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.