Hey hoomans; Kochi now has a dog park

Rajendra Maidan was filled with wagging tails and friendly barks on Sunday evening for the inauguration of Kerala’s first ‘dog park’. The unanimous response from the pet parents, who seemed to have arrived in force with around 350 dogs at the venue, was that it was a much-needed and very welcome addition to the city.

Dona Denny and her partner at Pawsome Party, which conducts an annual dog flea market, took the idea to the GCDA committee and were delighted when the idea was greenlighted. “There was no outdoor space that pet owners could use and GCDA approved this space owned by them. Most major metros have this facility that gives pet owners access to the park at a specific time, so that people who may not be comfortable around pets can avoid the space at this time,” she says. The park will be open to dog owners from 8 am to 10 am, and 5 pm to 7 pm.

Dentist couple Sushmita Barik and Nihal Jayaprakash were at the park with their cocker spaniel, Momo. “When we got him, we had looked around to see if there were any dog parks in Kochi, because Bengaluru, Mumbai, Delhi and other cities have them. It is quite important considering there are so many pet owners who live in apartments. This is a good start, it would be great if there is a dedicated park always,” says Sushmita.

Dr Anitha Justin, who works in the UK, brought her lhasa apso to the inauguration and says she was very excited to hear about the park. “My dog is a bit difficult with other dogs, but I was happy to bring him here because I feel he’ll be better desensitised after mingling with other dogs. I’ve seen plenty of parks like this in the UK and it’s so good to have one in my hometown,” she says.

"The pet economy is a growing one; it is projected to touch Rs 22,000 crore in India. With the growth of nuclear families, pets are a way to combat loneliness. This park is needed to develop the humanity of our city and we are willing to overcome any challenges or criticism that we might face. We could even consider better spaces for a pet park, if needed," GCDA chairman K Chandran Pillai

Hibi Eden MP, "It is a sign of a matured society to have spaces for pets. In our city, people largely have their houses in very limited areas, so this is a good thing that they can have access to outdoor spaces"


Where is the park?
Rajendra Maidan

What time?
8 am to 10 am; 5 pm to 7 pm

Dos & Don'ts
- The park is now open only to dogs
- Pets will not be allowed to go off leash
- Water and snacks are not available, and should be carried by visitors
- Pet parents need to carry garbage bags to pick up after their pets. Fines will be imposed if waste is found




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