When fur parents take their fur kids out in public, practicing proper etiquette is important to ensure everyone has a pleasant and safe experience. Not everyone is fond of pets but good pet etiquette can help make the experience enjoyable for everyone.
Here are some tips for practicing good pet etiquette when out in public:
Train Your Pet
One of the benefits of having a well-trained pet is it will likely behave appropriately in public. It is less likely to jump on people, bark excessively, or run off-leash, for instance. This can result in an enjoyable atmosphere for all involved.
Keep Your Dog on a Leash
Respect other people’s personal space by keeping your dog from wandering off or getting into trouble. Try to keep your dog under your control at all times. Maintaining control over your dog helps ensure their safety around other people and their belongings.
Respect People’s Fear or Allergies
Before bringing your furry friend anywhere, such as a friend’s house, ask ahead if there are any concerns about them. Be mindful of people who may have allergies or are afraid of certain pets. If someone expresses fear or discomfort around your pet, respect their feelings. Either keep your pet away from them or remove your pet from the situation.
Don’t Bring Your Pets to Places that are not Pet-Friendly
While socializing your pets and taking them out in public is beneficial, it’s also important to be mindful of where you bring them. Some stores and restaurants are marked as pet-friendly, otherwise, don’t take pets to establishments that do not allow pets. Additionally, respect people’s homes by not bringing pets over unless the owner has given consent.
Clean Up After Your Pet
One important aspect of being a fur parent is that you are responsible for your pet’s waste. Whether you’re out for a walk on a busy sidewalk or strolling in the park, it’s important to have a bag on hand to pick up any waste that your pet leaves behind.
Keep Your Pets on a Leash in Unfamiliar Areas
It’s always tempting to let your dog run free and explore their surrounding, but always consider not only their safety but the safety of other people as well. Off-leash dogs could end up getting injured or engaging in fights with other animals. Always be cautious when exploring unfamiliar places with your pet.
Follow the Rules
When you take your pet out in public, bear in mind that your pet is sharing spaces with others. For instance, Many parks and beaches have designated areas where pets are welcome, so stay within these boundaries.
Be Prepared for Emergencies
When you take your pet out in public, make sure that your pet is wearing a collar with a tag that contains your contact information. In case your pet gets lost, having identification can improve its chances of being returned to you safely. When traveling with your pet, bring with you a first aid kit that contains basic supplies like gauze, bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any medications your pet might need in case of emergencies.
Avoid Excessive Barking
While some barking is normal, excessive barking can be an annoying distraction to other people. One way to minimize your dog’s barking is to identify the root cause of their behavior. Excessive barking could be due to too much excitement, anxiety, or fear. Another effective way to reduce excessive barking is through training. Teaching your pet basic commands such as “quiet” will help them learn to adjust their behavior.
Skipping Your Dog’s Bath Time
Bathing your dog before taking it to someone’s house is a sign of respect for the owner of the house and its other inhabitants. It demonstrates that you’re willing to take the necessary measures to make your dog look presentable in public spaces.
Be Considerate of Others
Lastly, remember that there are people who are not comfortable around pets. Some people might have allergies to fur, while others might not appreciate being greeted by a hyperactive pet. As a fur parent, you need to be aware of how your pet’s behavior may impact others.
By practicing good pet etiquette when out in public, you can guarantee that you and your pet have a positive and enjoyable experience. Remember that not only is being considerate of others the right thing to do but it also promotes positive attitudes towards pets and pet owners within your community.
About the author: About the author: Rowena David is a faculty member at the University of Makati and an animal welfare advocate.
