I do not have a dog, and apparently, I do not need one to visit this impressive dog park and drinkery in Menomonee Falls, Wis. (greater Milwaukee). “The Hounds & Tap caters to dogs and dog lovers, but all humans are welcome, whether they own a dog or not,” says the press release. My family has been dogless since our two pugs died and our son arrived, but maybe now is the time to get one. Maybe two! Why, my partner asks? Well, for starters rescue pugs need homes (go here!), but also more selfishly, I want to visit The Hounds & Tap. It’s only a seven-hour drive from Cleveland. Totally worth it once you hear the details.
The Hounds & Tap just opened as a 12,000-sq-ft facility that has (among other things) an indoor and outdoor dog park, dog spa, luxurious kennel suites and a tavern featuring a wraparound bar with indoor/outside access as well as indoor/outdoor play areas for the pups. The tavern offers free Wi-Fi, six large indoor TVs, four outdoor TVs and an impressive selection of craft beers from local brewhouses like New Glarus Brewing and Lakefront Brewery and popular macrocraft brands like New Belgium and Sierra Nevada. Also, small businesses, food trucks and community artists can be found in the park on select evenings and weekends.
“The Hounds & Tap is a place for dogs and dog lovers,” confirmed Jeffrey Wilgus, who co-owns the local indie business with Leah Neuroth. “It’s a place to meet new friends and make new ones, and a place where our community can continue to grow together.”
“Brewing is a Wisconsin tradition,” continues Neuroth. “With over 200 breweries throughout the state, we are thrilled to be able to offer a wide assortment of local craft brews. We couldn’t think of a better combination than bringing together Wisconsinites’ love of dogs and love of craft beer.”
The beer is good, but the dog park is amazing. It has agility equipment, plenty of water, K9 Grass for the hounds and plenty of outside seating for humans. For the ultimate pampering experience, the dog spa offers professional stylists that will make sure each hound’s specific grooming needs and breed characteristics are taken into account (you know). If a dog parent prefers to bathe and dry their dog themselves, the facility also has a self-wash station.
When clients bring their dogs in for daycare, the dogs will enjoy ample indoor/outdoor play time, as well as hourly relaxing breaks. All dogs start with a compatibility assessment and will be placed into groups based on age, size and temperament (hmmm… maybe bars should do this). When boarding a hound, they will be on their own vacation with soothing music and aromatherapy. The facility has spacious kennels, temperature-controlled rooms, soft lighting, sleeping cot and upgradable luxurious suites.
All dog owners will need to provide proof of up-to-date dog vaccinations. In addition, all canines must be at least four months of age, be spayed or neutered if over six months of age and be hound and human friendly. Visit here for more details or proceed directly below for some adorable dog photos.
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