CAI-NJ Aug. 2019(w)

MANAGEMENT TRENDS Pets in the Millennial Century

By Michelle Williams, CMCA, AMS Clearbrook Community Association, Taylor Management Company, AAMC, AMO

P eople love their pets. They are part of the family. We nourish them the best food on the market, quench their thirst with spring water and spoil them with fresh baked “animal” treats. Many new options for pet owners have made our days easier and kept our minds at ease. Mobile pet groomers have popped up, doggie day care, doggie camp, pet play dates and even yappy hour at your local restaurants. There are many advantages to owning a pet. Studies show pet owners are happier, healthier, have greater self-esteem and are less lonely. In this day and age, people’s dependence on animals is increasing exponentially every day. It used to be that a German shepherd in a harness — a “seeing eye dog” — was the only animal that was considered a service animal. Today there are service animals, emotional support animals and therapy animals that assist their masters with physical and/or emotional support 24/7. Service animals are trained to do work or perform tasks for people with disabilities. Emotional support animals provide comfort and support by way of companionship and affection for individuals suffering from various mental or emotional conditions. Finally, there are therapy animals that are used to bring comfort and joy to those who are ill or suffering. We take our pets with us everywhere we go, on planes, on trains, and in automobiles. On a rainy day we even take them for walks in the area box stores. When it comes to travel, TSA, has expanded the oppor- tunity for pets to accompany us on long trips. There are also many services available where our pets can be regis- tered and receive identification numbers, cards, vests, and tags so that taking our animals in public places is less of a hassle. However, like humans, animals have rules to follow and enforcement of even the most basic pet regulations is tricky

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“Think of pets as an amenity... Attractive pet-friendly facilities are a huge boost to curb appeal.”

at best. Education and awareness are a proven way to engender good dog owner behavior. We should be aware that with this increase in the number of dependence on pets, both inside and outside, there may be increased demand to accommodate them. Where once it was acceptable to say or post: “No Dogs Allowed”, this may no longer be reasonable. Look at your Rules & Regulations to see where certain allowances can be made such as indoor leash and carrier requirements rather than a complete ban. And consider increased out- door accommodations for animals such as dog walking parks or areas which have water stations, a supply of waste bags and proper disposal containers. Think of pets as an amenity. Many communities advertise dog parks connected by walking trails and off-leash parks where dogs can run around freely with their canine friends. Attractive pet-friendly facilities are a huge boost to curb appeal. They also go a very long way to making residents happy — pet owners and non-pet owners alike. n

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