COLUMBUS, Ohio — A members-only dog park and bar, The Wag, is preparing to open in the Fifth by Northwest neighborhood, north of Grandview Heights.
The Wag, located at 1330 Norton Ave., will hold its grand opening Nov. 15 from 5 to 10 p.m., according to a news release.
The facility features an indoor playspace for dogs, an outdoor dog park with turf, a grooming salon and a pet shop. While dogs play, owners can enjoy an outdoor garden and seating area, food trucks, free Wi-Fi, big-screen televisions and an indoor three-sided bar serving beer, cocktails, mocktails and nitro cold brew. The venue also includes a private rentable party space.
“It’s a 50-50 place basically, so half of it when you first walk in is all like a regular bar-slash-brewery, but [dogs] can be inside. Dogs have to be on leash,” founder Casie Goldstein said in an interview with NBC4. “Then there’s a turnstile or basically an unleashing area that allows them at the back half of the property to be off leash and play.”
Goldstein, who also founded the Columbus doggie daycare All Paws Retreat, said she was inspired by a customer’s suggestion to open a dog-friendly bar.
“It’s really been a passion project,” Goldstein said. “It’s something that we’ve been trying to do since 2023. We’ve had a lot of trials and tribulations along the way for this.”
Membership is required to enter The Wag, costing $55 per month or $75 per month for a VIP pass. The VIP membership includes access to a members-only drink menu, 10% off full-service grooming, and early entry in the morning before regular hours. Day passes are also available for $15. Goldstein said additional dogs can be added for $10 per dog to any membership or day pass.
All dogs must meet behavioral and health criteria before entering, including being up-to-date on vaccinations and being friendly with people and other dogs, Goldstein said.
New dog members wear an identification collar issued by The Wag for the first few days, allowing staff to closely monitor them as they adjust, according to the news release.
After the grand opening, The Wag will be open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. On-site and street parking are available, and a paid parking garage is located behind the facility.