Exploring the Spatial Elements and Characteristics of Pet-Friendly Accommodations

In modern society, companion animals are regarded as family members rather than merely pets. During the pandemic, increased interaction time with companion animals has led to greater interest in their living environment. Despite the growth of facilities and services for companion animals, there is still a lack of clear standards.This study analyzes the spatial elements and characteristics of domestic pet-friendly facilities, particularly accommodations. The essential components of pet-friendly accommodations are categorized into hygiene, safety, and convenience, related to the behavioral needs of companion animals. This study selected six domestic pet-friendly accommodations to derive spatial components. Through case analysis, space types and elements were classified into hygiene, safety, and convenience. These elements include (1) hygiene for bathing and feeding, (2) hygiene for sleep and rest, and (3) safety for activities like exploration and play. Additionally, spatial components supporting emotional stability and physical activity were analyzed. The spatial elements of pet-friendly accommodations were categorized into hygiene (feeding, excretion, bathing), safety (independent and interaction spaces), and convenience (emotional comfort and functional needs). These elements play a key role in providing a comfortable environment for both animals and their owners. The analysis revealed varying fulfillment levels for hygiene, safety, and convenience in pet-friendly accommodations. Most facilities provided hygiene elements like dedicated utensils, shampoo, and pads, but lacked facilities for infection prevention and antimicrobial functionality. While indoor safety was well addressed, outdoor facilities and emergency medical facilities need improvement. Experiential programs for emotional interaction were limited, and facilities lacked adequate arrangements for companion cats, which are prone to stress in unfamiliar environments. Despite these limitations, the study organized essential components of pet-friendly accommodations, offering a foundation for future petterior research. Future research aims to enhance pet-friendly environments by considering furniture, materials, lighting, equipment systems, and indoor/outdoor circulation.