Strategic planning and design of urban developments and housing
Summary
Study of pets, urban design and guidelines to integrate pets into new developments. Focus on the pet's environment.
This paper outlines a study of the potential of urban design to contribute to improved urban pet management. The study arose from concerns that the push for urban consolidation may prejudice the ability to own pets and derive the many benefits they give. Smaller homes and back yards, along with multi-dwelling developments, may discourage people from owning pets while placing ever greater demands on scarce public open space. Compact living can also compound urban pet management issues, for example nuisance barking by bored dogs.
The study identified elements of urban design affecting pet ownership and developed guidelines to better integrate pets into new residential developments, focussing on the pet's environment. The paper has excellent designs for planners to use to obtain the best access, views and environmental enrichment for pets in an urban environment.
The final document from the study, 'Pets in Urban Areas: A Guide to Integrating Domestic Pets into New Residential Development', was released in January 1993.