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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.