Dog Parks: Pet Friendly Oasis for Your Four Legged Best Friends
I don’t know about you, but I’ve always been a dog person. Even as a small kid, I always knew I wanted a dog. My parents weren’t so keen on this idea since they thought my brothers and I wouldn’t take care of the dog and that all the responsibility would fall on their shoulders. Throughout the years, we had various cats, and I loved every single one of them, but my wish to own a dog never went away. Finally, one day, when I was 16, our parents finally agreed to get us a dog and my brothers and I screamed of happiness. He is a tiny ball of fluffiness, and our family considers him a family member. He’s very old now, but he shows the same love for life as he did when he was a puppy. I moved away from my parent's house, but he still lives at home with my parents, and I miss him dearly. Unfortunately, I live in a rented place where dogs aren’t allowed, and since I’m not in my apartment most of the time, he would be alone even if having him around was an option.
Image Credit: Iva Gotlin
Luckily, I have friends here in Zagreb who own dogs, and I love playing with their fluffy four-legged pets anytime I can. Some of the best times I had were at dog parks where we would spend entire afternoons throwing a ball to dogs and watching them play with each other. In my eyes, a park full of all kinds of dogs is the definition of perfection especially when they all goof around and do silly tricks trying to earn a treat. If you’re not familiar with pet-friendly parks in Zagreb, then pull out a pen and make a list because there are actually quite a few!
Every dog has its day
Dog parks in Zagreb range in size and design, but they share the same purpose: to provide a place where dogs can run freely off-leash and socialise with their doggy friends. Obviously, as we all know, dogs were born to lead an active life so to keep your pet happy, healthy and out of trouble, you’ll need to find ways to exercise their brain and body. That’s why dog parks are so wonderful because they offer you a lot more than just regular walks around the neighbourhood.
One of the newest dog parks in Zagreb is the one at Ravnice. A large green playground between Maksimirska Road and Hegedusiceva Street is every dog’s dream. The walking trail allows dog owners to rest on benches which are covered with a roof so even if it rains, your pet can still enjoy a nice walk outside. There are also trash bins for two kinds of waste: for humans and dogs. It’s one of the biggest dog parks in Zagreb so if you want your pet to meet new friends, there is a great chance this is a place for you because there are always other owners there during the day. This way, both you and your four-legged friend can meet someone new and exciting.
Image Credit: Iva Gotlin
Still, one of the first and largest parks for dogs in Zagreb is the one on the meadow between Siget and Trnsko which people of New Zagreb area adore. Last year, this park was renewed and the city paid for it to get a new fence so that dogs and owners would feel safe. Close to that, but on the other side of the river Sava, is dog park at Savica, a very well-known park among locals. It’s one of those places everyone knows about, even if they’ve never been there. Since I live nearby, I love coming there with friends and their dogs, especially because each time we meet someone new.
In fact, I remember reading a while ago that studies have shown that people find it easier to talk to each other with dogs as the initial focus, breaking down the usual social barrier that makes people perceive others as strangers. That’s why dog parks are amazing for new friendships in general. That’s how I met a lot of great friends and how some of my friends met their boyfriends and girlfriends. If Tinder isn’t working for you, try this option instead. :)
Image Credit: Iva Gotlin
Basically, almost every neighbourhood in Zagreb has at least one dog park: Stenjevec (Dragutin Krapec Street, close to local school), Perjavica (corner of Male putine and Ladišine), Vrapce (Ilica 280), Vrbani (next to tram turnstile), Precko (Zagrebacka Avenue, space between Petrovaradinska and Baranovićeva Street) and many more. However, the most interesting might be the water park for dogs! Yeah, you read that correctly!
Take a splash!
In Sesvete neighbourhood, at Budenec area, just last month, first water park for dogs was finally opened. This place was otherwise just a standard dog park, where pets could walk and play without restrictions, but now there is a well-built and well-kept pool for dogs where they can joyously swim and float with their balls. This is especially useful for dog breeds that may have some medical issues with their back or extremities because water can help them relax and exercise. Visit it and let us know how your four-legged pet liked it.
Header Image Credit: TZGZ Download Zone, I. Vinković
Author: Paula Bracko