RSPCA Pet Insurance chief executive Brad Smith said that the change was positive but cautioned pet owners to consider whether their pet could cope with a public place.
“A dog that is calm at home may not cope well in a busy café, airport queue, crowded market or off-leash beach,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Smith said that dog-bite incidents could result in significant vet bills, with insurance claims exceeding $1500.
Mr Smith said the future of pets in public spaces would depend on owners showing that pets could be in public safely and respectfully.
“The more considerate owners are, the more likely cafés, councils, accommodation providers and transport operators are to keep making space for pets,” he said.
Veterinarian Dr Katrina Warren said that good ‘petiquette’ was about more than respecting venue rules, but also understanding that not every dog wanted to meet another dog.
“Dog-friendly does not mean every dog should be allowed to approach every other dog,” Dr Warren said.
“Some owners may be managing dogs that are anxious, reactive, older, injured, in training or simply uncomfortable with close contact,” she said.
“Letting your dog rush up to another dog, even with friendly intentions, can create stress very quickly.”
Dr Warren recommends always checking and respecting venue and council rules, keeping control of dogs and not letting them approach without permission, always cleaning up waste, watching for stress and respecting assistance animals.
