Bringing your pet to an outdoor event can be a lot of fun for both you and your furry friend. However, it’s important to use good etiquette when you’re out with your pet in public. Not everyone loves interacting with other people’s pets. For the comfort and safety of your pet as well as everyone around you, you should make sure your dog or cat is prepared to behave well in public before your next outing. Follow these pet etiquette tips and you’ll be ready to hit the next fall festival.
1. Only bring your pet to pet-friendly events.
You and your furry friend might be inseparable, but not everybody feels that way about pets. It’s always a good idea to check whether an event is pet-friendly before you show up with your pet. Some events specifically forbid people from bringing animals with them. Other events, such as live concerts, might be too loud or rowdy for a pet’s comfort. Do your research ahead of time and if you still aren’t sure whether an event is pet-friendly; reach out to one of the organizers and ask.
2. Consider whether your pet can handle the event.
Not all pets are well-suited for outings. If your pet is skittish, for instance, walking through a crowd or being approached by strangers might be scary for it. Calm, friendly animals are best suited for outdoor events.
If you’re not sure whether your pet will enjoy a trip out of the house or behave well in public, it’s probably best not to bring it. If you want to be able to bring your pet to events with you in the future, consider working on training or socializing it beforehand.
3. Practice obedience training ahead of time.
It’s crucial for your pet to be trained and well-behaved before you take it out around other people. Your pet should understand and follow the commands “sit,” “stay,” and “heel.” If your pet is boisterous or tends to ignore commands in exciting situations, it might not be ready to go to outdoor events with you yet. Even if your pet is friendly and harmless, some people might get nervous around a poorly-controlled animal.
4. Keep your pet on a leash.
It probably goes without saying, but your pet should be leashed at outdoor events to ensure it stays close to you. Even well-behaved animals can run off in a new environment. Remember to keep the leash short, about two to four feet.
5. Keep your pet cool and comfortable.
Furry pets tend to overheat in the sun, especially dogs. If it’s hot outside, take the necessary precautions to make sure your pet stays hydrated and comfortable. Bring a bottle of water and a dish and stand in the shade whenever possible. Pack a pet visor to keep the sun off your furry friend’s face. If your pet seems to be getting too hot, be ready to leave to go somewhere cool.
6. Clean up after your pet.
Never, ever let your pet do its business in a public place without cleaning up after, that’s just inconsiderate. Nobody wants to find dog poop on their shoe. Carry bags with you for easy clean-up. When your pet has to go to the bathroom, try to walk away from the event to avoid bothering other people with the smell.
7. Stand a little apart from the crowd.
If your pet is excitable, being in close quarters with other people and pets might get it wound up. Keep your pet calm by standing out of the crowd if you can. Pets can also be sensitive to noise. If the event you’re attending is loud, stand back to help your pet from getting overwhelmed.
8. Make sure your pet has ID tags.
Your pet probably won’t run away from you, especially when on a leash and wearing a well-fitting collar, but it’s important to be prepared just in case. Check your pet’s collar and make sure the ID tags are up to date with your contact information. If you can get your pet microchipped, that’s even better.
9. Carry your pet in crowded areas, if possible.
Crowds and small pets don’t mix well. If you’re bringing a small dog, cat, or another easy-to-miss animal to an outdoor event, it’s best to carry it in crowded areas. This ensures no one will step on it and it also helps prevent it from getting scared or overwhelmed.
10. Make sure your pet is vaccinated before you take them anywhere.
Your pet’s vaccinations are very important to its health and safety. Don’t bring your pet to an outdoor event until its vaccinations are up-to-date. If you don’t, your pet could get infected by another animal while you’re out and about. Call your vet if you aren’t sure whether your pet has had all the required vaccinations.
Outdoor events can be a great way to have some fun in the sun with your pet. Events are supposed to be fun for everybody, but it’s important to practice good pet etiquette while you’re there. Remember to be considerate and respectful of other people’s personal space and comfort level around animals. Make sure that your pet is well-behaved in public and enjoy spending time outdoors.
