends. These kinds of situations are stressful for everyone involved, especially us dogs. Remember, even the friendliest dog might not love every dog. The best pet-friendly places, in my opinion as a discerning canine, have clear rules and guidelines developed with input from animal professionals, not just a generic ‘pet friendly’ sign.
And let’s face it, some humans aren’t the best judges of their own dogs’ personalities. I can’t count on my paws how many times I’ve encountered a dog who tries to nip at my nose, only for their human to exclaim, “Oh, he’s never done that before!” Humans, please be realistic about your dog’s behavior!
Now, humans, let’s zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Having a pet-friendly restaurant, hotel, business, or service is fantastic, but if the majority of dogs in a city are homeless and unloved, can that city truly call itself pet friendly? As a dog, I bark a resounding NO! I think it’s time we all broadened our understanding of what ‘pet friendly’ really encompasses.
Let me paint you a picture of what a truly pet friendly city would look like to me. First and foremost, there needs to be a comprehensive and humane plan to address the issue of homeless dogs and cats. We all know the most effective way to tackle this is by reducing pet overpopulation through spaying and neutering programs and educating humans about responsible pet ownership. Then, we need to consider the fate of dogs without homes. Should they be confined to overcrowded shelters, essentially dog ‘warehouses,’ for years on end? Should they be shipped off to other countries, even though those countries often have their own struggles with pet homelessness? These are crucial questions to ponder. Are these strategies genuinely pet friendly?
What about access to veterinary care? Many humans sadly abandon their pets because they simply can’t afford veterinary treatment when their furry companions get sick. Some might argue that these people shouldn’t have pets in the first place, but human circumstances can change in the blink of an eye. Unexpected tragedies happen – job loss, serious illness, or the death of a family member. A human who once lovingly cared for their dog might suddenly find themselves unable to afford a necessary vet bill. And what about elderly humans whose only companion is a dog or cat? Could subsidized veterinary care for pet owners facing financial hardship be a solution? I believe it is, especially if it means keeping a beloved dog or cat in a loving home.
Sterilization is incredibly important when we talk about pet overpopulation and overall pet health, especially when deadly diseases can spread between dogs and cats through mating. Would a truly pet friendly city offer free or low-cost sterilization services to all pet owners? Studies consistently show that sterilized pets, considering all factors, live longer and healthier lives.
Another vital aspect of a pet friendly city is providing safe, well-maintained areas where pet owners can exercise their dogs responsibly without disrupting other activities. Come on, humans! You have facilities for countless activities you enjoy to stay healthy. Dog walking is a crucial part of our health and well-being too, so we deserve appropriate places for it! I’m not talking about sad, neglected ‘dog parks,’ but proper exercise facilities with agility equipment and access to qualified dog trainers. Oh, and let’s not forget – proper poop disposal bins! We need those everywhere!
Speaking of trainers – did you know that anyone can create a social media page and declare themselves a ‘dog whisperer’? Shouldn’t a pet friendly city have a system to assess and license dog trainers to ensure they are qualified and using ethical, humane methods, not harmful or abusive ones? And what about animal ‘rescues’? Should they also be vetted to ensure they are genuinely helping animals and not inadvertently causing more harm than good? We all know well-meaning humans who want to help dogs and cats, but lack the resources or knowledge to properly care for them, leading to overwhelming and detrimental situations for both the animals and the humans involved.
Finally, and I really need to bark this out loud, humans: dog breeders are a huge part of the equation. Just browse online, and you’ll see countless purebred puppies readily available for purchase and delivery. That’s simply not a responsible way to breed or sell puppies, and definitely not a good way to acquire one. Shouldn’t a pet friendly city require licensing for breeders and ensure they adhere to high standards of care for the health, behavior, and overall welfare of the puppies they bring into our homes and communities?
I could write a whole doggy manifesto on this topic, but I’ll restrain myself. I’ll leave you with this thought: From a dog’s perspective, a truly pet friendly city is a place where every pet has a loving and responsible home. I’d love to hear your thoughts on how we can make your city more pet friendly!
