I live in it Swiss for several years now. I return every year lime with my family, to get together with our loved ones, to walk around the city and, above all, to feel that emotional connection again that you never completely let go of. This time we traveled with my wife, my ten year old daughter and Ottoour dog poodle Peruvian who was born in Peru but now lives with us in Europe. For us, Otto is neither an exception nor a whim: he is part of the family.
The trip was not insignificant. Many hours of flying, one stopover Paris and the responsibility to ensure that everyone, human and canine, has a peaceful experience. Otto is trained, used to traveling and accompanying us everywhere. He had flown within Europe before and also on his first trip from Lima Genevaabout three years ago. Nothing improvised. All planned with the care of a family who wants to integrate it into their daily life.
Check in at Geneva It was warm and flowing. They checked the documents, looked at the carrier bag and wished us a safe trip. Same thing in Paris. No additional comments, no gestures of discomfort. Everything normal. Everything professional.
When reaching limethe experience began to change. I had coordinated a transport service in advance, but in the end it didn’t arrive. We had to take a taxi from the airport. We shared that we were traveling with one small dog and after consulting with the driver, he accepted the service. When we got in, the taxi driver asked us, not without discomfort, not to put the dog on the ground, but to carry it or carry it on our laps. After more than fifteen hours of driving, we decided not to say anything. We were surprised, but we carried on.
The first weekend we went to one Shopping center with sea view. We had reserved a table at a restaurant (on the terrace) to have lunch with a friend. On arrival we were informed that this was not permitted dogs. It caught our attention. The mall had pet drinking fountains in various public areas. So was it pet friendly or not? Can you walk with pets, but not sit and eat with them, even outdoors?
We then try to enter a Clothing store. Access was also not permitted. We looked at each other in a bit of disbelief. Over the next few days we walked around Miraflores and we got to several cafes and restaurants without any problems. Some were even particularly friendly to Otto. The experience was contradictory.
Days later, towards the end of the trip, we had to buy one Suitcase. We went to another mall, this time in Salaverry. Here too the answer was no: pets are not allowed. I stayed outside with Otto while my wife and daughter went shopping. It wasn’t a big drama, but it was a pattern that was starting to repeat itself.
Before we left for the airport, we went to a café Miraflores. They informed us that they were in the process of obtaining municipal approval to enter the country Petsbut they still let us pass. This simple and human gesture made a difference.
All of this could have remained an urban anecdote, a sum of coincidences. Until the least expected moment came.
In it Airport counterWhen we returned to Europe we were told that Otto couldn’t fly. The argument was that it did not meet the required requirements. It was disturbing. Otto had arrived in Lima in the same bag, on the same airline, under the same conditions and, most importantly, it was the same dog. They said he couldn’t “stand” properly. However, Otto was able to turn around comfortably, lie down and remain calm. In fact, as part of his training, he did this every time he entered the bag, without resistance.
I asked to speak to a responsible person. He never got close to him. They told us that the decision would be made by Team captain. While we waited, we saw another family with a pet also being denied boarding due to alleged baggage violations.
Almost two and a half hours passed. Otto remained calm the entire time. Finally it came captain together with his crew. They observed the situation, saw the dog, examined the bag and said a simple and powerful sentence: “As it came, so it comes back.”
And that’s how it was. Otto traveled without any problems, with an attentive and respectful crew. We are relieved.
But the question remained open.
Why is that? Initial resistance? Ambiguity in the rules? Too rigid interpretations? Lack of training, empathy or problem-solving skills? Why does the same approach work in other countries and conflict arises here?
He Peru changes. More and more households are taking theirs into account Pets Part of the family. The numbers show it: According to private studies (Entre Patas, Ipsos2023), about 58% of Peruvian households have at least one pet. Among these households, 88% of pet-owning households choose a dog as a loyal companion, while about 38% of households have cats. Cities also change and adapt. There are more parks, more services and businesses focused on pets, and more conversations about animal welfare. There is even talk of global trends: as in Europe and the USA, living with pets is already part of urban design, transport and hospitality.
However, that is everyday experience remains uneven. The point is not that pets are everywhere without rules. It’s about clarity, consistency and respect. Knowing where yes and where no. That the rules exist, are well communicated and are applied consistently.
Be Pet friendly It’s not just about putting a water fountain or a sticker on the door. It means training staff to anticipate situations and understand that well-behaved and cared for pets are also part of modern social life.
Travel with one pet It should not be a test of patience or an exercise in improvisation or negotiation. Nor is it an experience characterized by uncertainty. Rules exist and must exist, but they also require judgment, consistency and humanity. In a country where more and more people see their pets as part of their home, cohabitation is not governed by tacit prohibitions or decisions that vary depending on the place or person who looks after them. Maybe it’s not just a matter of asking ourselves if that Peru is animal-friendly, but it’s about something simpler and deeper: when we are ready to live better together, respect clear rules and, above all, understand that shapes also matter.
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