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 :)

[Lucy & AnnaBelle's Mom]

at the wags park above they have some trial passes and short term passes and I think you can also buy like so many visits.  However, every dog has to go through the temperment testing (and I think there is a charge for that) and then the vaccines would be kept on file.  Everything done is for the concern and safety of the pets visiting so hopefully your Tai dog owners would agree.

[F, Calla & Luca]

This sounds like an indoor/outdoor park. It could be lots of fun. But it is also a big undertaking since you will need employees and strict guidelines. I have given up on dog parks here because owners bring dogs that are not suitable and don't watch their dogs. There are no employees except for occasional park workers who clean up and repair things. But with supervision your park could work. I would think it would be important, at least here it would be, to discuss with a lawyer or someone what you might need in terms of liability insurance etc.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

It's a big undertaking indeed. 

Thai dog owners are far worst..very irresponsible. Most of them don't even neuter/spay their dogs (am thinking of separate are for intact dogs). I can also imagine them dropping off their dogs and coming back to pick up in an hour or so. Urgh.

I'm also thinking of having pet-sitters to take care of the dogs...for extra fee and advance booking of course. 

What are the range of membership fees for dog parks in the US? What are the daily/monthly pass rates?

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I don't know about the US but where I live we don't have anything like this. I think there is an indoor dog park in Toronto, they charge a daily rate and I think an hourly rate. I'll try to find it on google for you. We have a couple doggie daycares, and I'm excited that one just opened close to home for me. Their rates are $29 for the day, with $10 for each extra dog, and $15 for half-day drop offs on Saturdays. Otherwise, dog parks here are outdoor public parks and are all city-owned and regulated (although never monitored and nothing is enforced).

 

I have often fantasized about starting my own indoor dog park/dog lovers cafe/do-it-yourself dog wash, but I don't have the guts, or the capital, to give up my day job for it. I'm so excited for you and I will live vicariously through you so I hope you will give us lots of updates!

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

here is the indoor dog park in Toronto. http://www.doggiecentral.ca/ 

 

One of the biggest challenges here is getting insurance, which is required. I'm not sure if you'd face similar regulations but something to think about.

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Will have to look into local regulations about insurance.

Is it 3rd party liability insurance? For example, if dogs get into a fight? Would that be the dog park's responsibility or the owners?

[F, Calla & Luca]

I think that you should get legal advice about all that.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I think the insurance is more for the humans. If a dog bites a person or someone gets knocked over or otherwise gets hurt somehow... so you don't get sued or aren't consider criminally liable. You will probably have to make people sign waivers and post a sign that you are not responsible...

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

Also, some of the places here have to restrict certain breeds or else insurance won't cover them. One of the doggie daycares I checked out didn't take any pitbulls, rotweilers, dobermans, and a couple others. Someone tried to open a dog friendly cafe once and it had a no pitbull policy. This wasn't by choice but because pit bulls are banned in my province, so insurance wouldn't cover them unless they implemented the policy, so the story goes. The pit bull lobby group hounded them and tarnished their reputation. She eventually had to close down the business after only a few months.

[F, Calla & Luca]

That's sad. But there is a lot to consider. Kimmy, you need to check with a knowledgable lawyer before you start. The regulations/restrictions may be totally different for you.

[Sherri, Sophie, Winston, & Kitty]

I agree!

[Kimmy & Chewie]

Thanks for the rates Sherri. Will keep it as a benchmark.