For many pet parents in Bengaluru, weekends are less about sleeping in and more about stepping out with a leash in one hand and a water bottle in the other. From early morning walks at Cubbon Park to brunches at pet-friendly cafés and even day-long adventures at pet resorts, the city is steadily becoming more welcoming to furry companions and their humans alike.
Sunday-Funday with your pet
“As work takes over the weekdays, my partner and I make it a point to spend quality time with our dog over the weekend,” says Disha, a pet parent in the city. “It helps that Bengaluru now has many pet-friendly options.”
For PR professional Ruchi Brahmbhatt, Sundays begin with an outing to Cubbon Park with her dog Zack. “We usually take an auto there early in the morning. He gets his long walk, plays off-leash while I relax at our usual spot, and we leave before the crowd builds up,” she says.
On some weekends, the plans shift to pet cafés. “At Therpup Café, Zack spends time swimming and playing while I unwind with food and mocktails. Sometimes, we even squeeze in a grooming session before heading home,” she adds.
Doggo day-outs are now a thing
With increasingly busy work schedules, some pet parents are now opting for day-care style experiences for their pets. Abhishek ND, founder of The Pawsome Camp, says they even run a doggy school bus service that picks pets up from home, lets them spend the day at the camp and drops them back later. “We believe dogs shouldn’t stay indoors all the time. Pent-up energy can lead to aggression and destructive behaviour, while a stimulated and well-rested dog is naturally calmer,” he says.
The camp offers activities including pack walks, mud and sensory play, nature therapy and short trips to nearby lakes.
The rise of pet-first cafés
Pet-friendly cafés, too, are evolving beyond simply allowing pets inside. Ankur Jain, founder of Therpup Café, calls it a “pet-first café”, where animals are treated as the primary guests. “We have a swimming pool, lawn spaces and play zones where pets can run around unleashed; it’s like a Disneyland for pets. But yes, there still aren’t enough spaces in the city where pets can socialise freely,” he says.
Meanwhile, Longboat Brewery and Co has introduced a designated pet zone along with a dedicated pet menu featuring items such as sweet potato treats, curd rice, pup cakes and broiled chicken porridge. “People with pets love to come here because it’s cooler than other places due to the fact that we have the biggest waterfall in a microbrewery in the country and plantations,” shares its owner Vinay Chandrasekhar.
The not-so-paw-fect part!
Despite the growing number of pet-friendly spaces, pet parents say the city still has gaps. Preeti Nair, who has adopted a rescue dog, says crowded public places can be difficult. “My dog Romeo is scared of traffic and noisy environments. I wish there were more enclosed, quieter spaces where pets could feel safe,” she says.
Meanwhile, cat parents point out another issue. “Most pet cafés are designed for dogs. Cats can get overwhelmed in those environments, and there are very few spaces created specifically with them in mind,” says Anisha Singh, a cat parent.
Planning a Cubbon Park picnic with your pet?
- Carry water, treats and waste bags
- Bring a mat and your pet’s favourite toys
- Pick a shaded, less crowded spot
- Avoid peak afternoon heat
- Ensure your pet wears a name and contact tag
- Plan a game of fetch or some off-leash playtime if the space permits
