When public places in Shanghai open their doors to pets...

The "pet economy" is in full swing, and taking "furry babies" out for shopping and fun has increasingly become a daily necessity for pet-raising families.

In cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu, “pet-friendly” shopping malls, green spaces, parks, communities, etc. have emerged. As the name suggests, pets are allowed in these public spaces.

Public places open their doors to pets, triggering different voices. Are these venues really pet-friendly spaces? "Pet-friendly" means accepting, not rejecting, and welcoming pets into a space, but how does it keep other people in the space from being affected?

Reporters have recently conducted interviews in some "pet-friendly" shopping malls, green spaces, parks and communities to investigate the opening practices of these spaces and sort out the logic and optimal solutions behind them.

Commercial centers are among the first to explore pet-friendly public spaces. What does a “pet-friendly” mall look like?

The reporter came to the "AIPLAZA West Bund Fengchao" shopping mall near Xuhui Riverside and saw a huge "Pet Friendly" sign posted at the gate. People push pet strollers in the mall from time to time, and the strollers can be rented for free on the first floor. The mall also has a pet elevator with special signs, which separates people with dogs and those who are allergic to pets or afraid of dogs to reduce unnecessary conflicts.

The details of the mall are carefully considered. For example, the pet drinking water devices are of different heights, allowing large, medium and small dogs to get what they need; each bench is equipped with a loop for tying the dog; an independent space is provided for cute pets to go to the toilet, etc. The outdoor space on the third floor of the mall is equipped with a pet paradise of about 300 square meters, which provides pet water dispensers, poop boxes and other daily necessities, as well as swings, columns and other pet play facilities. Cute pets can run and play freely in this exclusive territory.

West Bund Fengchao Shopping Mall prepares free trolleys for cute pets. Photo by Peng Wei

These standard facilities of the merchant reveal the full sincerity of being "pet-friendly". However, many dog ​​owners still have expectations for the "landing" issue.

"Since it is a pet-friendly shopping mall, why can't dogs be allowed to land?" Ms. Lu told reporters that pets are not allowed to land in the shopping mall area and can only stay in pet carts or be held in the hands of their owners.

The managers of the mall explained that not landing is a bottom line rule set by the mall. Previously, some customers entered a pet-friendly restaurant in the mall to dine and put their pets on dining chairs instead of in carts. The restaurant received complaints from some customers: "How can dogs sit on dining chairs? This is unhygienic."

There are also a small number of people with dogs who let their cute pets roam on leashes, but are stopped by security guards. Some people quickly correct themselves, and a small number of people have conflicts with security guards.

Many pet-friendly shopping malls have specialized pet stores and other formats. Photo by Peng Wei

When visiting shopping malls and restaurants, the friendliness of restaurants is a major factor that people with dogs consider. The service staff at the information desk on the first floor of West Bund Fengchao told reporters that not all restaurants in the mall are open to cute pets, and relevant requirements are subject to the management rules of each restaurant. When the reporter asked if there was a unified list of pet-friendly restaurants, the service staff said "no" and needed to ask himself.

Reporters found on the B1, 4th, and 5th floors that most restaurants are not open to cute pets. Some restaurants have set up "pet-leaving areas" outside the door, where cute pet owners can leave their cute pets when dining inside. Area outside the door. A few restaurants allow cute pets, but they must stay in a trolley or be held in a hand. The reporter found that there was no separation area for people who brought dogs and people who did not bring dogs to dine in the restaurant space.

Currently, there are more than 30 pet-friendly shopping malls in Shanghai, but dog owners have different feelings about the friendliness of the shopping malls. For example, shopping malls such as Suhewan Vientiane World and BFC Bund Financial Center have received relatively good reviews. There are also some shopping malls that are rated as "pseudo-pet-friendly" shopping malls by dog ​​owners because "except for the fact that the shopping mall is open to pets, other facilities and measures are not in place and are no different from ordinary shopping malls."

More dog owners are tolerant of this: "Opening the door first is an attitude. After all, progress happens little by little."

Water dispensers, poop boxes, etc. are all standard features in pet-friendly shopping malls. Photo by Peng Wei

Unlike commercial centers, green spaces and parks are more of open spaces. Some green spaces and parks in Shanghai have changed their attitude and are exploring ways for people and dogs to find their own places in open spaces.

