NAUVOO, Ill. – Officials have announced the city of Nauvoo has earned City Certification through the Better Cities For Pets program from Mars Petcare, showcasing its commitment to creating a pet-friendly community.
More people than ever view pets as members of the family, and with at least 60 percent of households in the U.S. and Canada including a pet, Nauvoo is on the forefront of creating a vibrant community where pets are not only welcome, but thrive.
Nauvoo’s Mayor Tacy Nelson said “In Nauvoo we understand that for many people, pets are family. They bring us joy, companionship, and better health, and they deserve spaces that welcome them. Nauvoo is happy to be a Pet Friendly city, and we hope to continue to be able to provide a safe space where you feel comfortable and welcome to bring your pets.”
Nauvoo has multiple programs and policies to support a pet-friendly community, including:
• Dog Park – Located in the Nauvoo Park District at 395 N Winchester Street. This fenced in Dog Park is perfect for off leash fun for your four legged friend.
• Trap, Neuter, Release (TNR) programs for cats – Nauvoo has two TNR programs to help control the feral cat population. Purrfect Cat Rescue and Neuter Nauvoo are both working to control the cat population humanely.
• Pet Friendly Workspaces – A variety of Nauvoo businesses are committed to allowing pet owners to bring their pets with them to work. The City of Nauvoo, Nauvoo Public Library, Nauvoo Police Department, Eborn Books, KL Real-estate, Ramsey Financial, Motley Fitness, and Three Keys Collection are all pet friendly workspaces.
• Pet Friendly Businesses – Several Nauvoo businesses are pet friendly and welcome pets in their businesses including KL Real-estate, Ramsey Financial, State Bank of Nauvoo and patios at local restaurants Lock 19, Fireside BBQ, Baxter’s Winery, and Sunset Hill Shave Ice.
• Pet Friendly Lodging – Nauvoo has several lodging accommodations that welcome people traveling with their pets. Inn at Old Nauvoo, Temple House Hotel, Camp Nauvoo, Nauvoo State Park, and Cambre Suites all have pet friendly rooms and/or overnight accommodations.
• Scenic Pet Friendly Walks – Nauvoo has many scenic walking areas for leashed pets. Nauvoo State Park, Nauvoo Riverwalk, and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Historic Sites are all wonderful scenic paths to enjoy with your four legged companion.
The Better Cities For Pets city certification launched in 2019 as an extension of the Better Cities For Pets program, which works with government, businesses and non-profits to help communities be pet-friendly. It was created in partnership with Civic Design Center, a leader in designing public spaces, and incorporates input from government and animal welfare experts. The program also offers a pet-friendly certification for airports.
“We established the Better Cities For Pets™ certification to celebrate cities that are creating positive and welcoming environments for people and their pets, and encourage more cities to recognize the benefits of our four-legged friends,” said Lisa Campbell, senior vice president of Corporate Affairs at Mars Petcare. “We look forward to continuing to support cities as we work toward our purpose: A Better World For Pets.”
