‘Petiquette’
for the contemporary pet parent
Even the most ardent pet lover is unlikely to appreciate the intrusion of a keenly wagging tail belonging to someone else’s furbaby into the morning latte at the local cafe.
With the growing popularity of pets – and even the emergence of the term ‘furbaby’ – more people than ever now consider their pups and kitties as members of the family. According to PD Insurance’s latest survey of over 1,500 respondents, 71% regard their pets as family members, while 16% specifically view their pets as children.
While that’s laudable since pets provide people with companionship and so much more, it’s also resulting in the increasing presence of pets in public spaces. This, in turn, requires careful consideration for others.
“And that’s really what ‘petiquette is all about’,” says Michelle Le Long, Chief Operating Officer at PD Insurance. “Pet lovers are keen on taking their furbabies along for the ride, and we are seeing more restaurants opening their doors to pets – mainly dogs and cats – to accommodate folks who want to share more moments with their loyal companion.”
We do love our pets (and dine out on the idea)
Companion Animals New Zealand (CANZ) estimates some 64% of households have a dog, cat, or combination of both; a look at dog ownership in isolation demonstrates how many more people have welcomed a furbaby into their life, going from 28% in 2015 to 34% today. Australia’s RSPCA estimates an even higher figure across the Tasman, with 69% of households owning a pet.
Moreover, more pubs and restaurants are permitting pets. There’s a growing trend on both sides of the ditch, fuelled by changing attitudes and agreeable laws. In Australia, a 2013 amendment to the Food Standards Code permits dogs in outdoor dining areas, while New Zealand’s Food Act doesn’t prohibit dogs in outdoor dining areas.
Understanding Petiquette
Any good trend deserves a handy neologism, laughs Le Long. “Petiquette is exactly what it sounds like – good manners, or ‘etiquette’ for pets and their owners in public, private, and shared spaces. It’s about being considerate of others, including other animals, while ensuring the safety, happiness, and health of your pet,” she explains. “And no, a tail in someone else’s coffee isn’t it!”
Auckland spots known for dog-friendliness include Best Ugly Bagel, Brothers Beer, and The Beer Spot, while your pup is likely to be welcome in Wellington’s Beach Babylon. Further South, Christchurch’s The Rogue & Vagabond and No.4 Bar and Restaurant are dog friendly.
It’s (almost) all about the dogs
Any good trend deserves a handy neologism, laughs Le Long. “Petiquette is exactly what it sounds like – good manners, or ‘etiquette’ for pets and their owners in public, private, and shared spaces. It’s about being considerate of others, including other animals, while ensuring the safety, happiness, and health of your pet,” she explains. “And no, a tail in someone else’s coffee isn’t it!”
Auckland spots known for dog-friendliness include Best Ugly Bagel, Brothers Beer, and The Beer Spot, while your pup is likely to be welcome in Wellington’s Beach Babylon. Further South, Christchurch’s The Rogue & Vagabond and No.4 Bar and Restaurant are dog friendly.
Petiquette applies in parks and public spaces, too
Most public parks and recreational areas are adapted to accommodate pets. As always, know the rules before you go, and abide by them. Where there are special provisions, particularly relating to the use of leashes, take note. And where parks now feature designated dog runs, off-leash areas, and walking trails for pets, use these locations while respecting other parts reserved for specific activities.
Watch your manners… and those of your pooch
Most petiquette is, she agrees, a case of common courtesy and common sense much like looking after your furbabies anywhere outside the home. “We used to say, ‘mind your Ps and Qs, meaning to watch your manners,” smiles Le Long. “That sentiment fits perfectly with petiquette – being considerate ensures you and your pet are welcome everywhere you go.
Media contact
Leandri Smith – The Mail Room
027 365 9003 | [email protected]
About PD Insurance (pd.co.nz)
pd.co.nz is a pet insurance specialist that offers low cost, high value pet insurance. The company’s goal is to empower pet parents to make easy, quick, care-based decisions around their pet’s health without worrying about cost. Unique to pd.co.nz is its month-to-month payment model whereby customers aren’t locked into a contract, so they can cancel anytime without penalty.
The company is committed to a fast and fair claims service, aiming for resolution within two business days of receiving all documentation. As with all Badger International brands, the essence of the pd.co.nz customer service philosophy is Simplicity (in service delivery) and Soft Landings (a commitment to providing customers a gentle landing in times of need).
Headquartered in Auckland, pd.co.nz employs a local team of animal lovers who provide support such as sales, marketing, and operations. The company is a division of Pacific International Insurance and wholly owned by Badger International NZ LP.
Recognising every animal deserves to be well cared for, pd.co.nz is the proud Principal Partner of Healthy Pets New Zealand, a charity established in 1998 by the New Zealand Veterinary Association’s Companion Animal Branch to draw attention to the ‘big health and welfare issues of Kiwi pets’.
It is also principal partner of Dogs New Zealand, the country’s national kennel club. Together they share a mission to inform, educate and raise awareness of responsible dog ownership in New Zealand – a country that recognises dogs are an integral part of society.