Although it was always assumed, in recent years the data has been confirmed: the presence of a companion animal can be very beneficial for mental health. that’s why today everything has become more pet friendly. Dogs are allowed not only in restaurants and hotels, but also in sanatoriums and even nursing homes.
to eat and sleep
The great surge of dining openings has also brought new places with animal-friendly policies. And since Buenos Aires is one of the cities with the most pets per capita in the world, there are many who take the opportunity to go out with their most faithful companions. “In general, the community considers the dog no longer as the animal that sleeps outside and takes care of the house, but as one more member of the family,” Tania describes about her followers on the @dogfriendlyba account. In it, she shares reviews on gourmet places that are dog-friendly and delicious, too. The goal is to share information about 100% dog friendly places inside. If this is not possible, because the place does not allow it, I no longer review them, because on the sidewalk or under an awning we are all dog friendly ”, he points out.
Thus, Tania and Simón, her beagle and the biggest tester of the places (a fundamental point because it is not such a small dog), rotate through different parts of the city and find their favorites. On this path, some of his recommendations are cafes in which the service is not only for humans. Like Beba, where they offer cookies to the dogs; Lobo, where they give them a plate of apple or cheese of their choice at no cost; Dog, where they are given balanced food; or Gökotta, where they are so pet friendly that, with an additional cost, it is even possible to print a photo of the pet in the coffee that is later drunk. Other recommended ones are Santal, Merope, Surry Hills Coffee, El Patio, Cocu and Padre Coffee Roasters.
If it is striking that the vast majority are specialty coffees, there is an explanation. For bromatological reasons, there should be no animals near kitchens or places where food is produced. For this reason, spaces with a greater number of meters can afford this license, or places where it is not produced on site. Following this line, dogs are also allowed in several branches of Usina Cafetera and in the Cabernet restaurant, where they are offered a dish for water.
The hotel industry has also taken note of the need to travel with the furry members of the family. So it happens in the Sheraton Buenos Aires, which made a strategic alliance with the Royal Canin brand to promote pet friendly spaces in its facilities. Today his proposal includes accommodation for two people with a buffet breakfast and special amenities for the comfort of the canine such as stainless steel dishes, sanitary bags and a kit with containers, a bed, a toy, a discount coupon on brand products and a sustainable bag made with recyclable packaging. They have capacity for dogs up to 20 kilos.
In the city of Buenos Aires, you can transport pets in the subway outside peak hours and on holidays, in a closed and ventilated device. Animals do not pay an extra ticket but must be transported by an adult. Uber, for its part, offers the service uber pets. This option must be checked before requesting the car and the acceptance of the trip is subject to the driver’s discretion.
As for airlines, there are already many that allow the transport of small dogs or cats in the cabin, in a suitable device. You have to pay an extra sum and there are breeds that are not allowed on board or in the hold. Consultation with the veterinarian is recommended before traveling.
For adults and children
In May of this year, the Buenos Aires Legislature approved the project that allows the entry of pets to geriatric residences. It was done by modifying Law No. 5760 and with the aim of accompanying the elderly through animal-assisted interventions within the residence. Although it is not yet regulated, there are many institutions that have received this news with joy.
“This therapy is a tool to improve the quality of life through interactions with animals, which promotes physical and motor activity, combats loneliness and strengthens emotional well-being,” explains Hernán Fainzaig, director of The Senior Home, from where they ensure that once it is regulated, the institution will embrace this initiative. “We know that the benefits are immense, there are works presented in several countries, such as Spain or Mexico. The most important thing is the reduction of stress and anxiety, the cognitive stimulation and the encouragement of social interaction”, he adds.
For this reason, the GCBA Undersecretary for the Elderly has implemented other activities with animals, such as the Compañeros+60 initiative, in which they look for older people to adopt pets and thus benefit each other. “In addition, together with the Health and Pets team, assisted interventions with animals are offered, both in our own residential establishments, in our shelter for the elderly in situations of violence, and in civil society organizations with which we articulate,” they describe. It is that in addition to the aforementioned benefits by Fainzaig, companion animals also provide a sense of responsibility and need for care that positively impacts older adults.
Finally, children also benefit from this type of company, especially in cases of hospitalization, a disruptive experience that can generate anguish, anxiety and a lot of stress. According to a study carried out by the National Institutes of Health in the United States, with this therapy there was a decrease in pain and stress, an improvement in mood, an increased desire for recovery, and more controlled and relaxed breathing.
In Argentina, this service has been incorporated into the De los Arcos Sanatorium and the Zabala Clinic, in partnership with Royal Canin. the protagonist of the story is Kira, a labradoodle specially trained to assist patients, play with them and accompany them in their hospitalization. “Kira is not just a visiting dog. There is a professional-can dyad with specific purposes for each patient. This space is used so that the child or adolescent relaxes and can more easily express their emotions and their fears while interacting with the dog and the professional”, details Carolina Micha, coordinator of the Swiss Medical Group Hospitalization Psychology service.
And what wonders did Kira achieve? From allowing to express emotions to adherence to certain treatments. “It is an engine for the boys to access situations that they often refuse, such as walking after spinal surgery, taking medication that they do not like, putting on an IV or going to the operating room,” describes Micha. Among her tricks, she highlights the possibility of hugging her, caressing her, combing her hair and even asking her to “high five”. All factors that make her wait for her next visit with drawings, gifts and great hope.
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