Xuhui Binjiang is called a dog walking paradise by many pet owners. In the evening after the beginning of summer, many people took their cute pets for a spin on the Huangpu River, and small dogs such as corgis and teddy dogs ran freely on the lawn.

The reporter found that the doors of two coffee shops in the center of Xuhui Riverside were filled with tables and chairs, and the outdoor area was reserved for cute pets and their owners. There is a large lawn outside the mannercoffee store, where many small dogs gather. The owners sit on lounge chairs, drink coffee, and sometimes take photos of the running pets.

The large lawn outside the Mannercoffee store in Xuhui Binjiang has become an activity area for small dogs. Photo by Peng Wei

"Dogs are not allowed in coffee shops, but we can stay and do activities outdoors." Aunt Zhu told reporters that several coffee shops here will provide drinking water, food, etc. for pets. For example, the outdoor tables and chairs of Starbucks Coffee are also specially designed. Yes, there is a dedicated space for pets.

With such a division, over time, everyone formed a tacit understanding: people with dogs stay in the outdoor dining area, while people with dogs do not drink coffee and take a nap indoors. Because of the distinction, they do not think that cute pets are kind of disturbance.

There are special spaces for pets on the tables and chairs outside the Xuhui Binjiang Starbucks. Photo by Peng Wei

Interestingly, Xuhui Binjiang has naturally formed two areas after the "exploration" of cute pets - small and medium-sized dogs are used to playing on the large lawn outside the mannercoffee store, while large dogs are more likely to play on the cute lawn not far away. Petland Runs and Activities. Similar to the commercial center, the basic principles of pet-friendly spaces in Xuhui Binjiang are reflected in the "Pet-Friendly Convention".

For example, the contract posted at the "Cute Pet Paradise" reads: "Introduce dogs to the sandpit area to defecate and clean it up in time." "Do not set up tents, lay out placemats, or eat." The park also provides free litter boxes. Toilet bags and dedicated trash cans.

The convention also reminds that when playing in the riverside area outside of the cute pet paradise, keep cute pets on leashes as much as possible, and especially wear muzzles for larger dogs. The reporter saw in the Binjiang area that, in general, cute pet owners abide by the convention and maintain good dog walking order in Xuhui Binjiang.

"Cute Pet Paradise" in Xuhui Riverside. Photo by Peng Wei

Compared with green space, a park is more like a "forbidden zone". Pets are prohibited from entering most parks in Shanghai. Most of the pet-friendly parks that have emerged in recent years are in the suburbs, such as Yuehu Sculpture Park and Chongming Changxing Island Country Park. Among the parks in the city center, Peace Park took the lead in opening an "opening" for cute pets after closing for renovation.

Peace Park has added two new areas as a dog paradise near Gate 2 and Gate 5, covering an area of ​​more than 2,000 square meters. The park is equipped with dog drinking pools, footbaths, seesaws and other entertainment facilities.

At the same time, park management established some constraints.

For example, although the Cute Dog Paradise is located in the park, its gate is independent and opens outside the park, so it is separated from the park space to a certain extent. Dog owners are still not allowed to bring their pets into the park.

The cute dog paradise has two areas, which separate large dogs and small and medium-sized dogs. A dog shoulder height chart is posted outside the door, and cute pets can enter different areas according to their body shape.

There are three time periods open every day in the morning, afternoon and evening, each time for 3 hours. At the same time, the number of cute pets is "limited", with no more than 15 large dogs and no more than 30 small and medium-sized dogs in each period.

When taking a cute pet to the Peace Park Dog Paradise, the owner needs to sign a commitment letter. Photo by Peng Wei

Cute pet owners need to scan the QR code with their mobile phones to make a real-name reservation, and enter with a dog registration certificate issued by the Shanghai Public Security Bureau. The certificate contains the dog owner's name, address, dog breed, annual inspection information, etc. For seniors over 60 years old, the park also provides several on-site reservations.

Master Qin, the security guard of Cute Dog Paradise, told reporters that cute pet owners need to abide by the convention. If they are complained more than three times, they will not be able to make another reservation within a certain period of time. The management staff of the park will also record uncivilized behaviors such as not cleaning up dog feces and other uncivilized pet owners. If the pet owners do so more than three times, they will be marked as "blacklisted."

