For most of the year, we spend our days wishing we had some free time to enjoy with our best friend. Because we need it. And because it’s the best! Suddenly summer arrives, and we have all the time in the world to spend together. But then the inevitable question arises: where should we go? When it comes to going to the beach or the pool, the options for enjoying time together are limited. And the frustration and helplessness increase. “Why do we constantly have to overcome obstacles to enjoy a very simple right, that of living life with our pets?” many people wonder.
Little by little, things are changing. And this summer has started with very good news for aristopeters. The opening of pools (such as the one in Madrid) and beaches where dogs are allowed is always heartening. And encouraging. It’s only a matter of time before there are more places where our furry friends are welcome.
One of those pieces of good news came recently from Pinedo (Valencia). At Pinedo Beach, “Platja Can,” a “resort” for dogs at one end of the beach, has opened. A place to swim, play, meet other aristopeters, and share the long summer days among waves and laughter. For many Valencians, going to the beach was somewhat traumatic, precisely because they couldn’t take their dogs to the beach and the dogs had to stay at home, waiting (we all know how heartbreaking it is when we have to do that). Although there are many dog-friendly beaches in the Valencian Community, they are not enough. That is why the municipal initiative, conceived by councillor Pilar Soriano, has received so much applause.
All dogs are welcome at “Platja Can”: big ones, small ones, nervous ones, mischievous ones, cuddly ones… And the best part is that they interact with one another without any problems: they play, run, and sniff each other…
The beach facilities are equipped with dog waste bag dispensers and showers, so dogs don’t take sand home with them. The area is also marked off with ropes and pennants, as well as a logo. The beach rules are based on common sense: pick up waste, supervise your dog, and put a muzzle on it if it is considered potentially dangerous… The local authorities encourage people to follow the regulations to avoid fines and to “not prove right” those who believe that a dog beach is a bad idea. So let’s all make an effort to behave exemplary!
If you’re visiting the Valencian Community this holiday or were looking for a destination to visit with your pet, we encourage you to take a slight detour to Pinedo to enjoy this inclusive beach, where both you and your dogs will enjoy an extraordinary day, full of excitement and enlivened by the happy barking of the furry ones as they jump, run, and discover the Mediterranean.
Also, if you go to the beach with your dog, don’t forget that by posting a photo on Instagram with the hashtag #iberiaaristotravel and following the accounts @Iberia and @aristopet, you could win Avios to travel wherever you want.