More establishments are opting for the pet-friendly environment, and are giving four-legged animals a place to enjoy with their owners, without them worrying about leaving their pets in unsafe places or at home. Although there are regulations both businesses and pet owners have to follow, this trend is becoming more popular in the state and is gaining recognition among the animal-lover community….
MERIDA — According to El Debate newspaper, at least 50 new establishments around the city are joining the “pet-friendly” trend this 2017. Yucatán already has some businesses that count with the necessary regulations for pets to be there, such as: cafés and restaurants. Likewise, places like City Center [shopping mall], and Cinemex allow pets in their buildings. These sites are adapted (as long as they meet the standards set by the COFEPRIS) and are mostly located outdoors, that is, where people can go to eat or dine, or simply have a coffee or an ice cream.
Photo: El Debate
The president of the National Chamber of Commerce of Merida (CANACOME), Juan José Abraham Dáguer, commented that “pet-friendly” sites have become a trend that is gradually growing in the city. He pointed out that certain businesses that, due to their nature, are likely to adopt this tendency. “Although not all sites are specifically ‘pet-friendly’, places that have a terrace allow access to pets, mostly small dogs. Thus, more establishments are allowing pets to attract all types of people”, he expressed.
Places where access to pets is permitted must comply with certain regulations set by the COFEPRIS (Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk) to avoid legal issues, since they must guarantee hygiene to the attending diners (this applies to restaurants, cafés and cinemas). Additionally, nowadays there are pet-care centers, which are an option for owners who are in the need of a safe place to leave their pets while they are on vacations.
Yucatán counts with at least 15 places that specialize in pet-care. These sites work 24 hours a day, especially during holidays, such as summer and winter. Their costs range from $100 to $250 pesos per day and cover all the pet’s needs. They provide food, shelter and a little fun through daily walks, keeping the four-legged animals active and calm during their owners’ absence.
