Because baby, it gets COLD outside in Indiana!

When Darius Smith, wife, Danielle and their Doberman, King, moved from Las Vegas to Indianapolis, they were left with zero options for outside play and exercise in the wintertime.

“When we moved here, we didn’t know what to do with our dog in the winter and couldn’t find a place to take him to play,” Smith told the Indy Channel.

The hunt for indoor options came up way short. Outside of doggy day care businesses – where you drop off your dog and it can cost up to $30 per day – there was nothing.

And so, the idea for Indy’s Indoor Bark Park was born.

In fact, if you live in the area, its planners want to meet you and tell you all about the park – which is slated to open in December in the Castleton, IN, area. Its actual location will be announced at the “Pre-Launch Pawty” this Saturday, October 20, at Metazoa Brewing Company in downtown Indianapolis.

At the event, attendees will learn about their crowdfunding efforts and opening information, and will have the opportunity to win free day passes and monthly memberships. Guests must be 21 years or older to attend this event at Metazoa. Dogs are welcome to attend the event as well. The park will welcome dogs of all breeds and sizes — and their owners, of course!

“Our mission is to give the Indianapolis dog-loving community a place to live out the word ‘community,’” Smith said.

Indy’s Indoor Dog Park, says Smith, has already set up partnerships with local dog companies, as well as other local businesses to make the indoor dog park more than just a park to play. These partnerships include City Dogs Grocery, Pet Wants, and Open Field Photography. Smith plans to have services to buy local, fresh, and organic dog food products at the park, as well as opportunities for dog owners to purchase local craft beer while their dog plays.

“We will be announcing crowdfunding opportunities to help raise money for the opening and for texturing the floor of the facility,” Smith said.

Smith emphasized that Indy’s Indoor Bark Park is not a doggy daycare. Dogs must be accompanied by a human owner while at the park.

There are several membership options and day passes available for purchase. That information as well as other upcoming events can be found on Indy’s Indoor Bark Park website.

Want to learn more?
Follow Indy’s Indoor Bark Park on Facebook…
on Twitter…
on Instagram!

We look forward to following up with a great article about opening day (and would love to see an idea like this catch fire elsewhere), in communities both hot and cold!