The resizing of the Aussie backyard, a shift to townhouse and apartment living and more compact urban environments have planners focussing on how this impacts the country’s high rate of pet ownership.
The Planning Institute of Australia (PIA) and the Petcare Information Advisory Service (PIAS) have partnered to launch an inaugural 2012 Pet Friendly Planning Award a nationwide search for the planning project that best considers the needs of Australia’s beloved pets.
The shift in the way Australians are living and the ongoing popularity of pet ownership are driving the need to better plan for pets in urban environments:“Two in every three homes in Australia have at least one pet. When you consider that lot sizes are getting smaller and census data showing an increase in apartment living, pets need to be catered for in parks and other public spaces.” MS Currie (PIA President)
For further information go to: www.planning.org.au/whatson/pet-friendly-planning-awards
For additional information and resources:
Public Open Space and Dogs – Australia’s most comprehensive document to date on planning for public open space and dogs; authored by Virginia Jackson.
Pets and Community Health – research summary on the health benefits of companion animals prepared by the Petcare Information and Advisory Service.
www.petnet.com.au – useful source of information on pet ownership in Australia.
Pets in the City – great resource prepared by Petcare Information & Advisory Service to assist those residing in high density living, enjoy the benefits offered by pets.