Rising dog numbers call for dedicated parks

I also see other runners at the park have to speed up or change course to avoid chasing dogs. Security staff have to constantly watch out for dogs and even argue with their owners.

With the rapid development of major cities, more people, especially the young and elderly, own pets. Pets provide companionship and help reduce stress and loneliness.

The number of registered dogs and cats in cities has increased greatly over the past decade, particularly in urban areas and apartment complexes.

In 2023 Vietnam had an estimated 12 million pets (5.58 million cats and 6.48 million dogs). By 2027 this number is projected to reach 16 million.

However, keeping pets in apartments is difficult due to space, hygiene and safety concerns.

The increased number of cats and dogs also leads to more disturbances and attacks, primarily due to owners' negligence and a lack of pet exercise space. Without sufficient space, pets can stress out and misbehave.

According to research by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, dogs need at least 30 minutes of activity daily to keep them mentally and physically healthy, depending on their breed and age. Cats also need about 20-30 minutes of activity.

The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control reported that in 2024 animal bites have led to around 10,000 rabies vaccinations a month, many occurring in parks.

Though there are fines for unleashed or unmuzzled dogs of VND1-2 million (US$40-80), the issue is still widespread across Vietnam.

A practical solution is to have dog parks or dog runs. These parks are usually built on vacant land within larger public parks and provide a safe, fenced-in space where dogs can exercise without a leash.

A woman is with her dog at Vietnam's first dog park in Yen So Park, Hanoi, Aug. 1, 2024. Photo by VnExpress/Quynh Nguyen

The first such facility, Ohlone Dog Park, opened in 1979 in California in the U.S. Now named Martha Scott Benedict Memorial Park, it remains a popular spot for dog owners with its many spots for them to rest and play with their dogs.

Dog parks generally have fences 1.2-1.8 meters high, double-gated entries, proper drainage, and other utilities like seating, water stations, trash bins, and nearby parking. Some even have wheelchair-accessible paths and dog pools to meet all kinds of user needs.

Dog-washing stations are often installed near dog runs. Owners can pay to use the stations with coins or QR codes. These stations help keep the parks clean and generate revenues for park upkeep.

In Singapore, these stations are run by NParks and provide pet owners with shower heads and soap to quickly clean their pets after playtime.

This model is not new to Vietnam: In 2022 Hanoi's first dog park opened in Yen So Park.

But such places are rare in Vietnamese cities and do not meet pet owners' needs.

Designated public spaces for pets provide clear benefits at a reasonable cost. They allow dogs to exercise freely, reduce their negative behaviors, keep them healthy, and discourage people from sneaking pets into public parks and endangering others, especially seniors and children.

Dog parks also foster a sense of community, giving pet lovers a place to connect and share experiences.

Investing in more pet-friendly spaces is necessary to meet practical community needs and improve the quality of life in modern cities.

*Trinh Phuong Quan is an architect.