Pets take centre stage in Goa's weekend plans

For many pet parents, weekends are no longer reserved for errands or screen time. Instead, they revolve around beach outings, café visits, road trips and staycations with their four-legged companions. As Goa's pet-friendly culture grows, animals are increasingly becoming part of family outings, celebrations and travel plans.

For Jolynn Carneiro and Jude Mendes, Sundays are all about exploring the outdoors with their dogs, Switch and Dot. "We usually head to the beach, a hill or go on a trek. Sometimes they end up guiding us to a water body or a scenic spot," says Jolynn. While beach outings are often associated with dogs, IT professional Rayner Prazeres says his cat, Scotty, eagerly awaits his weekly adventures. "Scotty jumps onto my shoulder and starts meowing when he wants to go out. The week gets busy with work, but I always make time for him," says Rayner.

Assistant Professor of Sociology Rejoy Fernandes says her beagle, Benji, enjoys regular outings. "Along with beach outings, we also take him to the Miramar promenade for early morning or sunset walks," says Fernandes, who recently included Benji in her pre-wedding photoshoot. For Kaiser Colaco, who works in Bengaluru, every trip home to Goa revolves around spending time with his dog, Max. "Whenever I'm home, I make sure I spend as much time as possible with him, whether it's grooming sessions or other outings," he says.

PET-FRIENDLY CAFÉS

The rise of pet-friendly cafés has given owners more opportunities to socialise without leaving their pets behind. "We love discovering pet-friendly cafés around Goa," says Jigyasaa Malhotra. "Taking Yuzu out has made me slow down and appreciate simple moments. They deserve experiences too, not just being at home all the time," she adds.

Gaurav Bhaedwaj, owner of a café in Benaulim, says both locals and tourists are increasingly bringing their pets along. "We have special pet food for both cats and dogs. Sometimes pet parents even request vegetarian options, and we accommodate them," he says.

STAYCATIONS WITH PETS

As more hotels and resorts welcome pets, many owners are taking them along on holidays. For Regina D'Souza, staycations are easier with her dog, Loco. "My pet, Loco, is a big dog but the gentlest soul. He's extremely well-behaved and friendly, so taking him on staycations is easy," she says, adding, "Our animals are family members. Being able to include them in our travels makes those moments even more special."

Things to keep in mind

• Introduce pets gradually to new environments and social settings.
• Start with quieter outdoor spaces before visiting crowded places.
• Carry essentials such as water, treats, waste bags and a leash.
• Respect your pet's comfort levels and reward calm behaviour.
• Ensure travel plans are genuinely pet-friendly and cater to your animal's needs.
• Responsible pet ownership is about commitment, not simply following a trend.