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Delhi has plenty of beautiful parks and services for man’s best friend. While there are some challenges, like a shortage of proper sidewalks and stray dogs, there are many places to go and things to do in the city to keep your dog happy. I live in Delhi with my dog and he has adapted quite well.
Where to go in Delhi with Your Dog: Quick Guide
If you’re in a hurry, here is a quick list of the best places to go with your dog:
- Nehru Park – public park
- Sunder Nursery – heritage park (entrance fee)
- Tail Club – off leash dog park/club (entrance fee)
- Heads Up For Tails – pet supplies and grooming
- Dr. Choudhary’s Pet Clinic – veterinary clinic
- Greenr Cafe – pet friendly cafe
How to Deal with Street Dogs
But before I tell you where to go in Delhi with your dog, let’s address the number one question I get asked: how to deal with the street dogs.
This is usually a major concern for new comers with dogs. Street dogs are unavoidable, and they are pretty much everywhere. I have found two strategies that work well in getting them on-side and avoiding confrontations with my dog.
Carry a Stick
Keep a large stick, similar in size to a walking stick, with you when you take your dog outside. It’s not to use on the street dogs, it’s meant as a deterrent for them to see. Unfortunately, a lot of these dogs are abused and just seeing the stick will scare them away.
Bring Treats
If you are going to be in the same neighbourhood for a while, it’s better to befriend the street dogs so they do not see you or your pet as a threat.
Carry small treats with you and toss them over to any dog that approaches. Keep doing this and over time their behaviour will become more friendly. Street dogs are fed a lot of chapattis and dal so I have found any kind of meat or peanut butter flavoured treat works well (they also like egg).
Try to keep your dog quiet and away from the street dogs until you see progress. Generally, if both dogs’ tails are wagging it’s a good sign.
My dog is snack size for most of the strays in Delhi. After we moved to our current home, one neighbourhood dog was extremely aggressive and attacked my little guy twice. After tossing her treats for about a week, she became very docile and is now our best friend, greeting us every morning and giving us both doggie kisses.
On Leash Parks
Delhi has some beautiful parks where dogs are welcome. Keep your dog on a leash and clean up after him since these are public parks well used by locals. On a side note, you don’t have to stoop and scoop on the streets unless your dog makes a mess on someone’s private property.
Monkeys also populate the parks which is another reason to keep your dog on a leash. Don’t let your dog get too close to them, monkeys can be aggressive.
It’s a good idea to bring water for you and your pet if you plan to be out for a while. Some parks have ‘drinking’ water available, but it’s not filtered and is unsafe for most visitors and pets (although many locals and street dogs are accustomed to it).
Deer Park
Deer Park is part of of the city’s green belt. It’s a huge green space in a historic area of south Delhi. True to its name, deer are kept in a large enclosure, as well as peacocks, rabbits and guinea pigs. There’s also a children’s play area.
There are many walking paths through the park. The one that goes around the reservoir is adjacent to Hauz Khas Fort and you can get some up close views from the path.
Within the park are several monuments from the Tughlaq and Lodhi periods: the Kali Gumti (built between 1320 and 1413), the Bagh i Alam Ka Gumbad (built in 1501) and several mosques.
This area of the city is dotted with many old tombs and mosques and it’s lovely to see several in the peaceful surroundings of Deer Park.
- Hours & Price: 5:00 am – 8:00 pm (summer) & 5:30 – 7:00 pm (winter), free
- Nearby Dog Friendly Cafe: Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters (the Humayan Pur Road location in Safdarjung Enclave, opposite Deer Park)
Buddha Jayanti Park
This is a lovely park, very popular with morning walkers and couples. Set in the middle of the enormous Central Ridge Reserve Forest (known locally as the Ridge and referred to as the lungs of Delhi), it is accessible by several of the main roads that run through the forest.
There are many walking paths, open lawn areas, rose, palm and bougainvillea gardens and over 100 types of trees and shrubs. Peacocks, woodpeckers, barbets and herons populate the park.
Apart from the large golden Buddha on a small island, the park is famous for having a sapling from the holy Bodhi tree in Sri Lanka which Lord Buddha gained enlightenment under.
