Pará launches Pet Friendly Seal to identify pet-friendly spaces
Pioneering initiative references establishments and environments that allow the presence of pets, with adequate infrastructure
The Government Palace of Pará is the first space to receive the Pet Friendly seal, an initiative that encourages the relationship between citizens and their pets. Two indicative signs were placed at the main entrance of the Executive Power headquarters on Tuesday, the 10th. The certification was installed after Governor Helder Barbalho sanctioned the bill that establishes the seal.
The governor highlighted the importance of the new practice for the Pará society. “With this, we can signal to families that have pets that they can choose these environments and bring their animals for their daily activities,” Barbalho stated. He noted that many people in Pará have pets and face difficulties in reconciling their routines with the well-being of the animals.
On the occasion, the vice-governor Hana Ghassan emphasized that “It is important that we have laws like this that show what kind of society we are, concerned with animal welfare.”
The law, proposed by Deputy Gustavo Sefer, establishes criteria for those who wish to allow dogs and cats in their establishments. The goal is to create adequate infrastructure that ensures a safe experience for both pet owners and those who do not have animals.
The seal is not limited to public spaces. Restaurants, shopping malls, bars, and hotels can also be certified, as long as they comply with the established norms. “The idea for this project arose precisely because I believe that many people have difficulty attending places due to restrictions on pet entry,” Sefer explained. He praised the government's sensitivity in quickly approving the law.
The mayor of Belém, Igor Normando, recalled that the development of public policies aimed at animal protection began years ago. “It was here in this Palace that we signed programs that brought health and dignity to animals that have no voice,” he said. Normando expressed his happiness at seeing the fruits of this work, which will bring even more benefits to the animal cause in Pará.
With the sanctioning of the law, the Government Palace not only becomes a Pet Friendly space but also a showcase for the adherence of other institutions to the practices of including animals. “Today, the Palace is the first public building to allow the presence of pets, and we hope this encourages other places to do the same,” commented Governor Barbalho.
The implementation of the seal has the potential to boost local commerce and promote tourism. Establishments that receive the seal will be officially recognized, which can increase the flow of customers who wish to bring their pets. Additionally, the initiative encourages responsibility in caring for animals, promoting a more inclusive culture.
“Nowadays, most families in the State of Pará have pets. And many times, an elderly person going to the supermarket does not have anyone to leave their pet with or wants the company of the animal. They would like to be able to take their pet to do their grocery shopping, and the supermarket that accepts pets can adhere to this seal, and this applies to a supermarket, a cinema, a shopping mall, a bar, a restaurant, a hotel, and it applies to public establishments,” concluded the governor.
