Pet ownership is on the rise in Novosibirsk, with more and more residents welcoming animals into their homes.
Revamped Dining Experiences:
Pet owners are embracing meals out with their furry friends in Novosibirsk, and businesses are hopping on board too!
Take a look at ZOON, an online platform brimming with pet-friendly cafes and restaurants scattered across the city. Whether you're craving a bite in a swanky eatery or a cozy café, there's a pet-friendly spot for you.
This nationwide trend of pet-friendly dining spots in the Russian restaurant industry is steadily growing. Why? Cafes and restaurants experience increased foot traffic and higher average checks due to this pet-friendly policy.
As per a 2024 VTsIOM survey, 66% of Russians own pets, and their perception of animals is evolving. Pets are increasingly viewed as cherished family members, which makes it easier for them to thrive within various social settings, including restaurants.
Some businesses entice customers by bringing a feline twist to the café scene, like Murchim, which boasts three cat cafes in Novosibirsk. Here, "rescued kitties" call home while customers cuddle up over a cup of tea before adopting a new furry friend.
However, not all Novosibirsk restaurateurs are on board with this trend. Elena Aktuganova, a local restaurateur, shares her apprehensions regarding the growth of pet-friendly dining.
Navigating Through the Conundrum:
As an outside observer, Elena often witnesses food bowls for pets at café entrances. However, the acceptance of pets in dining establishments largely depends on the owner's stance towards animals. Those unwilling to accommodate pet owners can cite Federal Law No. 498-FZ, which emphasizes the owner's responsibility to ensure safety, cleanliness, and proper waste disposal in public spaces.
Elena raises concerns about maintaining hygiene standards in pet-friendly dining spots during mealtime. While maintaining cleanliness is crucial for preparing and consuming food, the presence of pets may introduce unwanted elements like pet hair or saliva onto food surfaces, potentially upsetting guests suffering from allergies.
So, how can pet-friendly restaurants maintain a clean and safe environment while accommodating pet owners?
When Fur Meets Fork: Working Towards a Balance
- Separate pet and food preparation zones
- Implement extensive cleaning schedules to ensure surfaces are sanitized regularly
- Train staff to uphold proper hygiene practices and handle pets safely
- Offer pet amenities like disposable waste bags to maintain sanitation in pet-friendly outdoor spaces (similar to initiatives such as Dog Friendly Х FOUR PAWS)
- Comply with local health department regulations to safeguard the well-being of both patrons and pets
By adopting these measures, pet-friendly restaurants can strike a balance between the desire for a pet-friendly atmosphere and maintaining high hygiene standards.
- In Novosibirsk, more pet owners are enjoying mealtime with their furry friends at pet-friendly cafes and restaurants, such as the ones listed on ZOON.
- To maintain cleanliness and safety, pet-friendly restaurants can establish separate zones for pet and food preparation, implement regular cleaning schedules, and train staff to uphold proper hygiene practices.
- To thrive in a pet-friendly lifestyle, some pet owners might appreciate home-and-garden spaces that cater to pets, like cat cafes such as Murchim in Novosibirsk.
- Despite the growing number of pet-friendly dining spots, some restaurateurs express concerns about maintaining hygiene standards and managing pets during mealtime, citing Federal Law No. 498-FZ that stresses responsibility for ensuring cleanliness and proper waste disposal in public spaces.