- Hours & Price: 5:00 am – 7:00 pm, free
- Nearby Dog Friendly Cafe: Diggin Cafe (the Santushi Shopping Complex location)
Nehru Park
Located in the affluent neighbourhood and diplomatic enclave of Chanakyapuri is Nehru Park, one of Delhi’s best parks for dogs, families, joggers and yoga enthusiasts.
It’s a large city park, over 80 acres, and is well serviced with parking, toilets, tennis courts, outdoor gym, children’s playground and two temples.
The most unusual thing about Nehru Park is the statue of Vladimir Lenin, unveiled by Mikhael Gorbachev before the fall of the Soviet Union. One would expect a statue of Jawaharlal Nehru in Nehru Park, but of course this is India, where one is always seeing something unexpected.
You and your canine will enjoy the numerous walking paths, open lawns, fountains and ponds. There are picnic areas and lots of space to relax. Make sure to bring drinking water – even though there are water stations in the park, it is not filtered.
- Hours & Price: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm (summer) & 6:00 am – 8:00 pm (winter), free
- Nearby Dog Friendly Cafe: Diggin Cafe (the Santushi Shopping Complex location)
Sunder Nursery
Sometimes called Delhi’s Central Park, Sunder Nursery is Delhi’s latest heritage park. Originally part of a 16th century Mughal garden called Azim Bagh, the grounds and monuments fell into a neglected state until the recent restoration by the Aga Khan Trust.
The park has now won UNESCO awards for heritage conservation and sustainable development and is a favourite of Delhiites. There are walking paths, beautifully restored monuments, open lawn and picnic areas and a wonderful children’s play zone.
Part of the 16th century trade route, the Grand Trunk Road, lies under the central walkway. You can literally walk down the path of history.
Every Sunday there is an organic farmers market 8:00 am – 1:00 pm.
- Hours & Price: 5:00 am – 9:00 pm (summer) & 6:00 am – 8:00 pm (winter), INR 200 for foreigners, children under 5 free
- Nearby Dog Friendly Cafe: Fabcafé by the Lake in Sunder Nursery
Lodhi Garden
Lodhi Garden is Delhi’s most captivating park. Full of mature treed walkways, duck ponds and gardens, it is 90 acres of quiet, green calm in the centre of Delhi.
The most striking feature of Lodhi Garden is the beautiful and well preserved tombs dating back to 1444 from the Sayyid and Lodhi dynasties. Crossing the pond near Sikander Lodhi’s tomb is the lovely Athpula bridge built by the Mughal ruler Akbar. These monuments lend a magical element to the park.
There are always people enjoying Lodhi Garden; families with picnics, yoga enthusiasts, boys playing soccer and cricket, and plenty of dog walkers. Your canine will love the open lawns and quiet walking paths in Delhi’s most beautiful park.
- Hours & Price: 6:00 am – 7:30 pm , free
- Nearby Dog Friendly Cafe: Colocal Chocolate Factory and Cafe (Khan Market location)
Siri Fort Forest (aka Hauz Khas Forest)
Next to the ruins of Siri Fort is this city forest which has been converted into a park. It is full of birds and visitors commonly see peacocks and peahens.
This park will satisfy nature lovers, history buffs and canines. There are plenty of paths going through the forest and your dog will enjoy the jungly nature of it. Ruins of Siri Fort wall, bastions and the beautiful Mohammad Wali Masjid (don’t let the loosely chained gate stop you) can be seen in the area adjacent to the forest near the Siri Fort Sports Complex.
The park has toilet facilities, outdoor gyms and plenty of seating areas for relaxing.
- Hours & Price: 500 am – 8:00 pm , free
- Nearby Dog Friendly Cafe: Big Fat Sandwich, across from Hauz Khas Market on Hauz Khas Market Road
Off Leash Organized Dog Parks
Tail Club
Even though Tail Club is not officially in Delhi (it’s in the adjacent suburb of Gurugram), it is by far the most popular dog playground around. It is a mini vacation for your dog. Several of my dog owner friends visit Tail Club on a regular basis and rave about it.
