T
he one-eyed Persian cat Guinevere
is a former international traveler
now living out her golden years in
one of the most pet-friendly cities
on earth. Sprawled out in an endless
white fluff across my keyboard, she passively
protests the writing of this article as if to protect
the secret – life is sweet for pets in Vienna. With
progressive animal rights politics, 1 million
square meters of designated dog zones, and ani-
mal friendly businesses, pets have it good in our
fine city.
Our superb companions, pets teach us about
the important things in life, while doing wonders
for our health. All mammals (including us)
produce the cuddle hormone oxytocin, which
lowers stress and blood pressure, helps alleviate
depression and loneliness, and reduces anxiety.We get a dose of this powerful stuff whenever we
spend time with our pet.
Opt for a shelter pet, and you’ll make a friend for
life. At the Wiener Tierschutzverein (Vienna
Animal Protection Association) your buddy will
come to you prepped for city life, de-wormed,
spayed/neutered, vaccinated, registered, and
microchipped. Whether you adopt a cat, dog,
bird, or rodent, make sure you’ve got a good vet
lined up for your pet’s first checkup, and don’t be
afraid to ask questions of the gentle experts at
Tierarzt am Spittelberg. Although this 7th dis-
trict vet gets busy at peak hour, the exceptional
care and welcoming staff are worth the wait. They
offer alternative medicine and an impressive
aquarium to gaze at while you wait.
If you yearn for an aquatic, reptilian, arachnid,
insect or amphibian housemate, the following PHOTOS: THIS PAGE: EMRE GENCER / UNSPLASH; NEXT PAGE: ANTHONY GINSBROOK / PIXABAY.Not without my
pets! Vienna
offers pet lovers
everything a furry,
scaled or feathered
companion needs
BY LANA SHARPHOW TO ...
... Keep a Pet
in the City