VDNKh Expands Its Pet-Friendly Environment with Guided Walks, Dining Options and Pet Merchandise

On June 4, the House of Russian Cuisine at VDNKh hosted an event dedicated to the development of a more comfortable urban environment for pet owners. The initiative, titled With Your Four-Legged Friend at VDNKh: Route Planned, continues a joint project between VDNKh and Valta Pet Products aimed at promoting pet-friendly standards for public spaces.

A year ago, VDNKh and Ostankino Park introduced a dedicated guide for visitors with pets. The guide includes visiting rules as well as a list of cafés and restaurants that welcome dogs. In 2026, the guide was expanded to include additional dining locations where dogs can receive water, special menu items and complimentary gift boxes.

According to Maria Bostanova, Head of Park Projects at the Strategic Development and Hospitality Department of VDNKh, the exhibition complex welcomes more than 30 million visitors annually and continues to develop infrastructure that accommodates both pet owners and other guests. The updated Four-Legged Guide now features more than 20 food and beverage venues, along with walking and training areas in Ostankino Park.

The event also marked the launch of free dog walking sessions with professional trainers. Developed jointly by VDNKh, the Ostankino Training and Sports Dog Center and Hvost News, the program will be held twice a month.

Evgeny Akinin, Honored Figure of the Russian Cynological Federation and Head of the Ostankino Training and Sports Dog Center, said participants will learn about responsible pet behavior in urban environments, adaptation of dogs to city life, recommended equipment and ways to prevent conflicts during walks.

Another element of the initiative is a new collection of pet toys inspired by the atmosphere of VDNKh and Soviet-era design. The range includes a roly-poly toy, a star, an ice cream cone and a traditional sausage sandwich. The collection was developed by Mr. Kranch in partnership with VDNKh and the Hvost News community. Purchases include gift boxes containing Award treats from Valta Pet Products and branded stickers for pet owners. Pet beds and other pet accessories will also become available in VDNKh souvenir stores.

Representatives of the House of Russian Cuisine emphasized that a modern pet-friendly concept goes beyond simply allowing pets on the premises and increasingly includes dedicated services for pet owners.

Alena Golovchenko, Director of Creative Projects and Head of the Brands4Pets project at Valta Pet Products, noted that pet-friendly services are becoming an important part of consumer expectations. According to company research conducted with Yandex Vzglyad in April 2025, 39% of pet owners travel with their pets, 42% visit restaurants with them and 46% stay in pet-friendly hotels. These trends indicate growing demand for services that accommodate companion animals.

Kirill Govorun, Brand Manager of RESTO concepts and the House of Russian Cuisine at Vasilchuki Restaurant Group, said all food halls within the group welcome visitors with pets and have seen their number increase steadily. Guests can access complimentary treats, pet beds and water bowls, while also purchasing products for their pets. Although most visitors arrive with dogs, around 26% of pet-related sales are generated by products purchased for cats.

The initiative reflects the continuing development of pet-friendly infrastructure and services in public spaces, making VDNKh an increasingly accessible destination for visitors with companion animals.