Pets in the city – modern pet ownership

Traffic, smog and concrete

When we think of cities, we immediately think of heavy traffic, dense populations, smog and noise, houses being replaced by high-rise apartments, concrete, and frenetic activity.

Under these circumstances, we bring in pets as part of our day-to-day lives. According to the ‘Better Cities for Pets’ campaign, pets offer companionship and purpose, getting people outside socially and helping prevent depression and loneliness. In short, pets make cities happier and healthier places to live. And happier humans mean a more productive and effective workforce, alongside the additional services and products that pet ownership generates.

Welfare expectations

Modern animal welfare laws require appropriate nutrition and water, suitable shelter, a right to be free from disease and pain, and of course social contact and the right to behave normally according to that species. In a city, are these needs being taken into account?

Why should we encourage pet ownership in modern cities?

In London, dogs can travel on the Underground service for free. In Paris dogs are widely seen in restaurants and bars. It makes perfect sense for a business to allow pets to visit, since they bring along a generous human customer.

Pet care services and advice

Pet ownership goes hand in hand with a powerful demand. Veterinary care, grooming, dog walking and day care are all excellent support networks for the expanding market. In particular, having larger dogs in smaller apartments in countries such as China and India, means that these pets will need to be taken out to exercise freely. Lobbying local authorities for open spaces and parks around built up areas is essential. In China alone, it is forecasted that the pet care sector will grow by more than half, to 15.8 billion yuan ($2.6 / €2.3 billion) this year.

Furthermore, owners will need practical advice on smaller pets. Any breeder or pet shop that sells animals directly to consumers must be clear to advise new owners on all the needs of specific species and, of course, provide adequate product choices for the pet to settle in its new environment. Sellers should always feel confident that the pet is going to a suitable home and should not be afraid to refuse selling, if they feel the animal’s welfare is not considered.

What can go wrong?

Overcrowding and disposal of faeces and other pet waste can cause hygiene problems in cities, but responsible care can help. In Dubai it is reported that, due to the high number of expats leaving again, high numbers of dogs, cats and smaller animals are abandoned. There is limited shelter for these animals, but the city’s transience and overt consumerism is believed to be the cause of relinquishment, rather than lack of money.

Who cares?

Pets are part of the family. This should mean that they can never be dropped like the latest TV once it has lost its novelty. This attitude has been described by Mahin Bahrami of the Middle East Animal Foundation as ‘khalli walli’, an expression from the Gulf Arabic loosely meaning ‘Who cares?’

Further city issues are noise and damage, especially in rented accommodation where a barking dog or destructive kitten may upset landlords and neighbours. It begs the question, is a balcony enough space for a roaming animal such as a cat?

How can we work together with city pet owners?

As responsible suppliers, aiming to provide enrichment for pets can include selling toys and activity feeders, toileting facilities such as litter trays, and places to climb and hide for cats indoors. Since human trends lead pet industry trends, pet fitness, special nutrition, and even pet ‘workouts’ are among the latest innovations.