Pet ownership and pet-friendly activities are on the rise, resulting in a push for body corporates and rental property owners in inner-city areas to become more pet-friendly.
More than 60 per cent of Australians own a cat or a dog and for many, these animals are more than just pets, with more young people choosing to forgo children in favour of raising animals instead.
In 2015/16, almost one quarter of 2500 animals surrendered to the Animal Welfare League QLD (AWLQ) was a result of an inability to find pet friendly accommodation.
AWLQ's Strategic Director Dr Joy Verrinder said it should be unlawful to discriminate against someone because they have a pet as part of their family.
"Currently in Queensland it is considered 'unreasonable' to have a no-pets by-law but a body corporate can have conditions of type of pet and expected behaviour," said Dr Verrinder.
She said owners and body corporates should be encouraged to offer pet-friendly housing to enable people to keep their pets, therefore increasing the market and availability for accommodation to Australian pet owners.
Dr Verrinder said there has been an increase in pet-friendly accommodation and other sectors including hospitality and events are increasingly welcoming pets.
Pets at the Gabba is a not-for-profit marketplace for pets and their owners, taking place in Woolloongabba every Saturday, featuring pet-orientated stalls, from puppy-preschools to dog furniture, and entertainment for pet owners.
"We're all about the celebration of pets and putting towards charity," said event organiser Lia Onorati.
"Everyone is always looking for something to do with their pets on the weekend, especially as the animals are so much more than pets nowadays. It's a way to have fun and relax with your furbabies," said Ms Onorati.
Not only are there increasing opportunities for families to take their pets out with them, there are more options for owners to ensure their dogs are exercising and socialising regularly.
Small businesses such as Houndog offer pet-owners assistance in keeping their dog occupied, taking dogs out for a day to exercise and interact with other dogs.
Founder of Houndog Angela Meara said many dog owners are increasingly time-poor.
"By the time they get home it might be dark and taking their dog out for a walk can become a chore ... We give them at least one day a week where we will take their dog and completely wear them out."
As more opportunities continue to arise for pets in inner-city, the call for more pet-friendly accommodation needs to be addressed, said AWLQ's Dr Joy Verrinder.
"Many studies have shown the benefits of pet ownership to the physical and psychological health of human beings.
"Dogs and cats are especially important to provide comfort, security and companionship for retired and elderly people; however with growing proportions of single and couple households with no children, cats and dogs are also very important."
0 comments
New User? Sign up