COMSTOCK PARK, Mich. — A far-fetched dream is now a reality for a West Michigan family.
“We’ve been here all hours of the day getting everything perfect,” said Raechel MacQueen. “We’ve seen cars kind of drive up and check things out.”
On Monday, MacQueen, alongside her husband parents, will open The Pack in Comstock Park.
MacQueen says it’s the first indoor dog park in Michigan. In addition to offering an open space to play, daycare services and food and drink options for owners will be available at The Pack. However, due to state health orders, food and drinks will not be served until indoor dining service is allowed.
“Really excited and the response has been so positive,” said MacQueen. “A lot of dogs already signed up through our online registration.”
MacQueen says the concept formed shortly after her daughter’s birth when she realized the outdoor dog parks her family loved weren’t the best environment for a young child.
“There just wasn’t a place that we could all go together and where our dog could play that would be safe for her and comfortable year round,” said MacQueen.
Construction started in February just before the pandemic, but COVID-19 still impacted The Pack. According to MacQueen, material shortages delayed construction.
“We’re pretty flexible people as it is but it has tested our flexibility for sure,” said MacQueen.
Dogs will need to be up-to-date on vaccinations and those over one-years-old must be spayed or neutered, although MacQueen says they’re working on a compromise for that. Dogs will go through a “play profile” before their visit to ensure the best time. Staff at The Pack received formal training through a certified dog coach.
MacQueen says The Pack wants to be a welcoming, educational environment that betters dogs and their owners.
“I think the community that we’re going to be creating here is going to be really cool,” said MacQueen.
The Pack will be open seven days a week. Monday through Thursday the dog park will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the daycare open 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours for both on Fridays will be 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. There is no daycare on the weekends, but The Pack will be open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sundays.
For pricing, click here.
