Best practices for the design of pet-friendly spaces |
Annie J. Valuska. Nestle Purina PetCare, St. Louis, MO, United States |
As the perception of pets as integral family members continues to grow, there is an increasing demand for the creation of pet-friendly spaces. Recognizing this need, Purina and its team of animal behaviorists and veterinarians have undertaken initiatives to establish safe and enjoyable environments for pets in collaboration with a diverse range of partners, including a University, a domestic violence shelter, a hospital, and a soccer stadium. Through these endeavors, Purina has developed a set of best practices aimed at creating spaces that prioritize pets’ physical and behavioral well-being. Recommended policies, design principles, furnishing considerations, and environmental factors that contribute to the development of pet-friendly spaces will be discussed. By implementing these guidelines, stakeholders can ensure that pet-inclusive environments do not merely allow pets but also promote their overall welfare, thereby fostering and strengthening the human-animal bond. |