Dog-friendly spaces.qxp_Layout 1 19/07/2021 14:50 Page 1
PETS
No dog left behind
Want your four-legged friend to be as much a part of your daily life as they were during lockdown? As some owners sadly consider rehoming, The Kennel Club is encouraging a more dog-friendly society post-pandemic
A
s life begins to return to ‘normal’, many people are excited to go out and explore again – some alongside four-legged friends, who were a lifeline to thousands during lockdown. During this period, dogs and owners got used to being together all the time, and now many are worried about the fate of man’s best friend, as restrictions lift. New research from The Kennel Club shows that more than one in three dog owners have concerns about what their pet will do if they can’t go with them to the places they usually socialise and work when Covid-19 restrictions have eased. Some 23% fear they won’t be able to provide a suitable home for their dog after lockdown, and nearly one in five are considering rehoming as an option. Research also shows that plenty of us in the South West want to share more spaces, including pubs and offices, with canine companions – 60 per cent would like there to be more places open to dogs and almost as many agreed that struggling establishments could benefit from being dog-friendly. The majority feel that more people will visit if their dog can come as well, and that a pooch or two makes the atmosphere friendlier. Moreover, almost half agree that workplaces could also benefit from being dog friendly, with employees’ dogs or an office pet commonly believed to help alleviate stress in the workplace. To help tackle the potential welfare crisis for a generation of dogs and support businesses and workplaces that want to welcome man’s best friend, The Kennel Club has launched a campaign – Open for Dogs – with top tips for owners who don’t want to be parted from their pal as the world opens up.
Furry punter
Photography: Rachel Oates/The Kennel Club
• Check the dog-friendly status of places you are planning to visit. • Consider if your pooch is ready and trained to visit new places, and prepared to be surrounded by other people and dogs. If you are only introducing your dog to situations like these, start with a short visit and increase the length over time.
• Make sure your dog is well-behaved and can happily sit and stay. • Feed and exercise your dog before visiting a pub or other establishment so they can settle. • Make sure you bring treats and toys in case you need to distract them and don’t forget poo bags! • Keep an eye on your dog to make sure they are relaxed, safe and comfortable, and make sure they are not giving other guests unwanted attention.
Canine travel companion
• Always check out the rules about travelling with a dog on your chosen mode of transport. • Travel during quieter periods, avoiding rush hour, and always during cooler times to prevent hot weather dangers. • Make sure your dog has had enough exercise and time to go the toilet so they will settle for the journey. • Bring your dog lead, collar and ID tag as well as treats, toys, poo bags, and water with a bowl. • Always keep your dog on a short lead close to you.
Four-legged colleague
• Find out whether your company has an office dog policy and what it says. • Make sure that your dog is confident and happy in new environments, around people and other dogs. • During the day, make sure to keep an eye on your pup and take them for regular walks and breaks. • Know your dog’s whereabouts, especially if there are other dogs in the office. • Bring food, treats, bags, and a bed for your dog and consider bringing a bowl if they aren’t provided in the office. n *Figures based on survey of 2,001 general consumer and dog owner respondents, carried out for The Kennel Club by Censuswide in June 2021; thekennelclub.org.uk/openfordogs
60 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE
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AUGUST 2021
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NO¯ 201
