When cities are pet friendly, people and communities can enjoy the many benefits of pets, from individual companionship to neighborly connections.

But successful pet-friendly places depend on pet owners making responsible choices so pets, pet owners and non-pet owners alike can be comfortable and safe. That’s why responsible pet ownership communication is key – to educate about and reinforce the behaviors that make pet owners successful.

In fact, when we asked BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program participants about their pet-related challenges, 90% ranked support for responsible pet ownership as a high or emerging need.*

This toolkit aims to help by gathering a variety of tools and resources to assist cities in spreading the word about topics from local pet ordinances to pet waste cleanup to emergency preparedness.

Tools for Cities

Here are resources to help you plan ongoing messaging in your city that supports responsible pet ownership.

• Pets in Public: Key Messages for Pet Owners
• How to Plan a Year of Responsible Pet Ownership Content
• How to Make Sure Pet Images Communicate Responsible Choices
• How to Use Signage to Educate about Responsible Pet Ownership
• Ways to Spotlight Local Pet Ordinances and Licensing Requirements
• How to Help Pet Owners Prepare for Emergencies
• Case Study: Washington, D.C. “Pride is Picking Up” Program
• Case Study: Fort Wayne Dog Bite Prevention Education
• Signage for Pet-Friendly Places Toolkit

Free Downloads to Share

We welcome you to share these resources that provide helpful tips for pet owners.

• Happy Pet Handbook for Pet Parents (PDF)
• Pet Post Kids Activity Worksheet (PDF)
• Be Ready! Emergency Tips Booklet (PDF)
• Pet Go Kit for Emergencies Tip Booklet (PDF)
• Travel Tips Booklets (PDFs)
• Tips for the First Few Days When You Adopt a Pet (PDF)
• WALTHAM™ Pocket Book of Responsible Pet Ownership (PDF)

Tips for Pet Owners

These are articles you can share or use as resources to create your own content about positive pet parent choices.

• 9 Ways Responsible Pet Owners Make Life Better for Pets and People
• How to Keep Track of Your Pet and Avoid Pet Homelessness
• How to Be a Good Pet Neighbor
• In Case of Emergency, Who Cares for Your Pet?
• Pet Safety Tips for Entertaining
• Pet Fire Safety
• Tips for Taking Your Pet to a Restaurant, Bar or Café
• How to Keep Pets Happy and Healthy While You’re Away from Home

* Source: Online survey by Mars Petcare of BETTER CITIES FOR PETS™ program participants, January to March 2024.