Bouncing Buddies, a pet education centre located on the outskirts of Panaji, offers a screen-free experience that is gentle, grounding, and human
ADITHI SHARMA | NT BUZZ
Bouncing Buddies is not just a pet cafe or centre. It is an imaginative confluence of education, entertainment, and empathy. The space has been jointly envisioned by Indian film and television personality Kabir Sadanand and his business partner Anil Agrawal, and brought to life with the operational dedication of Neha Khandelwal and team. At first glance, the centre may seem like a cheerful stop for animal lovers, but it unfolds into a screen-free, thoughtful environment rooted in child development, community engagement, and the calming power of animal interaction.
The idea, Sadanand shares, began as a dream of building a petting farm. “We were not getting space, and then Anil came up with the idea of opening a petting café,” he recalls. A trip to Japan added inspiration. “We saw the Taito station, it’s something recommended for kids to increase hand-eye coordination and motor skills,” he explains. This was the genesis of Bouncing Buddies — a hybrid of petting centre, game arcade, learning hub, art and food cafe.
Khadelwal, a film industry colleague came on board with the vision of creating a calming, inclusive cafe environment. “We didn’t want it to look like a kiddo space,” she says. “We wanted whoever enters to feel like it’s their second place — a comfort zone.” This philosophy permeates everything, from the ambient lighting and muted decor to the carefully curated healthy menu.
But the uniqueness of Bouncing Buddies lies beyond its aesthetics. It is the first Indian space to combine a petting cafe with a screen-free, retro-style gaming station. The decision to eliminate mobile screens entirely for customers — except for billing purposes — is deliberate. “We want kids to give their 120% to the experience, rather than flicking and posing for photos,” says Sadanand, who is also a biodynamic consultant by education.
The petting area is a sanctuary of variety — from guinea pigs and rabbits to hamsters, birds, and hedgehogs. Many of these animals, as Sadanand points out, are new to most visitors. “Forget holding a hedgehog, most haven’t even seen one in real life,” he says. This exposure, he believes, cultivates understanding and comfort with animals, even in those who arrive apprehensive. “Afrin, one of our team members, was scared of pets when she joined. Now she picks up hedgehogs with her bare hands.”
The centre takes its role as an educational space seriously. “It’s about learning how to observe animals,” Sadanand notes. “When people come here, they begin to understand how to take care of a pet, what behaviours to look out for.” Pet safety is paramount. All animals are home-bred, legally sourced, and given rotational breaks from public interaction. Veterinary support is constant, with regular check-ups and responsive care. Harsh Chowgule, the team’s animal handler, and Joshua Fernandes, the head of operations, play a pivotal role in the daily care of the pets and the place.
Temperature modulation and pet wellbeing are obsessively fine-tuned. “We’ve wrecked our brains figuring out how to cool the area during Goan summers,” Khandelwal laughs. The centre even limits its operating hours to ensure animals are not over-stimulated, closing the petting sections by 7.30 p.m.
Bouncing Buddies also includes a “Messy Art Room” — a space for art, workshops, and birthday parties. Khandelwal emphasises that their birthday parties are not the usual fare. “No loud music or typical magic tricks. It’s about giving kids a meaningful experience,” she explains. The workshops range from poetry and drama to storytelling, with future plans to integrate structured short-term courses. “We are planning a four-day camp with art, pantomime, and pet handling sessions,” she shares.
Adults are not left out. From stressed-out professionals to hesitant pet lovers, the space provides a retreat for all age groups. “We had a woman who was initially scared of animals, and by the end of her visit, she was comfortable around them,” says Sadanand.
The community-centric approach goes further with the concept of “pet passports”. Children who show regular interest and learning can graduate to becoming “pet scouts” — young volunteers who assist and engage with animals under supervision. It is a rewarding incentive model that encourages repeat visits while deepening knowledge and responsibility.
The team continues to actively work in the film industry. However, this venture is a manifestation of their personal passion. “This is an expensive passion, but it’s deeply fulfilling,” says Sadanand.
Indeed, the joy of seeing a child laugh or a previously fearful visitor pet an animal for the first time is the currency that fuels the team. “Our greatest victory is when people don’t want to leave,” says Khandelwal.
Still in its infancy, Bouncing Buddies is slowly exploring new collaborations. But the focus remains on organic growth.
