Attention dogs: How to live the good life in Bangkok

Bangkok is not a great place for dogs, or their owners, who must negotiate the steamy, concrete jungle with its famously hazardous sidewalks just to stretch their legs. 

While Bangkok does have quite a few large parks, the vast majority of them do not allow canines. To make matters worse, the city is home to an estimated 300,000 stray dogs that can, at times, act aggressively toward their domesticated counterparts. Fortunately, there are a few dog-loving venues out there that will keep you and your pets off the hot city streets. 

Ozono

A decidedly posh oasis for Bangkok’s pets exists in an establishment called Ozono. Located near the end of Sukhumvit soi 28, it is a hybrid shopping mall, dog playground and meeting place for Bangkokians and the animals they love.

There are funky shops, quirky cafes, plenty of green grass, and, most importantly, a playful canine-friendly vibe. All of the restaurants and shops allow dogs and cats inside. On a typical Saturday, dogs bound along a central stretch of grass. A mammoth golden retriever, perhaps, cavorts with a tiny pug. Owners congregate to sip coffee and chat.

One of Ozono’s founding partners, Khun Dhanesha, says that he was inspired to create the place after becoming frustrated with the city’s restrictions on pets.

“I have had dogs all my life,” he says. “But Bangkok is not a dog-friendly city. You can’t bring dogs anywhere.”

Ozono also offers an ultra-exclusive, 3,200 square meter purpose-built pet park dubbed “Petropolis Park.” This is an enclosed area with tall trees, lush plants and thick shrubbery. Owners can lounge on tables and chairs while Fido cavorts, digging and running to his or her little heart’s content.

This luxury comes at a price, though: A 20,000 baht annual membership allows you and your pet to enter on any pre-selected two days of the week between Tuesday and Friday. (The park is closed on Monday) And the weekend package, when foot (and paw) traffic is highest, will set you back 30,000 baht per year. 

Another popular feature of Ozono is a service that allows owners and dogs to receive pampering -- simultaneously. Women (or, for that matter, men) can make an appointment to get their dogs groomed, while at the same time enjoying a manicure-pedicure for themselves.

Ozono opened in 2005, and during that time the patrons who frequent the place has changed, Dhanesha says.

“In the beginning, it was mostly expats [who visited Ozono]. Thai dog lovers thought that their big front yards were enough space for their dogs. But you need to socialize your dog with other dogs too,” he says. “Now Thai dog lovers’ attitudes have changed.”

Dhanesha notes that Ozono’s customers are now a mixture of Japanese, European, American, and Thai pet owners. Looking ahead, he says that Ozono has been such a success that the owners are considering opening a dog-friendly resort in Thailand’s coastal resort town of Hua Hin.

Fido can't swim? No problem. Doggy Do has made-for-canine life jackets.

Doggie Do

Ozono isn’t the only dog-friendly hangout in the Thai capital. Another popular establishment is the aptly named Doggie Do swimming pool.

There is a large pool, play toys and several dedicated staff members decked out in wet suits who swim with and throw balls for the canines. Owners can sit at tables, snap photos and sip drinks.

If this is your pooch’s first time swimming, or if he or she is afraid of the water, fret not: Special dog-tailored life jackets are provided. After an hour of swimming and running and jumping, your dog will be worn out beyond belief -- and will emerge happier, more relaxed and likely more obedient. 

Doggie Do is located at 71 Soi Yenakart, in Bangkok’s Sathorn district. No reservations are necessary, but weekends can get crowded. Prices range from 250-850 baht per hour, with bigger (and longer-haired) breeds charged more. There is also boarding on site. An added bonus: For double that cost, staff will shampoo and groom your dog afterwards.

SCAD Bangkok

For resources on all things dog related in Bangkok, look no further than SCAD Bangkok. The acronym stands for Soi Cats And Dogs, and the non-profit is run by passionate volunteers and staff who rescue the city’s strays. SCAD, which was established in 2002, also sponsors educational programs, arranges the fostering and adoption of dogs and can arrange dog training.