Welcome
Did you know that 67% of US households share their home with a pet? That's 84.9M homes! 38% of Millennials have pets. Boomers and Gen Xers ushered in the rise of pets as family and Millennials and Gen Z have cemented it. We are in the age of the Pet Parent--and Pet Friendly Matters in business and in cities.
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Pet Friendly 101
TIP of the week
According to a Forbes.com article, dogs are natural conversation starters. Employees are more likely to approach each other when there is a dog present to break the ice. Companies may find, too, that workplace gossip decreases because people would rather talk about their dogs than other employees.
Pet Friendly in a COVID-19 World
A Post COVID-19 Perspective and Forecast
COVID-19 has generated a huge increase in pet fostering and adoptions. Shelters are empty. The impact pets are making on our heath at this time cannot be overstated. We are exercising more. Our pets are helping reduce our stress levels and comfort us. They are preventing isolationism and depression. We are never alone even while under Safer at Home orders. They are providing a sense of normalcy and routine amid all the uncertainty and they love us with an unconditional love like no other.
Through this crisis we are reassessing our priorities and values. A level of hyper-bonding is happening between people and their furry and even winged loved ones that has never been seen before. When the gates are opened these closely knit bonds are going to reshape the way we look at pet friendly in businesses of all kinds and in cities, too. What was once a nice to have is now going to be a must do.
Some perspective and ideas for businesses and cities on what pet friendly in a post COVID-19 world will look like:
- 65% of Millennial job seekers were asking if the workplace was pet friendly before this crisis. With Work From Home (WFH) in place, furry co-workers have become the norm. Expect more employees to seek pet friendly workplaces. For businesses the benefits can be tremendous from a healthier workforce, greater collaboration, lowered stress levels, increased productivity and even team building.
- After cooking their own meals for 30+ days and not socializing people are going to be ready to eat out, stop in for the latest brew, go shopping and they will have their fur babies in tow. Restaurants, breweries/bar and stores welcoming pets will see a surge in fur family business. It is a great time to consider pet space and amenities which can also help drive new revenue opportunities.
- Pets of all sizes and breeds have been adopted. Breed and size restriction-free housing will be needed now more than ever. This is an opportunity to gain higher occupancy rates and great residents who will stay longer (46 months versus 18 months for non-pet owners) and help to promote stable and engaged communities. If breed and size rules remain unchanged, we can expect a rise in Emotional Support Animal applications.
- With the bonds built through COVID-19 the traveling family has changed forever. It now has fur--and this could be a boom for the much-impacted travel and hospitality industry. Traveling pet parents want to share experiences with their furry children. They will stay longer, pamper their fur babies with treats and special amenities, and share it all on social media. This is an opportunity to win over new, loyal return guests and brand ambassadors.
- “A rising tide lifts all boats” could not be truer for cities and the businesses in them. Having a city that recognizes and supports the importance of pet friendliness and its impact socially, emotionally, and economically empowers businesses to take that step and learn from their leadership.
The good news is there are so many powerful and creative ways to make it work. At Pets Living the Dream we are dedicated to helping businesses and cities do just that. We are using our Safer at Home time to develop new programs for businesses and cities to not just adjust but thrive in the new pet friendly normal. Stay tuned as we roll out these programs and education over the next few days and weeks.
The power of pet friendly
Why Pet Friendly Matters
85M households own pets. Millennials and the upcoming Gen Z have officially tipped the scales on Baby Boomers and are now 38% of all pet owners. Millennials, Gen Z and Baby Boomers alike, now consider themselves pet parents and they are taking their furry children with them everywhere.
Community Impact
82% of mayors surveyed said that providing pet-friendly amenities can have an overall positive economic impact on the community. 63% of mayors surveyed agreed that pet-friendly policies and amenities can attract additional traffic to retail establishments, restaurants, cafés, etc.
Better Cities For Pets, 2018 US Mayor’s Conference
Hospitality & Travel Opportunity
56% of American travelers are more likely to travel with their pets. 52% of pet owners said they will only stay at accommodations that are pet friendly. 50% of dog owners would pay more to stay at accommodations that are pet friendly. 35% of pet owners take shorter vacations and 25% take fewer vacations because of their pawed pals and 7% will only travel to destinations where they can brings their pets.
Trip Advisor, Annual Traveling With Pets Survey 2017
Workplace Benefits
65% of potential candidates are asking if the workplace is pet friendly during interviews. Some of the pet friendly benefits companies tout are improved employee morale, increased collaboration among peers, more exercise for employees, greater time dedication to work, financial perks for pet owners and attracting top talent.
Banfield Pet Hospital Pet Friendly Workplace PAWrometer Study 2017
6 Reasons Dog-Friendly Workplaces Attract Millennials, Forbes.Com
“It is amazing how much love and laughter they bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.”
— John Grogan (Author, Marley & Me)
Learn More
At Pets Living the Dream we shine a light on the power of pet friendly and help businesses and communities create amazing pet experiences that stand our from the pack and win best in show!
Survey
Pet Friendly Workplace Survey
As we go back to work in the new normal pets are going to be an even bigger part of the workplace of the future. We're working on ways to help make pet friendly easier for businesses and would love your input. Please click on button below for a brief five question survey. Thanks so much!