City Pets

Emerging cities

The pet sector is seeing clear expansion within emerging cities. An increase in number of households does not mean more space, rather a division of existing ones. An increase in number of children and young people within newer cities is apparent. An ageing population is the trend in established cities. All impact upon pet ownership numbers.

Inappropriate choice

Within a small household, a modest-sized pet might be expected. A cat, perhaps, or a rabbit or pet rodent. However, this is not the case. Social pressure often causes an inappropriate choice. An elderly or less active retired person might choose the large dog they have always dreamed of, without realising that such dogs may need high levels of exercise and training in order to keep them well and happy. A young family is busy, and may not truly have time for a demanding pet such as a dog.

Kept indoors

A cat, perhaps a rare breed, that would normally pursue daily hunting and scent-marking activities, may be considered too valuable to allow to roam. Many cats are killed on roads each year, due to volume and speed of traffic. Is it better to keep a domesticated predator in an enclosure to avoid it being harmed, or is containment a longer term form of harm itself?

Space and exercise

Colleagues in expanding cities within China and India report large dogs being kept within small apartments. These dogs are exercised perhaps once a day. Breed ownership is influenced by advertising and fashion. Pugs, Beagles, Cocker Spaniels and even Jack Russell Terriers are chosen, rather than the native breeds endemic to the population.

Responsibly owning pets in a city

The goal is to encourage new owners to recognise that whilst economic status and desirability might persuade them to want a pet, the biggest responsibility is making that first choice a correct one. This needs to be all about the animal, and not about the owner. The decision, often based on the ‘heart’ – impressive dog, good-looking cat, exotic lizard and so on – must be securely based in the ‘head’. Can the animal be happy for their entire lives living in this human world?

Pet industry infrastructure

Our knowledge means that a healthy infrastructure can be built around crowded city environments. Demands are placed on local authorities. Disposal of dog waste is a common complaint within cities. Will specialist bins be provided, and emptied, and who will fund these? Will dog excrement be allowed to build up on the streets, causing a health and social hazard?

Noise is also an issue. The humble dog can be responsible for major complaint, since dogs bark when alone, when bored, or when excited. Within a garden, this is a problem, but also within an apartment block, it becomes noise pollution. Noise abatement orders can result in the dog being rehomed, or owners themselves being evicted. Landlords may want to consider letting contracts that stipulate pet ownership rules. Dog training and welfare services are essential when owners need advice, and legal specialists will be needed, if a complaint is brought against them.

Positive futures

• Purchasing and breeding

Healthy, well-bred, behaviourally sound pets are popular and set a high standard for purchasers. Breeding can be an ethical commercial enterprise, commanding higher fees and monetising follow-up services such as food sales to new owners, insurance commission for pets, and boarding facilities when the owners are away.

• Pet care services

Veterinary care, grooming, boarding and dog walking, form supportive infrastructure for the expanding market. Specialist ’pet salons’ are high margin and desirable from the humans point of view. The market can compete to provide the very best pet care service. Such a blue-chip business would be a flagship for welfare.

• Local and online communities

As an industry, we can advise local pet owning populations of the exact care needed for their choice of pet, by writing articles and working alongside pet shops, breeders and suppliers to advise buyers before they purchase. Special events in store can invite potential owners to learn about those species they wish to own, advising on the products and lifestyle the pet will need. Good customer loyalty is built up in return.

Now that smartphones form part of everyone’s lives, special pet interest groups can be formed on social media. WhatsApp, SnapChat, Instagram and of course, Facebook, all allow like-minded individuals to group together in communities online devoted to pet welfare. It is time we put our efforts into sharing our expertise in such ways.