Cubbon Park Canines: Beyond a Dog Park..

A Tail-Wagging Success Story: Cubbon Park Canines and Bangalore's Beloved Sunday Dog Park

In some ways The Cubbon Dog Park is also a call to redefine dog ownership through a lens of civic responsibility and community care—a shift from superficial branding to meaningful, actionable practices that benefit both pets and the community.

We so rarely talk about what we do at the Weekend Cubbon Dog Park. We are just so happy doing it. However we are delighted to share the work of The Cubbon Park Canines (CPC) volunteer team and the vibrant, decade-old Sunday dog park they passionately manage within the iconic Cubbon Park in Bangalore, India. We believe this unique initiative perfectly aligns with pet companies commitment to best pet practices globally and particularly the Mars pet-friendly cities initiative, BFCP.

Imagine a haven nestled amidst the lush greenery of Cubbon Park, bordering the majestic red State Central Library and the historic Century Club. Every Sunday, this space transforms into a joyful symphony of barks, playful yelps, and happy human laughter. As many onlookers gather outside the fence as there are dogs romping inside – a true testament to the park's magnetic appeal. This isn't just a dog park; it's what many call "heaven on earth," a cherished pet space, and tourist spot drawing visitors from across Bangalore,  India and even overseas.  It is also a testimony to Bangalore's  pre-eminent position  as India's pet capital fronted by  it's phenomenal petizens/ citizens. We coined that word in the city's most famous pet campaign #NotWithoutMyDog

Cycle of Activities at Cubbon Park Dog Park: Promoting a thriving community through dog socialization, volunteer dedication, active community engagement, and education on responsible pet ownership.

However, this delightful scene is the result of tireless dedication and meticulous effort. The CPC volunteers navigate the complexities of managing the space, coordinating seamlessly with the Horticulture Department (the custodians of the whole Cubbon Park) and consistently showing up every Sunday, rain or shine. While the focus is primarily pet dog socialisation, safety & discipline , serious messages (not lectures) are warmly and effectively interwoven in all interactions. Many children come with their parents to understand better, and we believe they eventually go back to get a family of their own, and they know that they must adopt . We do  believe visitors go away richer and a stronger part of a caring community.

The Sunday Dog Park fosters a fun atmosphere while achieving crucial dog socialization and welfare objectives. But it's more than just a collection of individuals; it's a burgeoning, deeply committed community united by their love for their own pets and, uniquely, for the free-ranging dogs of Cubbon Park, affectionately known as the "Parkies" – arguably the most famous free dogs in India! We actively encourage visitors to interact with, know  and show affection to these resident Parkies.

For the safety and well-being of all, clear Dog Park rules are prominently displayed at the entrance. Additionally, various posters address vital animal welfare issues. Our dedicated volunteers, comprising members of CJ Memorial Trust and new recruits, are trained in key "touch points" to engage with visitors, fostering greater awareness, compassion, and responsible pet ownership within their communities. 

Our touch points or core messages include:

• * #AdoptDontShop and celebrating #IndieProud

• * Emphasizing the importance of Spay/Neuter your Pet

• * Promoting Responsible Pet Parenting ie #RPP: Leashing outside designated areas, picking up after pets, ensuring vaccinations and necessary medication.

• * Championing #DogTagged NOT #DogGone #NoMoreLostDogs 1800 dog tags given away! 

• * Raising awareness about basic animal cruelty laws.

• * Encouraging participation in the famed CJMT local animal welfare squads to foster good community membership.

• * Highlighting the legal rights and significance of community or street dogs, bridging the perceived gap between "our pets" and "their street dogs."

• * Identifying neutered and vaccinated street dogs through ear notches and ensuring intact dogs are appropriately managed by the local authorities (BBMP). Encouraging streetie neuter

• * Conducting regular adoption drives at the Sunday Dog Park, which have successfully facilitated hundreds of adoptions through our network.

• * Engaging children with dogs through formal initiatives like "Santa Bow Wow." 

• * Celebrating canine oriented South Asian  festivals like Kukur Tihar for over 6 years

Impact of Cubbon Park Dog Park: Celebrating community engagement with over 50% dog adoption rates, a 4.8-star rating from 1500+ reviews, responsible pet ownership, and a strong focus on animal welfare and rescue efforts.

The percentage of adopted and Indie dogs have crossed  50% at the dog park and it is an absolute joy to see the impact that we have had via constant conversations, anecdotes and storytelling. Visitors truly understand the concept of #Indieproud. The many adoptions that have happened in  the dog park and well as fosters  have been heartwarming as have been the rescues that have been triggered and taken  to a logical end 

We were also tickled  to recently discover a 4.8-star rating on Google Maps for the Cubbon Park Dog Park, accompanied by over 1500 ecstatic reviews – a powerful testament to the positive impact of this initiative. We had no idea !

We firmly believe that the Cubbon Park Sunday Dog Park, driven by the unwavering dedication of The Cubbon Park Canines team & CJ Memorial Trust, embodies the spirit of responsible pet ownership, community engagement, and animal welfare that MARS champions.This unique model could be a valuable addition to your global best pet practices showcase and a shining example within your BFCP initiative.

We would be delighted if you could check out further information, images, and clips about the incredible work being done here on FB,Insta etc ...

Come visit us and see for yourself.