COMSTOCK PARK, Mich — Michigan’s first indoor dog park is officially open in Comstock Park.
The Pack indoor dog park is a safe way to help your dog run off some energy, but there’s also some fun perks for pet parents too.
The facility is part dog park, part dining experience and the owners are eager to start that portion of the business once indoor dining is allowed to resume in Michigan.
Part-owner, Raechel Macqueen said she and her husband started thinking about the business after finding it difficult to bring their daughter to a dog park safely.
“We realized that there’s really nowhere we can go where I feel comfortable bringing her for her to be able to sit and be apart from the dogs, because some dogs really do not appreciate kids. Somewhere where we could sit have a coffee or a bagel sandwich or whatever, while our dog was able to run and play and get some exercise,” she said.
The indoor, climate-controlled environment will also be perfect for West Michigan’s bitter winters and scorching summers Macqueen said.
RELATED: Much-anticipated indoor dog park to open Monday in Comstock Park
“Me personally, after about 15 or 20 minutes my toes are frozen and I’m ready to be done even if my dog isn’t quite done yet. Even in the summer when days are unbearably hot, same kind of thing I’m ready to be in the air-conditioning after too long, even if my dog isn’t done playing yet,” she said.
Others in the area seem to agree.
Jessica Sloat and Steven Rizzotto who were visiting Grand Rapids, Monday, from Big Rapids, felt The Pack was a great alternative to their usual dog park trip.
“It’s kind of nice to be inside for a change and not freezing,” Sloat said.
Rizzotto said, “I feel like it would be cool to relax and hang out while the dogs are playing you know?”
Once the dining room opens, The Pack’s menu will go well beyond stale stadium food and drinks.
Macqueen said, “12-inch pizzas, and it’s shareables, so we'll have french fry platters with different kinds of fries, with all kinds of dipping sauces, cheese curds, chicken tenders.”
They’ll also offer craft beers, ciders, and canned alcoholic beverages at the bar.
The Pack offers dog park play as well as half and full-day doggie daycare; all carefully supervised.
Macqueen said, “Our staff is there to monitor dog play and to also make sure that everything stays mess free.”
Rates are as follows:
Dog Park options:
Yearly Membership - $200
5-visit punch card - $30
Daycare:
Half-day - $15
Full-day - $30
Every dog will also get evaluated during their first visit.
“We can get an idea of how they like to play, what they enjoy, that they enjoy group play, and that it’s going to be a good experience for everybody,” Macqueen said.
Before you visit, you will need to make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.
Mcqueen said, “We do require some vaccinations which owners can upload themselves or we’re happy to request from your vet to get them for you. We ask if you questions about behavior, just so our staff can kind of know what to expect from your dog, what to look for on their first few visits.”
The business had it’s own challenges with the pandemic, even having to postpone their planned summer grand opening.
“We had times where crew was quarantined and had to push back their schedule two weeks, that throws everything else off, so we just learn to roll with it,” said Macqueen.
But now, the owners are excited to finally become a fun hangout spot in the community.
Macqueen said, “We have been really intentional in construction and staff training, so that anybody feels welcome to come here, dog owner or not. Everyone just feels comfortable walking into the space, that’s it it’s enjoyable, and it’s a positive experience for them and their dogs.”
The Pack is located at 5205 W River Dr NE in Comstock Park.
Be sure to check theirFacebook page often for updates about their bar and restaurant.
