Brucelee, a black and white Shih Tzu is a bundle of energy as he trots along with Maya, another Shih Tzu. They are soon joined by Luna, a gentle St Bernad. They prance through dry-leaf tunnels and hop around sand pits, bringing smiles to morning walkers at the State’s first dog park, located at Udhagamandalam’s Arboretum Tree Garden. While the garden covers an area of over three acres, the park, built at a cost of ₹40 lakhs, has earmarked play zones, water sprinklers, besides a fully functional obstacle course to keep animals entertained. Every day, about 10 to 15 dog lovers and their furry companions gather together at the park.
On a chilly winter morning, sunrays filter through a boulevard of native and exotic trees at the Arboretum Tree Garden that stands tall next to the Ooty Lake. The tree garden not only showcases the thriving plant diversity of the Nilgiris but also offers visitors insights into the region’s rich ecology, conservation and climate resilience.
The park has been designed entirely around the existing trees, so dogs can enjoy a naturally shaded environment
| Photo Credit:
SATHYAMOORTHY M
“We selected the Arboretum Park for several reasons,” says Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru IAS, the Nilgiris District Collector. “One of the biggest advantages is the natural tree cover. There are many mature trees here, providing excellent shade, and we were very clear that we would not cut or remove even a single tree. The park has been designed entirely around the existing trees, so dogs can enjoy a naturally shaded environment.” Designed to prepare dogs for district, state and national-level competitions, the park features 13 training activities, including doggie crawl, archway run, stepping riser, teeter-totter, hoop jump and weave poles. Inputs from organisations like the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) were taken into account while developing the park.
Another factor was that as the public footfall here is low, they felt that the space could be put to better use. A small stream passes through the centre of the park, dividing it into two halves which helped to plan the exclusive zone for pets. “Within the zone, we have created separate areas for small dogs and large dogs, all of which are completely fenced,” she says as we tour the park.
People walking around the park can watch the dogs playing from outside the enclosure. Water bowls are placed throughout the park. There are leash stands too to help owners relax while keeping their pets secure. “Inside, we have installed various play and agility equipment, keeping in mind that Ooty also hosts dog shows every year.”
Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru IAS, the Nilgiris District Collector at the park
| Photo Credit:
SATHYAMOORTHY M
Pet dog trainers and owners can bring their animals for training, however, registration of dogs is mandatory. Dog owners from across Nilgiris district can register their pets on umcpetregistration.in along with details such as the owner’s name and address, photographs of the dog, and vaccination records. Veteran dog trainer P Ravi Kumar, who has over 40 years of experience, says the park will prove useful for his dogs. “I have 35 dogs. German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers and Great Danes. For German Shepherds especially, we need a big ring where the dog can run 20 to 30 rounds continuously,” he says.
Ravi Kumar runs boarding where people from across the country leave their pets with him for months. “Running and obedience training is essential. We participate in dog shows across India and travel in AC coupes because the dogs must be kept comfortable.”
Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru IAS, the Nilgiris District Collector at the park that has earmarked play zones
| Photo Credit:
SATHYAMOORTHY M
JR Sentamizhselvan, a Class XI student, owns a Doberman, Labrador, German Shepherd and a Shih Tzu says the park allows him to spend more time with his pets. For college student Martin, time at the park with his Beagle Mia is therapeutic. Another student, D Krithik says he started using the space to train his six-month-old German Shepherd and Pug.
Doggie crawl, archway run, stepping riser, teeter-totter, hoop jump and weave poles are installed at the park for training purposes
| Photo Credit:
SATHYAMOORTHY M
K Arunprasath, who trains Caravan Hounds, a native hunting breed from Karnataka, highlights the park’s role in canine mental health. “These dogs are great runners. We’ve been training dogs for 15 years. A park like this with lots of open spaces helps reduce anxiety and stress.”
The Collector, a dog lover herself, says it was important to create a dedicated and safe space for dogs, where pets can move freely.
The park has a fully functional obstacle course to keep animals entertained besides water sprinklers and earmarked play zones
| Photo Credit:
SATHYAMOORTHY M
Safety and etiquette are a priority at the park. There are boards listing do’s and don’ts, and basic pet etiquette that one must follow. Owners are required to stay with their dogs at all times while inside. Vaccination certificates are mandatory, and owners are asked to keep them on their phones. These are checked at the entry to ensure the health and safety of all animals using the space. While pet registration is mandatory for locals, tourists can bring their pets by showing valid vaccination certificates.
Lakshmi Bhavya Tanneeru IAS, the Nilgiris District Collector at the park where pet owners should follow pet etiquette
| Photo Credit:
SATHYAMOORTHY M
According to the district administration though the Nilgiris has high dog ownership, there are very few pet-friendly places. The initiative encourages responsible pet ownership besides addressing issues like lack of safe recreational spaces for pets. The park is also expected to give a push to tourism as many visitors, especially from Kerala, Karnataka and AP, often bring their animals on their holiday trips to the Nilgiris. She adds, “After long journeys, pets experience stress. Since dogs are not allowed in most gardens, this park gives them a space to relax and play.”
The park is at Arboretum Tree Garden, West Mere, Commercial Road ( near the Ooty Lake and Botanical Garden). Open from 8am to 5pm. Food is not allowed inside, though owners may carry a few dog treats.
Published – January 16, 2026 03:49 pm IST