Pune, August 10th, 2023: The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has taken a significant step towards enhancing the city’s pet-friendly infrastructure by finalizing a 3-acre plot on Katraj-Kondhwa Road for the establishment of a dedicated dog park. The chosen plot, situated below the flyover, has been earmarked exclusively for this purpose, and officials have been instructed to ensure its allocation solely for the dog park project. The proposal to create a dog park at this location has been formally submitted to the Central Zoo Authority (CZA), and a budget estimate ranging from Rs 1 crore to Rs 5 crore has been put forward.
The move to establish a dog park in Pune follows in the footsteps of similar successful initiatives in cities like Hyderabad and Mumbai. The PMC’s decision is driven by the aim to provide pet owners with a designated space where they can engage with their furry companions in a safe and enjoyable environment. The proposed dog park is expected to offer a range of amenities, including dedicated walkways for pet owners, equipped with poop scoopers and composting pits. Other planned features include an amphitheater, a veterinarian clinic for essential first aid, a training center, play areas, a hair grooming parlour, and public awareness stalls promoting responsible pet ownership and licensing.
As part of its comprehensive vision for the dog park, the PMC intends to levy a nominal fee from pet owners for utilizing the facilities. The collected fees will be directed towards the maintenance and upkeep of the dog park, ensuring that the space remains well-maintained and continues to provide a positive experience for both pets and their owners.
Last month, the additional commissioner of the municipal corporation, along with relevant officials, conducted a site visit to the proposed location to ensure its suitability and viability for the dog park project. By emulating the success stories of other Indian cities, Pune is taking strides towards fostering a pet-friendly community and promoting responsible pet ownership. This initiative not only caters to the needs of pet owners but also creates a vibrant space where pets can socialize, exercise, and enjoy a higher quality of life in the urban landscape.
