Visiting a dog farm near Trivandrum: what a Neolokam visit is, and what it is not

When people search for a dog farm near them, they usually want one of three things:

• To buy a puppy. Neolokam does not sell or breed dogs, so we cannot help with that. If you are looking for a puppy, take your time, see the mother where possible and talk to a vet before you commit.
• To spend an afternoon with dogs, the way some cities have dog cafes or petting farms. Neolokam is not set up as a visitor attraction. The dogs on the farm are other families' dogs on holiday, and their calm and safety come first.
• To see where their own dog could stay. That is exactly what a visit here is for.

If you are in the third group, read on.

Visits are for owners thinking about boarding or day care, and they are by appointment between 6:00 AM and 5:00 PM daily. Message +91 77363 90719 to fix a time.

The visit is also your dog's trial visit and temperament assessment, which every dog needs before its first stay. That is why we ask you to bring your dog: we need to see how it handles a new place, new people and other dogs. Dogs must be comfortable around other dogs to board here, and the visit is where we find that out together.

It saves you a second trip. One visit lets you judge the farm, and lets us judge whether the farm suits your dog.

The farm is one site at Kollodu PO, via Malayinkil, on 1.5 acres of trees, shade and open ground. On a visit you can expect to see:

• The open ground where dogs spend the day outdoors in supervised groups matched by temperament.
• The stream and the swimming and splash area, where dogs that enjoy water can play. Water-shy dogs are never pushed in.
• Shaded areas under the trees where dogs rest in the heat of the day.
• Ask how the home-cooked meals are prepared, and whether you can leave your dog's own dry food.
• The staff at work. Three Malayali staff are on site and there is 24/7 human care.

Walk around, ask where your dog would sleep and rest, ask how groups are chosen, and watch how the staff handle the dogs. A good boarding place should be happy to answer every question.

Bring these so the visit can double as the full trial:

• Your dog, on a secure lead and collar or harness.
• The vaccination record showing up-to-date rabies and core vaccinations.
• The date of your dog's last tick and parasite prevention, given as advised by your vet.
• Notes on feeding, medicines, fears and habits, and your vet's name and number.
• Water for the drive, and a towel if your dog is likely to try the stream.

Confirm a time on WhatsApp before you set out, because the team plans visits around the dogs already staying.

If your dog settles well and you like what you see, you can plan a stay. Options include the 3-Day Dog Village Vacation at ₹5,555, long-term boarding at ₹444, ₹555 or ₹666 a day, and monthly boarding from ₹9,999 to ₹17,777, all plus 18% GST. For day-care times and rates, ask the team.

If you would rather not drive out each time, pickup and drop-off for confirmed boarding and day care are available by appointment from 16 localities, including Nemom, Pattom, Kowdiar, Kazhakkoottam and Neyyattinkara. The team confirms the route, timing and any charge.

If your dog does not settle on the first visit, that is useful to know too. The team will tell you honestly what they saw.