SECTION THREE – A Place for All
Over two thirds of Australian households have a pet, with many considered to be important members of the family. The extent to which communities include pets and their owners is therefore an issue that affects a substantial slice of the population. In
Traditional patterns of Australian housing are changing. The single house on a quarter acre block is not only less common, but less sustainable. Renting is increasingly becoming the only affordable option for many, while longer life expectancy and declining fertility rates have led to more people living alone and more childless couples.(46)
This social phenomenon is producing an increased community desire for residential options that allow for companion animals. To date, public housing acts, body corporate documents and tenancy agreements have often defaulted to a blanket “no pet” rule, usually determined well before full consideration is given to the options and opportunities of pet friendly housing.
The case studies relating to pet friendly accommodation, retirement communities and vouching systems for renters highlight some of the win-win accommodation solutions for people with pets.
Places where people can meet informally to chat and socialise contribute greatly to community vitality and sense of community. As noted by
Oldenburg47 without such places, the urban area fails to nourish the kinds of relationships and the diversity of human contact that are the essence of the city. Deprived of these settings, people remain lonely within their crowds. In the
As highlighted by several of the case studies, pets can add to the social ambience and conviviality of cafes and pubs and be good for business in the process. Neither do they have to take an ‘all or nothing’ approach. The allocation of outdoor areas or the addition of ‘pet friendly’ nights can help to address the needs of various patrons.
In
As illustrated by the pets in the workplace case study, the reasons and benefits can vary; ranging from meeting the needs of employees with pets, providing an ‘ice-breaker’ that helps with client interactions, or simply helping to create a friendly atmosphere.
A Place for All Case Studies
Progressive pet friendly developments
Dog friendly policies can be good for business
Animal shelter vouches for adoptee pets in rental accommodation
Community contact promoted through dog parks and coffee culture
Pet friendly policies for the workplace foster happy staff and happy pets
Retirement accommodation successfully plans for pets