Many downtown leaders have developed a love-hate relationship with dogs and their owners. On the downside, pet waste can pose a smelly nuisance and a source of constant complaints. But on the upside, dog owners help activate public spaces.
After all, dogs need to be walked multiple times per day, so dog owners are out and about early and late, rain or shine. Savvy downtown leaders are embracing dogs as important residents of downtown and welcoming them with open arms.
In some cities, downtown organizations include pet costume contests in holiday and seasonal events, place water bowls outside businesses, and instruct ambassadors to carry dog treats.
Other downtowns have created dog parks and dog-themed events. Downtown Los Angeles for example, has hosted a Dog Days event for 16 years. Last year’s agenda included community dog walks, a pet supply marketplace, pet portraits, puppy yoga, and more.
To market the event, Downtown Los Angeles researches which areas have the most pet traffic — including the highest levels of complaints about dog poop.
“We put [up] signs to promote the event at each of those locations,” says Gabriel Yeager, the organization’s director of placemaking and events.
More on welcoming everyone appears regularly in the pages of Downtown Idea Exchange newsletter.
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