Leisure Industry Canine Inclusiveness: Dog Friendly Cinemas Trending Globally
Dog friendly cinemas are on the rise as cinema chains globally try to lure viewers back into cinema seats, but this time they can bring their dogs with them.
At first glance, the sight of a poodle wearing a yellow dress perched atop a cinema seat or a Chihuahua sporting a Sebastian the Crab costume ready to enjoy Disney's 'The Little Mermaid' might seem like whimsical fiction. However, this heartwarming scene was reality at the recent opening of Thailand's first pet-friendly cinema on the outskirts of Bangkok.
In a milestone move promoting canine inclusiveness, this innovative cinema venture welcomed scores of pet enthusiasts along with their four-legged companions, each making a grand entry in their respective strollers. This exciting development stems from an increasing recognition of the growing pet industry in Thailand, which currently stands as the second largest in Asia, closely following China. The statistics from industry data show that there were approximately 8.3 million dogs and 3.7 million cats in the country in 2021, a number which only swelled during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, the development hasn't come without a fair share of challenges and criticisms. For instance, Tungchae, a 62kg Alaskan Malamute who arrived in a bespoke 1.5-square-metre dog trolley fitted with a fan, was deemed too large to enter, highlighting the limitations in accommodating pets of all sizes. There have also been voices of dissent among pet owners questioning the suitability of the cinema environment for pets.
The original story, found here, elaborates on the varied viewpoints about this novel concept. While some pet owners appreciate the initiative, considering it a welcome solution for pets grappling with separation anxiety post-lockdown, others argue that the idea is "unnatural" and even amounts to "torture".
Dissenters argue that the required containment measures for pets, such as keeping them in bags and putting them in diapers, may not offer an enjoyable experience for animals. Critics question whether the confined, dark and occasionally loud cinema environment truly caters to pets' wellbeing and comfort.
Proponents, on the other hand, believe that pets can genuinely enjoy the cinema. One pet enthusiast equates the cinema atmosphere to a bedroom setting, suggesting that pets might even engage with the movie during their wakeful moments. Despite the differing views, this initiative undeniably pushes the envelope on canine inclusiveness. It signifies a cultural shift towards acknowledging pets as integral family members with their own set of recreational needs. It will be interesting to observe how this trend unfolds and how it influences pet-friendly infrastructure and experiences worldwide.
Across the globe, the trend of pet-friendly cinemas is gaining considerable traction, reflecting the growing desire for shared experiences with our furry friends. In the United States, for example, the K9 Cinemas in Texas pioneered the concept, offering dog-friendly movie screenings complete with comfortable sofas and a complimentary serving of dog biscuits for every ticket purchased. Not just an engaging recreational spot, K9 Cinemas also organizes themed movie nights and doggy parties, setting a high standard in canine entertainment.
Across the pond in Europe, initiatives like the Picturehouse Central in London's West End host "Dog-Friendly Screenings" where well-behaved dogs are welcomed with open arms. They even go the extra mile by providing blankets for dogs to snuggle into and keep warm. In Australia, Moonlight Cinemas in Sydney and other cities run 'Doggy Nights' during the summer, where audiences can relax under the stars with their dogs while enjoying a film. These initiatives highlight a worldwide shift in recreational activities, incorporating pet-inclusive practices that appeal to a broad spectrum of pet-loving movie-goers.