Once inside the club, dogs can roam leash free wherever they want. There’s an acre of grassy lawn, a special dog pool (but bring a towel for your furry friend) and a cafe that serves dogs and humans. You can even order a doggie birthday cake for that special day.
There’s an on-site dog spa that offers full grooming, doggie massage or just a shampoo. Tail Club provides daycare and overnight boarding as well.
Proof of vaccination (for your dog) is required for entry, so bring your pet passport or vaccination booklet.
- Hours & Price: 7:00 am – 11:00 am & 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm (summer); 9:00 – 6:00 pm (winter) closed Monday, INR 500 Monday to Friday & INR 600 Saturday and Sunday
- Nearby Dog Friendly Cafe: on-site cafe
Bark n Walk
Located south of the Indira Gandhi National Airport in Bijwasan, Bark n Walk is a great spot to bring your dog for a couple of hours of play. There’s a large, grassy play area with some tires set up for dogs to run through, or jump on if they’re athletic.
The cafe is currently under construction, so bring water and food for yourself and your dog. Water bowls, toys and treats are provided.
Bark n Walk offers doggie day care with pick up and drop off service.
- Hours & Price: 6:00 am – 8:00 am & 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm (summer); 8:00 am – 8:00 pm (winter), INR 250 (includes 1 dog and 1 person, INR 200 for each additional dog and INR 100 for each additional person)
- Nearby Dog Friendly Cafe: on-site cafe to be opened September 2022
Dog Friendly Cafes
Wondering where you can go with your dog to have a bite to eat? Delhi has quite a few excellent cafes that are dog friendly. Most cafes prefer dogs and owners sit outside (if there is an outdoor sitting area) but some allow dogs inside too.
- Blue Tokai Coffee: multiple locations in Delhi including Deer Park, Greater Kailash 2, Khan Market and Safdarjung. Check their website for all the Delhi locations: https://bluetokaicoffee.com/
- Big Fat Sandwich: 15/A, Market Lane, Block E, Hauz Khas (just across the road from Hauz Khas Market)
- Greenr Cafe: two Delhi locations and one in Gurugram – N/11, N Block Market, Greater Kailash I; Basant Lok, Vasant Vihar & 32nd Avenue,Gurugram
- Ambra: Narmada Shopping Complex, Greater Kailash 2
- Fabcafé by the Lake: in Sunder Nursery on Bharat Scouts and Guides Marg (there is a INR 200 fee to enter Sunder Nursery)
- Cafe Dori: Dhan Mill Compound, SSN Marg, Chhatarpur
- Diggin Cafe: two locations – Santushti Shopping Complex, Chanakyapuri & Anand Lok Shopping Centre, Anand Lok
- Colocal Chocolate Factory and Cafe: two locations – Dhan Mill Compound, SSN Marg, Chhatarpur & Flat 45, Middle Lane, Khan Market
- The Brown Box Bakery Cafe: DDA Market, S Block, Panchsheel Park
- Cafe at Tail Club (Gurugram): Raisina Rd, Alahawas, Sector 59, Gurugram
Where to Buy Dog Supplies
Heads Up For Tails
India’s favourite pet supply shop has multiple stores across Delhi. They sell a full range of food, toys, and pet accessories and offer online shopping also. Grooming services are available at many of their shops in Delhi. Check for the nearest location to you: https://headsupfortails.com/pages/stores
This is where I get my dog Watson groomed. They do a good job and Watson seems happy when I pick him up.
Purple Bone
A great neighbourhood pet shop in Lodhi Colony that offers grooming as well. They have on-site veterinary care and a fully stocked pet pharmacy.
Purpe Bone is within walking distance of Lodhi Garden.
- Location: Shop 98 & 99, Meharchand Market, Lodhi Colony
- Hours: 10:30 am – 9:30 pm, daily
Red Paws Pet Spa & Shop
Another locally owned neighbourhood pet shop and grooming salon. They offer home delivery of products ordered online. There are two locations in Delhi and the one in Hauz Khas Village is within walking distance of Deer Park:
- Location: 29A, 1st floor, Hauz Khas Village
- Hours: 11:00 – 7:00 pm (Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday)
- Location: 25, Anand Niketen, DDA Market
- Hours: 11:00 am – 7:00 pm (Tuesday to Sunday)
Puppychino
This is a gourmet bakery for dogs. Puppychino specializes in doggie birthday cakes and they also make special doggie meals like spaghetti, pizza and hamburger whoppers.
