City Pets: Considerations for Urban Pet Ownership

Although some of us live in the country with acres of land for a pet to roam, the reality is that most people live in urban or suburban areas. With an estimated 37-47 percent of all U.S. households owning a dog and 30-37 percent having a cat, we can assume that many pets are city pets.

For urban pet owners, dealing with traffic, dog park safety, and municipal laws is a large part of being a responsible owner. Understanding the misconceptions of city pet ownership will also ensure the health and safety of your pet.

Misconceptions About City Pets and Their Care

Unfortunately, some owners believe only pets exposed to rural areas require certain vaccinations or parasite preventives. Ironically, many wild animals live in cities and harbor diseases like leptospirosis, Lyme disease, and rabies. Here in Texas, rattlesnakes and coyotes are frequently found in urban areas, along with skunks, raccoons, and rodents.

While you may be concerned about attacks from a wild animal, direct contact is not necessary to transmit an illness; some diseases can be acquired through water or soil. Even indoor pets are at risk. To get heartworms, all it takes is one encounter with an infected mosquito or an escape out the front door (which is why microchipping is so important).

Protect your city pet by treating both urban and rural areas as places where wildlife, diseases, and parasites can be found:

• Maintain annual vaccinations and boosters
• Bring outdoor pets inside when not being supervised, especially at night
• Keep your pet on a year-round parasite preventive
• Maintain an awareness of local wildlife and keep your dog leashed when out walking

The Benefits of Urban Life

Even though there are limitations to city life with pets, as long as precautions are taken, there are also many benefits to urban living:

Socialization – With all the parks and dog-friendly patios, one of the biggest advantages for city dogs are all of the great opportunities to meet other pooch pals.

Access to veterinary care – As an urban pet owner, you have access to the best veterinary care, emergency care, and specialists to keep your pet as healthy as possible.

Pet-oriented businesses – From grooming salons to pet fashion stores (even yoga classes you can take with your dog!), cities offer a plethora of pet-focused activities and services for your companion.

Connecting with other pet lovers – It’s a great feeling to live among so many others who adore their fur friends. In cities across the country, it’s easy to connect with other pet guardians through social media, breed-specific play groups, and neighborhood dog walking groups.

Having a city pet does require a more secure home and yard, as well as basic safety awareness. However, when the weather is gorgeous and fellow owners are relaxing on pet-friendly patios, you have to admit – the life of an urban pet is pretty wonderful.