While some members-only clubs are pet-friendly, a private dog park is out to change the canine social scene.
This summer, Dog PPL, also known as the “Soho House” for hounds, will hit New York City. Founded in 2021 by friends Alex Esguerra and Liam Underwood, the upscale club already has an outpost in Santa Monica. Soon, it will be expanding its footprint with a second location in Brooklyn’s Williamsburg neighborhood, the New York Post reported.
According to the newspaper, the 18,000-square-foot private dog park will be perched on the roof of 12 Berry Street near McCarren Park and is slated to open in summer 2025. While prices for the East Coast site have yet to be released, if the latest iteration is anything like its predecessor, members can expect to pay annual dues of $1,400 or $120 per month. If you want to add an extra pup—and there are only three doggos allowed per person—it’ll cost an additional $75 for each individual pet.
The fee alone isn’t enough to get Fido in the door though. Owners will have to make sure their dog is fully vaxxed and has been either spayed or neutered. Plus, your pup will have to pass an initial temperament assessment to ensure they’re well-socialized. Don’t worry, there are “rufferees” that will keep an eye on things.
“They’re not jumping through hoops or having to stand on their back legs or anything like that,” Keitel Frankle, DOG PPL’s safety operations manager, told Reuters. “We’re more passively seeing the social skills that they have and how they’re able to coexist amongst the community of different ages, sizes, breeds, energy levels, and personalities. It takes a lot for a dog to be confident enough and adept enough at socializing in such a stimulating environment.”
Naturally, humans are expected to be on their best behavior too. At the Santa Monica location, there are rules to follow like no laptops after 6 pm and no children under the age of 16. Once in, Dog PPL members will enjoy special events such as DJ sets and cocktail nights. The original outpost also sports a full kitchen, a cafe, free Wi-Fi, and validated parking for owners. Of course, the doggie social club packs a ton of perks for canines like on-site grooming on the weekends and hydro play stations.
Since its opening, Dog PPL has grown to rougly 1,700 members, The Los Angeles Times reported back in December 2023. At the time, Esguerra announced plans to expand its canine social club around Southern California, with the goal of launching 60 U.S. locations in the next few years.
Authors
-
Abby Montanez
