It’s no secret that pets are an integral part of a healthy and happy community. Pets get us out of the house, encourage relationships with new people and foster stronger neighborhood bonds.

A new program called Pet Inclusive Novato has just launched and we hope more cities in Marin add their own Pet Inclusive programs.

Pet Inclusive Novato encourages and celebrates pet-inclusive practices in Novato housing, restaurants, hotels, retail stores and workplaces. From offering a pet menu featuring real food in an expansive outdoor area to hosting robust pet adoption, vaccination and training events, each of these businesses has expanded its core offering to support customers’ enjoyment of life with their pets.

“Being pet-inclusive goes beyond the basics to considering how people genuinely consider pets to be part of their family today,” said Nancy McKenney, chief executive officer of Marin Humane, which administers the grant-funded program on behalf of the city of Novato. “It can be something elaborate or as simple as a merchant allowing pets to encourage their customers to never leave a pet in a hot car.”

The initial seal grants announced this week serve as an invitation to all Novato businesses to visit the program’s website, where there are examples of how to become pet-inclusive. Then, businesses can complete a simple application to apply for the “proud to be pet inclusive” seal and the promotion that goes with it.

Its first seals of excellence have been awarded to HopMonk Tavern at Vintage Oaks, Pet Food Express’ two Novato locations, Woodlands Pet Food & Treats at Pacheco Plaza and Inn Marin on Entrada Drive.

“After Novato became the first city in Marin to earn ‘Better Cities for Pets’ status in 2023, it just made sense that we make Novato an even better place for pets by developing this seal program with Marin Humane,” said Novato Mayor Rachel Farac.

“Novato has such a variety of businesses, from sole proprietors to some of the largest businesses in the county,” said Christina Mendes, chief executive officer of the Novato Chamber of Commerce. “We like how this program doesn’t try to dictate pet-inclusivity but instead shines a light on ways businesses can find what works for them.”

Housing is a key area for pet-inclusivity. The city’s latest housing element for the first time added language that encourages “the establishment of best practices for rental units to allow for renters with animal companions or pets to secure and maintain housing in Novato.”

Employers may allow pets in the workplace, but some are finding that more substantive benefits like discounted pet health insurance or pet bereavement time go further to retain and attract employees. The Pew Research Center recently found that 51% of United States pet owners think “their pets are as much a part of their family as a human member.” In urban areas, that number climbs to 61%.

Pet Inclusive Novato, which uses no public funds, is intended to eventually be a model for the county’s other 10 municipalities. After it completes its launch in Novato, it will be offered as a framework and set of best practices to all Marin’s cities in early 2026. The program could be administered by other cities’ chambers of commerce, business districts or a community volunteer group. We look forward to recognizing more pet-inclusive communities soon.

For more information, visit petinclusivenovato.org.

Brian Cooley is the chair of advocacy committee of Marin Humane, which contributes Tails of Marin and welcomes questions and comments from the community. Visit marinhumane.org, find us on social media @marinhumane, or email lbloch@marinhumane.org.