Urbana's Market at the Square Pet and Animal Policy

No Pets or Animals, Please!

In 2012, as in 2011, Urbana’s Market at the Square will not allow animals or pets at the Market.

WHY?

Patron safety. Over the past several years, many more people have been attending the Market each Saturday, and along with the increase in people has come an increase in the number of animals and pets brought to the Market. The number of observed negative interactions between animals and other animals as well as animal and humans has also increased. A negative interaction can include growling, barking, snapping, or being on the receiving end of other unwanted attention.

Food safety and sanitation. Many patrons have let us know of their concerns regarding the presence of animals around food, especially unpackaged food.  Sanitation and cleanliness at the Market are also of concern to patrons as they browse the Market’s aisles. Other area events featuring food, such as the Urbana Sweetcorn Festival and The Taste of CU, have responded to similar concerns by requiring their visitors to leave their animals at home.

Animal safety. The denser crowds at the Market have led to tangled leashes and animals accidentally getting stepped on.

WHO WILL BE AFFECTED?

Animals and pets belonging to patrons will no longer be permitted within Lot 10X of the Market (the main Market area). However, animal rescue groups registered for space at the Market will be permitted to bring animals to their community group space. Service animals will continue to be permitted in all areas of the Market.

HOW WILL THE POLICY BE ENFORCED?

We will be working hard to ensure our patrons are aware of these changes before they come to the Market. We’ll be using public service announcements, our webpage, social media outlets, and signage at the Market to help get the word out. Owners bringing dogs or other animals to the Market will be asked to remove the animal from the Market.

If you have any questions or feedback concerning this change in our animal policy, please speak to our staff, fill out a comment card at the Market, or send an email to ljbralts@urbanaillinois.us.

Thanks again to all of our patrons for helping us build a strong local economy by supporting our farmers, food producers, and artisans – we look forward to another terrific season!