Ideas needed for a new Dog Park

[Kimmy & Chewie]

I'm thinking of opening a new dog park in Thailand. Found a great space in a good location around 2 acres (8000 sqm) in size. The space was formerly a driving range so it has grass and sand bunkers as a starting base. This will be one of the first dog park in center of Bangkok.

I'd like to get your ideas and wish list to make it the best dog park.

Here're some of the things I've thought of so far...

• ›2-3 separated fenced areas for small and large dogs
• ›Multiple play area (e.g. grass, water and sand pit)
• ›Agility equipment (e.g. jumps, tunnels)
• ›Grooming/Dog wash station
• ›Free poop bags
• ›Waiting area/refreshments for owners (e.g. coffee shop on 2nd floor)

Revenue source

• ›Annual membership
• ›Monthly/Daily passes also available
• ›Income from coffee shop (food and drinks)

Thank you in advance for your great idea :)

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

btw, when I was in Thailand and staying in a guest house In Chaing Mai, the owner of the guest house took care of a bunch of street dogs. They were such nice dogs, and so well behaved. But I remember her being sad that one had been hit by a car and died. I had a hard time imagining dogs living on the streets as this just isn't a reality here, but she said this was totally normal.

 

I love Thailand, it has a lot to offer and a lot of wonderful qualities (and food!!!), but I found the dogs on the street (and mistreated elephants used as ploys to get tourist dollars) quite upsetting. As I write this I am eating my leftover thai food for lunch at my desk:o)

[F, Calla & Luca]

All of the regular, simple dogs parks around here are in public parks and are free. There are daycare facilities but I have never used them. That area for intact dogs could be tricky.

[Diana Erhart]

Kimmy...here is a link to the place where I take my Charlie for daycare, grooming and to play in the dog park. It may provide you with some information..

www.luckypawsresort.com

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Thanks for the link Diana. Looks like a great place. How many staffs do you think they have to in the facility you think?

What's the rough ratio of dogs to human? I'm doing financial feasibility but have no idea how many people it'll take to run something like this.

[Diana Erhart]

I am out of town until Tuesday but when I get back I can call and ask them for the statistics on the dog park part of their business.  Feel free to PM me if you have any other questions that you would like for me to ask them.

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

We also had a place open here a couple of years ago that was a doggie daycare but on certain evenings and saturdays they opened their space for dogpark like use.  You could go and pay $5 per dog and it was indoors and was just a large warehouse type space.  We would take the girls on some saturdays when the weather was bad and they couldn't play outside.  She also had a set up where you could host doggie birthday parties.  Unfortunately they didn't survive much past their first year!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

that's too bad. $5 per dog is a great deal! This is exactly what we need. Especially in the muddy spring, or on freezing cold days.

[Sue, Murphy and Bella ()*o*()]

This sounds like a wonderful idea and in the US it probably would do pretty well in an affluent area where people enjoy and treat their dogs to special playtime. But from what I am reading about your area and the culture's treatment of dogs, it seems there are some challenges ahead for you. Good luck with this venture as it seems you will have an opportunity to hopefully show your community how to care for and enjoy their dogs more.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

You're absolutely right Sue. Thailand, like many developing countries, still have a lot of work to do when it comes to treatment of animals. We're barely made it in terms of standards of HUMAN rights, so don't even want to start on what they do to dogs here. 

But I think  there's a sizable market of people who love their dogs and treat them like family members. 10 years ago for example there was only 1 dog pool in Bangkok, now there are at least 20-30! There's definitely demand for dog parks that are close to the city (where the affluent lives). All city-operated parks are NOT dog-friendly. There are only a handful of green areas where you can bring dogs, but those are not fenced.

[Hailey and Oliver]

Maybe a dogie daycare?  sorry if this has already been mentioned. 

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Would love to do doggie daycare, but was thinking of adding that in later phase as I want to minimise start-up costs.

[Suzanne & Jack]

There is a dog park here that provides tennis balls at the entrance.  Have you thought about a wooded area?  Our DP has a strip of wooded area along one side.  It is about 20 feet wide and the dogs love running through the brush and trails.  I would also have some covered shelter for sun protection.  We pay an annual fee of $75.00 per dog (there is a break for multiple dogs).  We have to provide vaccination records each year.  We have a magnetic gate with a key card.  People wanting to try the park for a visit still have to provide shot records and pay a small fee.  Good luck