Dog Wild's down payment

Dog Wild is an up-and-coming membership-based dog park and bar coming to Columbia, MO. We aim to be the hub for dogs, dog-owners, and dog lovers alike to connect. We don’t want to be just a dog park, or just a bar. We want to be a resource for the dog community here in Columbia. However, we have many, many steps to take before we can open our doors.

Columbia is a growing city that lacks a proper space for dogs and their owners to safely exercise off leash and socialize. Free options provided by the City of Columbia include three outdoor dog parks across city limits; however, these are not staffed, minimally regulated, and only open for part of the year. According to recent ESRI estimates within Columbia, there are three different colleges with 48% of the population living in rental housing. While rentals may be dog-friendly, they are not dog-focused and don't always offer appropriate space for dogs to exercise. Additionally, Mid-Missouri weather tends to strongly fluctuate from week to week making it difficult for dog owners to reliably exercise their dogs outside, either off or on leash. The need is clear for an affordable and safe space for owners to bring their dogs to exercise, socialize and enjoy each other's company.

At Dog Wild, we are focused on offering the complete recreational experience for both dogs and their owners. A clean, climate-controlled indoor off leash play area will be one of the main amenities. Customers bringing a dog will be able to opt for a day pass or purchase a monthly membership. Individuals coming to enjoy the atmosphere without a dog can enter for free. While there, owners will find their favorite local coffee or brews at the bar, as well as ample seating, shaded spaces, and free Wi-Fi, making it easy to come, sit, and stay.

While our facility will not be free like the outdoor dog parks, our entry policies will require dogs to be up to date on vaccinations and spayed or neutered by a certain age. These health requirements reduce the risk of disease transmission, unwanted litters, and undesired behaviors from mature, unaltered dogs. We will also have dedicated, trained staff on duty to help patrol and manage the off-leash play area for any hostile behaviors or shift in group energy.

We are still in the “puppy” stages of developing Dog Wild for Columbia’s community. As such, we do not have a physical location yet, however we are looking at commercial property for sale or lease within city limits. Staying within city limits will allow us to explore locations that are centrally located in Columbia to accrue the necessary repeat customer base needed to stay successful. Our ideal location would be between 2-5 acres, within city limits, have access to city sewer and utilities upon development and be accessible by a black top road. Our initial goal is to lease or build a single-story 10,000 sq ft warehouse style building with spacious outdoor patio area and parking. Our goal is raise $300000 in order to leverage a larger $3M loan.

Our biggest obstacle is the price tag that comes with a facility such as this, offering multiple leisure concepts under one roof. Financially, this will be a heavy lift to get off the ground, but as we’ve learned time and time again: many hands make light work. As fellow dog-owners and long-time Columbia residents, we want this for Columbia as much as you do. The dog-owning community deserves to have a safe, clean, reliable space for their dogs. Please consider donating to our campaign. No amount is too small. We thank you in advance and can’t wait to create this much needed space for our “big little town”.