Many dog ​​owners applauded the Peace Park’s move. "It is not easy to explore the park. It provides a place for dogs to breathe and socialize." Mr. Wang said that only if owners of cute pets abide by the convention, more and more parks will be open to cute pets. He also said that dogs are like children and need their owners to "behave". "They cannot be spoiled and try not to disturb others in public places."

Demonstrate appropriate human touch under reasonable and precise rules

Creating a pet-friendly space is a reflection of the development and civilization of a city. According to Tang Jian, an urban researcher and commercial manager, we must first clarify the concept of "pet-friendly". Pet-friendliness is two-way friendliness. This is a two-way proposition.

He believes that pet-friendly spaces are not exclusive. They provide a comfortable space for cute pets without affecting other people in the space, especially those who do not own dogs.

Judging from this standard, Suhewan Vientiane World is the benchmark for pet-friendly spaces. Different from traditional commercial buildings, most of the shopping malls are located in the open underground space of the park, and the entire shopping mall coexists with the Suhewan Green Park. The "openness" gives it the advantage of being "pet-friendly".

Many pet owners believe that Suhewan Vientiane World is the ceiling of pet-friendly shopping malls. Photo by Peng Wei

Upon entering the Suhe Bay Vientiane World, the reporter felt that he had entered a natural field accompanied by dogs.

Furry children can move freely in ground parks, outdoor public areas, shopping mall outdoor areas and the "Pet World" in the east. Most restaurants are open to them, some allow indoors and some only allow outdoor seating. As a non-dog owner, the reporter did not feel any discomfort, because everyone coexisted harmoniously without disturbing each other, whether with or without dogs. At noon on weekends, more than one-third of the people in the outdoor dining area did not bring dogs.

The "pet business" has been taken to its extreme here. For example, the location of the "Pet World" in Dongli is a floor area characterized by pet businesses, with subdivided pet shops such as corgis and puppets distributed. There is also a dog kindergarten here that provides boarding and boarding services. Even the Hippocampus Photography store is also positioned as "pet-friendly", and families can take themed photos with their pets.

Suhewan Vientiane World is home to pet shops with specialized categories such as Corgi and Ragdoll. Photo by Peng Wei

The business center will also market and plan some pet-themed activities, such as cute pet audition photography, pet competitions, pet exhibition postcard customization, etc., to expand the social circle of "furry children" and dog owners.

The services in this pet-friendly public space are also extremely meticulous. The "Pet-Friendly Map" and "Pet-Friendly Merchant List" are scrolled on the large screen of the mall at any time. There are online electronic versions and offline paper versions available, which are like a detailed "instruction manual". For example, you can rely on it to identify which areas are dog-friendly and which are prohibited areas, and the locations of pet-friendly elevators, pet litter boxes, pet leashes, etc. are also clear at a glance.

Even "pet-friendly" merchants are carefully classified into three types according to the degree of friendliness: "pets can move freely", "only move outside or in the front hall area", and "pets are not allowed to be on the ground", eliminating the need for consumer inquiries. of effort.

The "Pet-Friendly Map" and "Pet-Friendly Merchant List" can be scrolled on the large screen of the mall at any time, making it clear at a glance. Photo by Peng Wei

Tang Jian said that pet-friendly spaces are obviously designed for pet lovers, but because the details are unclear, it is easy for good intentions to do bad things. Therefore, accurate communication strategy is particularly important. “Pet friendliness does not mean being without restrictions, but showing more appropriate human touch under reasonable and precise rules.”

True pet-friendliness does not mean just having hardware facilities, nor does it mean freedom from restraints for pet owners. "Pet-friendly is a good deed and requires the cooperation of multiple parties." He said that this is the basis for pet-friendly spaces to truly reflect social and humanistic progress. Regardless of whether you are a beneficiary or an affected person, the more kindness there is between people, the more warmth the entire space can exude.

"Pet friendly" is a matter of mutual respect and understanding. Pet-friendly spatial integration is happening in more places in Shanghai.

In August last year, Chengkai Xin Community in Minhang District took the lead in exploring pet-friendly communities in Shanghai. The reporter came here to find out.

