Colombians love their pets so it should come as no surprise that Bogota is a welcoming city for pet owners. In fact, Colombia’s capital is striving to become a pet paradise, with numerous parks, pet “universities”, pet-friendly restaurants, pet pampering and the city’s famous ciclovia every Sunday, which gives the city’s dogs, at least, the chance to enjoy a good, long run with their families.
Parks
Bogota has a park on every corner, from tiny havens of green in residential zones to the city’s Parque Simon Bolivar, which boasts nearly 1,000 acres of jogging and cycle paths, wooded areas, children’s play zones and boating lakes. All that green space means the city’s dogs are spoilt for choice when it comes to taking their exercise.
“University”
Bogota’s pet owners have long demanded the highest quality of care for any pets they have needed to leave unattended, which is the reason “pet universities” have sprung into existence. There are several sites across the city where dogs are fed, watered, housed and most fun of all, trained, while their owners are away. The city also offers a range of dog-walking services.
Insignia Canina: Carrera 89 #156-89
Colegio Campestre Chia – Franciscanes: Vereda Fonqueta Sector El Pinar / Sierras de la Valvanera
Mi Refugio Canino: Chia, vía Guaymaral / Cundinamarca
2Pets Deluxe: Carrera 60d # 99-56
Restaurants
Colombia’s capital is fast becoming famous for its thriving restaurant scene, but that doesn’t mean pets are no longer welcome through the doors. Plenty of restaurants take advantage of Bogota’s temperate climate and offer gardens and outdoor spaces, where pets are welcome to soak up the atmosphere. They usually offer a courtsey bowl of water too.
Bagatelle: Several locations
Sierra Nevada: Several locations
Capital Bagels: Calle 95 No. 11A-51
Tasca La Puerta de Alcalá: Calle 118 No. 15-13
Masa: Several locations
Amaranto: Avenida 82 No. 12-15
Ciclovia
Bogota’s ciclovia is now a model for cities across the world, with many main streets closed each Sunday morning so residents can take advantage of them to walk, jog or cycle. There are plenty of water stops and many residents take the opportunity to give their dog a nice long walk too, taking the necessary precautions to keep the ciclovia clean for all.
Photo: Richard Masoner
Pampering
Even pets need to look their best and Bogota has witnessed a burgeoning trade in pet pampering, with shampoos, grooming and, even, pet massage available at pet salons across the city. And no pampered pet feels complete without their own outfit either. Most pet stores stock a range of clothing options, with miniature Colombia football shirts and the annual Halloween costumes among the most popular.
The Royal Pet Spa: Carrera 24 # 42-14
Lola Lemont: Carrera 17A # 119A-88
Ringo y Mirringo: Carrera 7 # 140-71
Wawaw: Avenida 15 #106-35
It’s clear that if you love your pet and want them to feel at home, the answer is Colombia. If you liked this article, please share it on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ or any of your social networks.
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