You may not know the name of your fellow pet parents, but you sure remember the name of all pets. For many, being called ‘Bruno’s mom’ or ‘Oscar’s dad’ has become a norm among the community of pet parents that shares mutual love for their four-legged friends. In Pune, this lively, growing community is connecting at dog meetups, society playgroups, and pet picnics, all the while creating friendships and traditions that revolve around the pure joy of being a pet parent.
A fun way to socialise
In many of Pune’s residential societies, pet parents have become like an extended family. Tanvee Kashyap, who lives in Baner, says, “Our group meets almost every evening in the park. It’s like a little ritual we have. The dogs are thrilled and so are we!” The group grew from casual introductions during walks to organised meetups and a WhatsApp group where pet parents share stories and pictures of their pets regularly. For Rushaal Pingle, a pet dad to a six-year golden retriever, Kiara, these society meetups have been a delight. “I’ve met more neighbours through my dog than I ever would have otherwise,” he jokes, adding, “At these meetups and playdates, our pets socialise, while we laugh about the latest chewed-up shoe or furniture. Then, we plan our next meet. It’s a fun, simple way to bring everyone together.”
Pet parents gather at Petfeast Cafe for Paws & People, Viman Nagar for a fun evening with their pets (Image: Shashank Sane)
Bonding with like-minded people
The city has also seen a rise in dogathons and pet-friendly picnics, giving more avenues for the pet-parent community to catch up. For Ramita Chauhan, who attended such an event recently with her beagle, Lucky, it was like entering a ‘playground for dog lovers’. “There were so many dogs of different breeds, ages and sizes – from huskies to Indies,” she shares, adding, “It was chaotic, loud, and the most fun we’ve had in a long time. My dog made so many new friends, so did I!”
I recently went on a pet-friendly picnic with my pug, Max, and other pet parents. It’s amazing to see how much our pets have added to our social lives.
Jaymeen Mistrty, a regular at pet community events
Meetups @ cafes
Pet-friendly cafes too have become community hubs where pet parents and their furry friends can bond over coffee and dog treats. “Since we opened, 5-6 pets on average along with their parents visit the cafe daily. On weekends the numbers go up to 8-10,” says Sonal Zalkikar, who runs Petfeast Cafe for Paws & People in Vimannagar. For Sukanya Choudhury, who brings her pets Buddy and Champ to a local cafe each weekend, the outings are about more than just the atmosphere. “You meet other people who get what it’s like to adore a dog. We swap stories about the funny, quirky things our pets do, and it’s like an instant bond,” she says.
There for each other
One of the unique aspects of the pet parents community is how it has become a source of support and shared experiences. Trupti Rathi, whose got her Indie dog, Muffin, home during the pandemic, says being part of this community helped her navigate the early, challenging days of puppy parenting. “I was so overwhelmed initially. Then I connected with other pet parents. They gave me tips, and reassured me,” Trupti shares. Another pet parent, Rishabh Kapoor, who regularly attends these gatherings with his German Shepherd, Zara, says, “When Zara had a small injury, everyone in our group rallied around us, offering advice, resources, and moral support.”
