When temperatures drop, but your pup wants to run and play, a trip to the dog park may seem out of the question. After all, you don't want to shiver in the cold while Fido has all the fun. Indoor dog parks offer the perfect solution. You and your canine companion have a place to let loose and meet other doggies and pet parents, safe from the icy elements.
Yes, Indoor Dog Parks Are a Thing
Indoor dog parks have gained popularity in recent years, popping up worldwide. Are you thinking, “Isn't that just doggy daycare?” Not quite.
How Do Indoor Dog Parks Work
Unlike doggy daycare, pet parents stay with their pets at an indoor dog park, like they would at a typical outdoor one. Most indoor parks offer comfortable seating for people to mingle as they watch their pups play off-leash. There are often lounges, bars, or restaurants associated with the park. However, some indoor dog parks offer additional services, including doggy daycare, grooming, and boarding.
Visitors pay a fee to visit the dog park, and most indoor dog parks offer memberships. Usually, you pay for a certain time slot. All dogs must have proof of current vaccinations, and many places require a behavior test.
Parks include large areas for dogs to run, and many feature obstacles like jumps, tunnels, and other playful additions. Some places offer separate areas for large and small pups.
14 Indoor Dog Parks In the United States
No matter where you live or travel with your dog, you will likely find an indoor dog park nearby. Here are some that stand out and get the most mentions.
1. Dogwood Play Park and Bar (Seattle, WA)
Grab a beer or glass of wine as you watch your pup play and romp. Outdoor and indoor play areas, drop-in options, and memberships are available.
2. The Pack (Comstock Park, MI)
Michigan's first dog park welcomes pups of every size. There's also a restaurant and bar serving a selection of pizzas, quesadillas, wings, and other tasty tidbits.
3. Bosly's Backyard (Chicago, IL)
The unique part about this indoor dog park is that it's private. If your pup needs some playtime away from other dogs, book a session at Bosly's.
4. Unleashed Hops and Hounds (Minneapolis, MN)
This indoor and outdoor dog park is the first of its kind in Minnesota. It offers drinks, food, and fun, plus bookings for events and parties.
5. Doggo's Dog Park and Pub (Greensboro, NC)
This dog park welcomes pet parents 21 and older to grab a drink as their furry friends frolic. Host a birthday “pawty” for your pup, or stop in for a quick play session.
6. Mak Pack (Chandler, AZ)
This dog boarding and training facility also features an indoor door park that’s rated number one in Arizona. They offer memberships, drop-in day passes, or monthly passes.
7. Lucky Paws Pet Resort (Freedom, PA)
Love to pamper your pet? Check out this posh pet resort with a doggy hotel, salon, and spa. The resort also offers the only indoor dog park in the Pittsburgh area and is open for private visits.
8. Kanine Social (Jacksonville, FL)
This indoor dog park gives pups opportunities to run, jump, and play while you enjoy a coffee or craft beer from the bar. Or visit the on-site tap room with your dog on-leash.
9. Wagging Tails Pet Resort and Spaw (West Hartford, CT)
This pet resort features an indoor dock diving pool, which used to be their indoor dog park. If your dog loves to swim, consider a pool rental for some wet and wild fun during the winter. The resort also offers daycare, boarding, DIY dog washes, an ice cream “pawlor” and barkery.
10. Wag N’ Paddle (Napierville, IL)
Wag n’ Paddle offers a 9,000-square-foot indoor play park, an indoor pool for swimming fun and practice, and an outdoor area. They also provide boarding and doggy daycare services.
11. Work and Woof (Austin, TX)
This coworking spot in Austin offers Saturday stay and plays for pups in its 4,000-square-foot indoor play space. Check their website for availability. The park is typically only open to the public on the second Saturday of the month, leaving other Saturdays open for special events.
12. Ales and Tails (Woodinville, WA)
This 21-and-over facility invites you to visit the taproom and bring your dog along for the fun. They offer free play on Mondays. They also offer grooming and boarding services.
13. Barx Parx (Las Vegas, NV)
Take the fun inside at this Las Vegas indoor dog park, boarding facility, and doggy daycare. There are also professional trainers available and luxury grooming services.
14. Paws 4 Fun Park (Lincoln, NE)
This boarding facility is full of enticing doggy fun, including four separate indoor dog parks totaling over 12,000 square feet. There are two large dog areas and two small dog zones.
Visiting an Indoor Dog Park: Six Things to Consider
Before you check out an indoor dog park, keep these tips in mind to make the most of your visit.
1. Know Dog Park Etiquette
Practice the same good habits you would with your dog in any public place. Dog park etiquette applies, so respect other dogs and people, make sure your dog responds well to basic commands, and clean up waste. Many indoor dog parks require pups to take a temperament test before they’re allowed to attend.
2. Always Stay Observant
Since it’s common for plenty of indoor dog parks to offer perks to their human visitors, it’s easy to get distracted. For example, some establishments serve coffee, beer, and snacks along with comfy seating areas that encourage conversation with other pet parents. However, it’s vital to remain vigilant when it comes to your dog. Watch your dog’s body language and behavior, and if you notice any strange changes or signs of aggression, it’s time to leave.
3. Understand the Specific Rules Before You Go
Each indoor dog park has its own set of rules and guidelines. For example, some may not allow food, while others forbid you from bringing your own but serve food in-house. Other parks may encourage you to BYOB. There might be time limits, membership requirements, and other policies in place, so know them before you go so you’re prepared.
4. Stay Updated With Vaccinations, Flea, and Heartworm Prevention
You’ll likely need to show proof of updated vaccinations and spaying or neutering for older dogs before they can attend the dog park. This keeps your dog safe and healthy, as well as other pups visiting the park. Although heartworm and flea prevention may not be a particular requirement of the parks, it’s widely encouraged and suggested to prevent your pup from spreading or picking up unwanted parasites.
5. Reserve a Time Slot
Indoor dog parks are typically busy, and you don’t want to show up when one’s at maximum capacity. Play it safe and make reservations whenever possible.
6. Take Your Dog for a Test Run
Many indoor dog parks have lower crowd levels during weekdays. If you’re unsure how your dog will take to the park, visit during one of these less busy times to test it out.
Too Cold to Play? Bring the Fun Inside
Your dog feels the wintertime chill in the air, even with their perpetual fur coat, and you don’t want to shiver in the cold while Fido runs free. Therefore, an indoor dog park might be just the ticket to plenty of playtime fun for your furry friend when it’s too cold to stay outside.
Check out the Neater Pets blog for more tips on keeping your pup warm in winter and how to be the best pet parent possible.