How are pet-friendly communities different from regular communities? Chengkai Xin Community is a long-term rental apartment for young white-collar workers. There are a total of 6 buildings in the community with a total of 2,500 suites. Building 6 is a pet building where young people can move in with their pets. Currently, the pet building is full.

Cute pets are indispensable on the building signs of Chengkai·Xin Community. Photo by Peng Wei

The reporter saw that the rooms in the pet building were designed with wear-resistant and scratch-resistant wall panels, and pet living facilities such as drinking water and cleaning were added. There is also a pet daycare class on the basement floor of the pet building. White-collar workers who go out to work can foster their "furry children" here, and the caregivers will help walk the dogs and provide social training for the dogs. To stay in the pet building, you need to sign an independent management agreement and a civilized dog-raising agreement.

The green belt in the community is suitable for cute pet activities. In addition to the 2,400-square-meter central lawn, a 600-square-meter pet park has also been built. There are climbing frames, jumping platforms, drilling holes and other pet play facilities in the park. The pet park is under closed management. Tenants need to swipe their cards to enter, and children are prohibited from entering to reduce the impact of pet activities on other tenants.

Tenants need to swipe their cards to enter the pet park in the community, and children are not allowed to enter. Photo by Peng Wei

In a pet-friendly community, pets are allowed in all public areas, including restaurants. The community has introduced professional pet-friendly third-party organizations to provide pet-themed activities, pet-owner training, community operations and other services for community pet owners.

In pet-friendly communities, dog owners need to embrace common sense. Zhou Mingying, the person in charge of the pet-friendly third-party organization "Pets ICG" said that socialization training of dogs is very important. The so-called socialization training means that during the golden period of 2-4 months of dog age, it should be fully exposed to different environments and become familiar with different spaces, smells and people, so as to better adapt to urban life.

Some pet dogs that are unfriendly to people or exhibit aggressive behavior often have not been socialized and have not received good etiquette education. “Pet ownership is a responsibility, and dog owners need to build awareness in this regard while enjoying pet-friendly spaces.”

The dog daycare in the community holds a graduation ceremony for the dogs who have left the lease with their owners.

In addition, the community has open classes for dog owners. For example, how to judge a dog’s appeal through its body language, and how to comfort the dog as soon as possible if it has behavioral problems. Mastering these skills is an essential quality for dog owners.

She believes that to fill the gap between dog owners and those who are afraid of dogs, on the one hand, dog owners need to abide by relevant norms and be civilized dog owners; on the other hand, they need to rely on extensive science to understand the behavioral habits of dogs. Thereby reducing or eliminating the fear that people who are afraid of dogs have about them.

For example, in unfamiliar situations, behaviors such as being touched on the head and looking directly at the dog can easily be interpreted as hostility by dogs. In unfamiliar situations, people should not touch or look directly at them easily. If you want to interact with dogs, it is best to obtain the consent and cooperation of the dog owner, so as to avoid unnecessary trouble.

The "dog students" in Chengkai Xin Community are very happy.

For another example, the experience of dog owners is very important. Before taking your dogs to public places such as shopping malls or unfamiliar places, you can let them adapt to the surrounding environment in advance to reduce the negative impact on people around them.

According to incomplete statistics, China's pet economic industry will reach 592.8 billion yuan in 2023. It is expected to reach 811.4 billion yuan in 2025. In the face of huge pet market demand, there will be more and more pet-friendly spaces in the future. With the development of economic level and civilization, the management details of pet-friendly spaces need to be more perfect.

Zhou Mingying said that in countries such as the United States and Germany, due to the large number of dog owners, relevant pet protection laws and management laws are more complete and standardized. "In Japan, it is not easy to buy a dog and take it home." First, the cost is high. For example, Teddy costs 20,000 to 30,000 yuan; secondly, dog owners need to systematically learn and train dog-raising related content. Three A pet can be taken away after a month or six months. Pets are living beings that should be treated equally. Only by increasing the costs of raising pets can we be better responsible for them.

When we discuss "pet-friendliness," we don't treat it as a yes-or-no question. The choice between dog owners and non-dog owners is not a black and white one, and there is no unbridgeable gap. Respecting differences, understanding each other, and abiding by rules are the cornerstones of building a "pet-friendly" society.