Urban India has witnessed a remarkable rise in pet ownership, especially post-COVID. Families in cities like Mumbai, Pune, Bengaluru, and Delhi are increasingly embracing the companionship of dogs, cats, and even exotic pets. However, the joy of having a furry friend often comes with a frustrating reality—the glaring lack of pet-friendly spaces.

While our cities evolve to accommodate rapid urbanization, there remains a significant gap in infrastructure and social acceptance when it comes to our four-legged companions. From housing restrictions and travel hurdles to limited recreational spots, pet parents in India find themselves navigating a maze of challenges. It’s time we asked—where are the truly pet-friendly spaces in our cities?

1. Housing Woes: The ‘No Pets Allowed’ Dilemma

One of the biggest challenges for pet parents begins right at home. Pet-friendly housing in India is hard to come by. Many gated communities and apartment complexes impose strict rules against pets or limit their access to shared spaces like gardens or elevators. Even in buildings that technically permit pets, unspoken biases and hostile residents often create an unwelcoming atmosphere.

This lack of inclusivity not only affects the mental well-being of pets but also isolates pet owners who are forced to make difficult decisions—sometimes even giving up their pets due to housing constraints.

2. The Missing Link: Dog Parks and Recreational Spaces

Ask any pet parent in India about their biggest concern, and many will say, “Where can I take my dog out to play?” While dog parks near me may pop up in Google searches, the actual number of such parks is low. Urban planning rarely factors in pets, and open green spaces are fast disappearing.

In contrast, cities around the world—from New York to Amsterdam—boast dedicated dog parks with secure fences, water stations, and agility equipment. In India, the few parks that do exist are often inaccessible due to local regulations or are not maintained well enough to be safe for pets.

3. Dining Out: Where Are the Pet-Friendly Cafes?

Another major limitation is the lack of pet-friendly cafes in India. While a few metro cities have started experimenting with pet cafés or dog-friendly restaurants, they are still more of a novelty than the norm. For pet lovers who wish to spend their weekends enjoying a meal or coffee with their furry friend, options are limited.

Moreover, most regular restaurants deny entry to pets, citing hygiene regulations or fear of customer discomfort. But with changing consumer expectations and a growing pet economy, shouldn’t hospitality evolve too?

4. Travel Troubles: Not Everyone Can Tag Along

The Indian travel industry is only just beginning to acknowledge the demand for pet-friendly travel. From hotels with “no pets allowed” policies to airlines with limited pet-carrying capacity, vacationing with pets is an uphill task. Road trips bring their own challenges, with few pit stops offering amenities like pet relief zones or food options.

That said, there are encouraging signs. A handful of homestays, especially in Himachal, Goa, and Kerala, have begun branding themselves as pet-friendly accommodations. These early adopters are seeing business benefits as pet parents prefer to spend their holidays where the whole family, including the dog, can relax.

5. It’s Time for Policy and Infrastructure Change

Urban India needs to catch up with the growing demand for pet-friendly living. This includes:

• Clearer housing regulations that protect the rights of pet owners
• Inclusion of pet parks and open play zones in city planning
• Hospitality training for restaurants and hotels to handle pets
• Public awareness campaigns to reduce social stigma around animals

For businesses, this shift opens a vast opportunity. The pet care industry in India is growing at a CAGR of over 20%, and services that cater to pet-inclusive experiences—from grooming salons to pet-friendly cab services—are flourishing.

A City That Welcomes All Species

A truly inclusive city is one where every resident—human or animal—feels safe, welcome, and happy. The presence of pet-friendly spaces is not just about convenience; it’s a reflection of our values as a society. As more Indians open their homes to pets, it’s time our cities opened up too.

Whether it’s through dog parks, pet cafés, or inclusive housing policies, the future of urban living must make room for paws and tails. After all, our pets are more than companions—they are family.