Have pets lost their welcome mat?

The rise and recent reversal of pet-friendly policies in public spaces is examined from the perspectives of pet owners, non-pet owners, and business operators. The discussion highlights the core conflict: pet owners view bringing their animals to public spaces as normal, while others are concerned about hygiene, safety, and disturbance. This is further complicated by inconsistent enforcement of rules (leashes, muzzles) and varying definitions of "pet-friendly." A hot pot restaurant in Suzhou that suspended its pet dining concept due to complaints exemplifies the challenges businesses face. The speakers suggest potential solutions such as designated pet-friendly zones or time slots, and hosting breed-specific events, while acknowledging the difficulties of implementation and the need for individual responsibility. A story about a dog owner becoming upset when asked to move her dog away while someone was eating highlights the lack of experience in navigating these situations.