Private Dog Park

[jay0k]

I've kicked around the idea for awhile even before the recent public "Bark Park" was opened of opening a dog resort.

The master plan involves the following:

1.  Private members only dog park.
2.  On-site vet.
3.  On-site groomer.
4.  On-site training.
5.  Doggy day care.
6.  Do it yourself dog washing.

Members receive discounts on doggy day care and possibly offering a premium membership that includes a to be determined number of doggy day care days a year and other discounts.

Members would have access to a staffed A/C and heated clubhouse that would have television and internet.

The dog park would have solar powered lighting.  A man made concrete pool.  And various other amenities. I'm expecting memberships to run in the $150/yr range.  

The idea behind a private park / resort is to control the number of people, keep out the "undesirables", provide premium services, and overall enjoyable place for the entire family.

Such a venture requires a huge amount of capital.

My market analysis is underway but thought I would throw the idea out to see if it's something people are interested in?

[RecycleMichael]

I have been thinking about getting a private dog. The ones I have are too public.

I don't pet him. He is for company.

[jay0k]

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

I have been thinking about getting a private dog. The ones I have are too public.

I don't pet him. He is for company.

I'm not sure I understand.

The idea is really the same concept behind public vs private golf clubs.  Generally private clubs are better maintained, offer better amenities and services, and limit membership to keep the place from being overrun.  I'm trying to offer this in conjunction with vet, grooming, and training services.

[RecycleMichael]

I think it is a great idea. I have been teaching my dog to hold out his pinky when he drinks and I just purchased him some new ascots.

[jay0k]

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

I think it is a great idea. I have been teaching my dog to hold out his pinky when he drinks and I just purchased him some new ascots.

This type of establishment isn't for you.

We're a society of convenience and providing all common dog services in conjunction with a well maintained private owned dog park seems appealing to many.  

The public parks require government intervention which means they set the rules and control maintenance.  Personally this doesn't appeal to me and many others who would like to bring their children, want to make sure dogs are properly vetted so they don't have wild unattended dogs, and want a safe place to be.

Since my idea doesn't take any public money it requires revenue and one way would be through membership.

[carltonplace]

quote:Originally posted by RecycleMichael

I think it is a great idea. I have been teaching my dog to hold out his pinky when he drinks and I just purchased him some new ascots.

I'd have to teach my dogs to grow a pinky first. I like the ascots, maybe a dinner jacket to go with them?

[Townsend]

Not for me either.

Good luck on your concept.

[Rico]

Tell me would your club supply chaparone service.......?

I don't allow Matilda to go anywhere without an escort.



I think you can see why......!

[dayzella]

Your idea would fly in the big city, especially if you did boarding, day care, dog pickup/drop off, grooming, and pet birthday parties all at the same place, and if your pet park had different sections for dog swimming, small dogs, large dogs, and frisbee/toss runs.

But I can't really see it working in Tulsa.  To me, that kind of concept only works where space is a premium, people treat their pets as ersatz children and shower them with their discretionary income, and commuting creates scheduling/lifestyle compatability problems.

I also think you'd realize pretty quickly that even with services being on top of a membership yearly fee, the insurance and staffing of the facility would eat money.

Just my two cents.

And as a Tulsan dog owner, I wouldn't have much interest in taking my dogs to your proposed facility.  If you had a stand alone dog cookie bakery or a mobile dog wash van, I might be more intrigued.

And in case you ever deviate from your master plan ... pet owners go nuts trying to find vacation/cabin housing that accepts pets.  Especially big acreage, fenced, with upgraded for human amenities and the animals treated like house animals/family, and not something that is supposed to sleep in a kennel by the barn.  If you went something like that with dog sitting service for when the people want to go do an area's recreation without Fluffy ... traveling pet nuts would find you.

[jay0k]

quote:Originally posted by dayzella

Your idea would fly in the big city, especially if you did boarding, day care, dog pickup/drop off, grooming, and pet birthday parties all at the same place, and if your pet park had different sections for dog swimming, small dogs, large dogs, and frisbee/toss runs.

But I can't really see it working in Tulsa.  To me, that kind of concept only works where space is a premium, people treat their pets as ersatz children and shower them with their discretionary income, and commuting creates scheduling/lifestyle compatability problems.

I also think you'd realize pretty quickly that even with services being on top of a membership yearly fee, the insurance and staffing of the facility would eat money.

Just my two cents.

And as a Tulsan dog owner, I wouldn't have much interest in taking my dogs to your proposed facility.  If you had a stand alone dog cookie bakery or a mobile dog wash van, I might be more intrigued.

And in case you ever deviate from your master plan ... pet owners go nuts trying to find vacation/cabin housing that accepts pets.  Especially big acreage, fenced, with upgraded for human amenities and the animals treated like house animals/family, and not something that is supposed to sleep in a kennel by the barn.  If you went something like that with dog sitting service for when the people want to go do an area's recreation without Fluffy ... traveling pet nuts would find you.

You make valid points.  Part of the plan is to offer "day care" services for folks who go on vacation.  Rather than just boarding the dogs in kennels they would be allow to roam in a sectioned off area and interact with other dogs.

A private dog park alone won't generate enough revenue which is the idea behind incorporating vet services, grooming, day care, etc.

[RecycleMichael]

We have an acre and a half back yard for our dogs. We would only be interested in grooming and keeping our dog on trips.

[McParty]

It would probably work in South Tulsa, spoiled dogs, kids, wives... all the same! LOL

[waterboy]

Jay, it would have appealed to me at one stage of my life (already passed thru). Some folks are having fun with you.

Please drive by a similar existing facility on hwy 75 towards Jenks. Can't remember exact location and too lazy to look it up! I believe its on the West side of 75 and is visible from the road. They board dogs, have grooming and vets, exercize areas etc. Sounds like what you're envisioning. Maybe not as comprehensive.

The burbs rather than the inner city, actually might be your demographic. Inner city folks are more tolerant of undesirables.

[Miss Solemnis]

quote:Originally posted by waterboy

Please drive by a similar existing facility on hwy 75 towards Jenks. Can't remember exact location and too lazy to look it up! I believe its on the West side of 75 and is visible from the road. They board dogs, have grooming and vets, exercize areas etc. Sounds like what you're envisioning. Maybe not as comprehensive.

That's Woodland West Pet Resort - just off the 96th Street exit.  Haven't used it myself, but we lived in Jenks for years and it always appeared to be doing very well.

[waterboy]

quote:Originally posted by Rico

Tell me would your club supply chaparone service.......?

I don't allow Matilda to go anywhere without an escort.



I think you can see why......!

Now that there is pet abuse. Robs her of any chance at self esteem. []