According to a recent survey by Downtown Nashville Partnership, more than 3,000 dogs live in Downtown Nashville. With this fast-moving population growth comes a need for more pet-friendly policies, homes and amenities.

As one key step, together with the Downtown Nashville Partnership, Mars Petcare is supporting the needs of urban pet owners by installing more waste and hydration stations downtown, and creating “parklets” that offer more green space for pets to “go.”

These amenities are also emerging as a priority for local pet owners; more than 50 percent of downtown residents surveyed recently said they wished there were more waste and hydration amenities for local pups, and nearly 40 percent want more dog-friendly parks in the area, and local partners are responding to this desire.

“Knowing that our residents have more pets than ever, we are working to implement new amenities to make the quality of life better for all family members, including those with four legs,” said Tom Turner, president & CEO, Nashville Downtown Partnership.