They used to have a popular cafe in south Delhi but it didn’t survive the pandemic. Now they accept orders by phone or WhatsApp at: +91 96430 84323. 24 hours notice is required.
https://www.instagram.com/puppychinodelhi
PetShop18.com
If you are located in Gurguram, this is a great resource. They are one of India’s largest online pet supply shops and have a huge selection of all things pet related. However, at this time they are only servicing the suburb of Gurugram.
Where to Stay in Delhi With a Dog
Dog Friendly Hotels
These hotels are currently dog friendly, but hotel policies can change. Before confirming your reservation, I recommend advising the hotel that you will be checking in with a pet. Some hotels charge an additional fee for a dog.
Having stayed at hotels with my own dog, I have found quiet rooms away from high traffic areas and unfamiliar noises (like elevators) work best.
Andaz Delhi
- Rating: 5 star, luxury
- Location: Aerocity (very close to Indira Gandhi International Airport)
- Check prices for Andaz Delhi
Jaypee Vasant Continental
- Rating: 5 star, mid-range
- Location: Basant Lok in Vasant Vihar, Delhi
- Check prices for Jaypee Vasant Continental
Vivanta by Taj
- Rating: 5 star, mid-range
- Location: Dwarka (suburb of Delhi, close to the Indira Gandhi International Airport)
- Check prices for Vivanta by Taj
Bungalow 99
- Rating: 4 star, luxury
- Location: Defence Colony, Delhi
- Check prices for Bungalow 99
The Connaught New Delhi
- Rating: 4 star, mid-range
- Location: Shaheed Bhagat Sing Marg, Connaught Place, Delhi
- Check prices for The Connaught New Delhi
Ibis New Delhi Aerocity
- Rating: 3 star, mid-range
- Location: Aerocity (very close to Indira Gandhi International Airport)
- Check prices for Ibis New Delhi Aerocity
Let’s Bunk Poshtel & Suites
- Rating: 3 star, budget
- Location: Hauz Khas Village, Delhi
- Check prices for Let’s Bunk Poshtel & Suites
Airbnb
There are many Airbnb options in Delhi. Before moving to the city, I often stayed at Airbnbs with my dog. See my tips on staying in an Airbnb in Delhi.
For stays longer than two days Airbnbs were more convenient. I needed a kitchen to prepare and store my dog’s food and most Airbnbs are located in residential neighbourhoods which are better for dog walking.
Not all Airbnbs allow pets. Make sure you message the host before booking to confirm your dog will be welcome.
How Can I Travel With a Dog in Delhi?
Dogs are not permitted on public transportation in Delhi. It’s a shame because the metro is a great system and it would be so convenient if dogs were allowed. However, dogs are permitted with Uber and Ola, the two popular app based taxi services here.
Because I don’t speak Hindi I never ask the drivers ahead of time about my dog, I just bring him. My dog is small so I keep him in his travel carrier or his side body carrier. I have friends who take Ubers with their larger dogs and as long as the dog is well behaved drivers don’t seem to mind.
Dogs are permitted in auto rickshaws, as long as the driver does not object.
How Can I Travel With a Dog From Delhi to Other Parts of India?
There are several modes of transportation available if you are traveling domestically from Delhi with a dog. Each has rules which change from time to time. There will also be additional charges for a dog. I urge you to confirm directly with the carrier, if at all possible, prior to travel.
By Air
Air India and Akasa Air allows dogs in cabin, as excess baggage and as cargo. The number of pets carried on one flight is limited (particularly in cabin) – you should contact reservations asap to book your pet. A health cerficiate is required and the captain has the right to refuse any pet on board.
Make sure you bring a muzzle with you. Technically it’s required but when my dog flew on Air India they didn’t make him wear it.
IndiGo, AirAsia and Vistara allow service dogs only.
By Train
Dogs are permitted on Indian Railways but only in certain classes. They can either go in second class luggage (not recommended) or with a passenger in a first class AC compartment.
