How important is 'pet-friendly'? Very.

Robert Gibbs

Urban planning and design expert Robert Gibbs has been in North Palm Beach this week as part of the Master Plan initiative. Gibbs, who teaches an executive course in urban design at Harvard,  made a presentation on future trends at the North Palm Beach Country Club on Tuesday (details here).

In his talk he stressed the importance of "walkability" to the Millennial generation. In a followup interview, I asked Gibbs how important it is for cities and retail to be pet-friendly.

"It's very important," Gibbs said. "Dog parks are a must" in any urban plan these days. Not only parks, but accommodating pets is a growing trend in retail.

More stores are allowing pets on a leash, he said. Even Class A office space has moved from marble floors in the lobby to concrete in difference to dogs with muddy feet.

Gibbs said the demographics of North Palm Beach are ideally suited for pet ownership, citing:

• 40 percent of households are single
• 18 percent are seniors 65 and older, living alone
• 50 percent are two-person or one-person
• 7 percent are single females.

What about the idea of weight-limit restrictions, such as no dogs over 15 pounds?

"That's not a dog," he laughed.

Need more evidence of a trend? Amtrak just announced:

"Amtrak Expands Pet Program Across the Country."

​Maybe time for a slight modification of the Village motto -- "The best, and most pet-friendly, place to live under the sun."

Speaking of pets, don't forget the "Puppy Love" event coming up Feb. 13 at Anchorage Park:

Puppy LoveSaturday, Feb. 13 at 10:00 am. You and your “best friend” can enjoy a morning of contests and fun by the Bark Park at Anchorage Park, 603 Anchorage Dr. Examples of contests may include: Best Valentine Attire, Best Tail Wagger, Best Trick, Best Singing Dog, Smallest Dog, Largest Dog, and Best Kisser. A fun-filled afternoon for all! You don’t need a dog to attend this event! Several organizations will have adoptable dogs on hand! For more information, please call 841-3386.

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