17 Apr How To Make the World a Pet-Friendly Place
Humans have been keeping pets for thousands of years, and some statistics suggest that around 57% of people in the world have pets. With billions of pet owners scattered around the globe, it’s important we create the most pet-friendly environment for them. Many of our systems have evolved to be less than welcoming to our furry companions. With some effort, we can make them friendlier and ease the burden on pet owners.
Here are some of our ideas for how to make the world a pet-friendly place:
1. Change starts at home
Many homes, especially rental ones, aren’t pet-friendly. The housing industry needs to improve its standards and policies to make homes more welcoming. Landlords need to allow pet-owners comfortable accommodations and ensure they have friendly policies in place. These policies need to strike the right balance between keeping their property clean and providing pets some freedom.
2. More Parks
Pets need dedicated green spaces to run, play, and explore. Unfortunately, green spaces are becoming increasingly rare in modern cities. People often struggle to find pet-friendly parks or areas where they can allow their puppies to explore without a leash. This takes a toll on the pet’s mental and physical health. Lack of green spaces also has a significant impact on human beings because we also need clean air and nature to maintain good mental health. Cities can become more pet-friendly if they have several dedicated pet-friendly parks.
3. Friendly public transport
Many people use public transport to travel from one location to another. It is because they don’t have vehicles or public transport is just more affordable. Unfortunately, many cities have started to ban pets from trains and buses, which can cause a lot of hardship for pet owners. This is particularly challenging for people who use pets as a support animal for disabilities. Pet-friendly transport benefits everyone and will encourage people to take trains or buses instead of driving, which has a good impact on the environment as well.
4. Businesses should welcome pets
Pet owners tend to spend more on businesses that welcome pets instead of establishments that have a poor pet policy. The world will be a more pet-friendly place if more businesses open their doors and have a friendly policy. This includes restaurants, cafes, resorts, and hotels because people travel or go out with their pets as well. They need a safe place that welcomes pets during their travels.
5. Pets in politics
Pet abuse and abandonment are rampant all over the world, even in the most pet-friendly countries. Governments need to come up with policies that will help treat vulnerable animals fairly. They should also come up with programs to help pets during disasters. Many owners abandon their puppies or kittens when they are forced to evacuate, which places an animal’s life at risk. Politicians must find ways to include pets in their disaster-relief planning and support systems.
6. Shelters
There’s an urgent need for more shelters and better pet fostering systems. The goal is to ensure there are fewer pets in shelters, but there are still many abandoned or stray animals that need shelter. Pets are domesticated beings and can’t exist safely on their own. Stray animals can easily become feral and pose a risk to humans, especially small children. Good shelters offer a comfortable environment for these pets and increase their chances of finding a forever home.
These steps can help make the world a more pet-friendly place. Local governments must provide more support to pet parents by establishing parks, shelters, friendly regulations, etc. People can work together to create a more welcoming environment for these animals and their owners.
Want to learn more about the animal charity partners of Baxta? Read about our work with RSPCA and Animal Welfare League of New South Wales.