The entire first class AC compartment must be booked by the passenger. There are two kinds of first class AC compartments: 2 berth and 4 berth.
If you require a 2 berth compartment, it is recommended that you see the reservations officer at the departing train station the day before travel. Seats are not allotted until a few hours before the train leaves and there are a limited number of 2 berth compartments.
There is no advance booking for pets, so give yourself extra time before departure to book your dog on the train. The cost depends on the weight of the dog, plus the distance to be travelled. Vaccination certificates and passenger ID will be required.
By Long Distance Bus
This is another option for city to city travel with a dog from Delhi. India has a number of state-run and private bus companies. Rules and cost vary greatly and you’ll have to call ahead (if you are not a Hindi speaker, get someone local to do this for you) and/or go to the bus station a few days in advance to make inquiries.
Not all bus companies allow dogs. My dog is permitted on HRTC buses (Himachal Road Transportation Corporation) but not on their best buses, Volvo class. He is only permitted on the two classes of buses below Volvo class and I must purchase a seat for him.
By Private Taxi
Many taxi services offer long distance, city to city transportation. It can be more expensive than the train (depending on how many first class AC berths you have to purchase in order to travel with your dog) and is certainly more expensive than the bus, but taxis provide door to door service and are relatively comfortable.
A private taxi isn’t practical for very long journeys (Delhi to Goa, Mumbai or Kolkata, for example) but for drives up to 12 hours it’s a good option.
Veterinary Care for Dogs in Delhi
While private, personal medical care in Delhi exceeds anything I have experienced in Canada, I cannot exactly say that for vet care. However, there are some better clinics and these are the very best in the city:
Neeti Bagh Pet Clinic – Dr. Rana
- Location: Shop No 4, 5 & 6, Block C, DDA Market, Neeti Bagh
- Hours: 9:30 am – 8:30 pm, (Monday to Saturday) & 9:30 am – 2:00 pm (Sunday)
- Phone Number: +91 11 2686 6676
Dr. Choudhary’s Pet Clinic – Dr. SK Choudhary & Dr. P Choudhary
- Location: Shop No. 31, Lower Ground Floor, DDA Market, Anand Niketan
- Hours: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, daily
- Phone Number: +91 11 2411 3000
Max Vets Multi Specialty Animal Care & Emergency Hospital – Dr. Kunal Sharma & Team
This is a highly regarded animal hospital with a team of veterinarian specialists. The emergency 24/7 clinic is located at the branch listed below. The hospital has its own diagnostic lab and critical care unit. Max Vets also has a mobile veterinary clinic and grooming van.
There are clinics throughout Delhi, but the East of Kailash location is the main one.
- Location: E-8, East of Kailash
- Hours: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, daily
- Phone Number: +91 84484 49955
- Emergency After Hours Number: +91 88609 70894
Can I Bring My Dog into Delhi from Abroad?
India has very strict pet import policies. Tourists are not permitted to bring pets into the country.
Foreigners coming in on a work visa for a minimum of 1 year, Indian citizens or foreign nationals of Indian origin that have been abroad for more than 2 years are permitted to bring in up to two pets.
India requires a government issued No Objection Certificate amongst many other documents to import a dog into the country. Pets must come in by air.
Use a Local Pet Relocation Specialist
I strongly advise using a local pet relocation expert to prepare the paperwork and facilitate the process. There’s a lot of required documents and if it is not perfect, your dog will be denied entry.
I have used PetFly (located in Delhi) many times and they are excellent. They are the number one company used by diplomats, expats and NRIs (non resident Indians). PetFly is the only pet relocation company with security access at Indira Gandhi International Airport and can meet you as soon as you step off the plane.
The Wrap-Up on Where to Go in Delhi With Your Dog – The Ultimate Guide
Even though Delhi is not known as a great city for dogs, it is becoming more dog-friendly all the time. Where else can you walk your dog in the park and come across ruins from the 13th and 14th centuries? With more and more cafes welcoming our furry friends and easy availability of dog food, supplies and services, it’s pretty easy to keep your dog happy in Delhi.
Don’t forget travel insurance! It’s always a good idea to carry travel insurance just in case something goes wrong. I really like and use SafetyWing
