Garden City home to new social scene for dog owners

Whether you have a dog or not and still want to socialize with other dog lovers, a new gathering spot could be just the spot to find your pack.

A new social scene geared toward dog owners and lovers seeking a watering hole and water bowl has opened in Garden City. Clubhound has a mission “to create joy and foster connections among people and pets by providing a welcoming and safe environment for all.”

The venue, which is 100,000 square feet, opened on July 13, and saw foot traffic of 800 humans and paw traffic of 400 canines, the company stated. It is owned by Jake Whitlock and Julie Emerick and was created from a “desire to create a space where people and their pets could socialize and make new connections,” a release stated.

“We were in the midst of the pandemic, and I started learning about the loneliness epidemic spreading across the country,” Whitlock said. “We wanted Clubhound to create joy and bring people together.”

Along with its size due to being a former concrete factory, Clubhound boasts being pet and people friendly. It “is designed to be a community space where dogs and their people feel welcome and able to connect with new friends.” Pets are required to be current on their vaccines. If someone doesn’t have a pet, admission is free. Pet passes are available for pet owners in three options: daily, monthly and annually.

Dogs have an off-leash place to run and play, while the area catering to humans ― food and drinks ― offers Alchemist coffee, beer, wine, cider and a “rotating” selection of food trucks.

Clubhound also offers high-speed Wi-fi for those who want a remote workspace. Staff members known as “rufferees” can oversee dogs while their owners work. The venue will also host special events from speed dating and trivia nights to adoptions, meetups and “Pups and Pilates.”

“We want people to know this is your space—your club,” Whitlock said. Clubhound is open from 8 a.m.-9 p.m., seven days a week, all year. It is located at 415 E. Remington Street in Garden City. More information can be found at clubhound.com.