New Indoor Dog Park in Everett Creates Year-Round Gathering Place for Pets and Their Owners

New Indoor Dog Park in Everett Creates Year-Round Gathering Place for Pets and Their Owners

A new downtown Everett business is giving dog owners a place to exercise their pets, meet other animal lovers and escape the region's rainy weather.

Pawsome Park & Lodge combines an indoor dog park, daycare, overnight boarding and a social space for people. The facility, located on Rucker Avenue, held a soft opening in September and celebrated its grand opening on October 11.

Owner Chris Rugh says the goal is to create a welcoming destination where dogs can play year-round and their owners can build connections with other members of the community.

Indoor play offers an alternative to rainy-day walks

Western Washington's wet season can make outdoor activities challenging for dog owners. Muddy paws, soaked coats and limited opportunities for off-leash exercise are familiar problems during the colder months.

Pawsome Park & Lodge aims to provide an indoor alternative with climate-controlled play areas and specially designed artificial turf.

The facility's flooring is elevated above an integrated drainage system, allowing staff to wash and sanitize the surface throughout the day.

Dogs using the off-leash play areas must have an active membership, current vaccinations and an annual behavioral assessment. Staff members monitor interactions to help maintain a safe and structured environment.

According to Rugh, the assessment process helps the business understand each dog's temperament before allowing it to participate in group play.

Barkside Café welcomes dog owners and other visitors

The business is designed to serve people as well as their pets.

Its adjoining Barkside Café is open to the general public, including people who do not own dogs or have a Pawsome membership. Visitors can order food and drinks while socializing in the café.

Dogs are welcome in the café on a leash, while off-leash play takes place in the designated indoor park area.

The café also hosts community events and is intended to provide a gathering place for people living and working in downtown Everett.

The facility features extensive murals by local artist Sam Trout, creating a distinctive visual environment throughout the space.

Local food and pet services under one roof

Pawsome offers more than a place for dogs to run around. Its services include dog daycare, overnight boarding, grooming and a self-service washing station.

The combination allows owners to use the same facility for exercise, daytime care and overnight stays.

Rugh said the business was developed with Everett's growing downtown residential population in mind. As more apartments and housing developments appear in the area, he sees an opportunity to create additional neighborhood gathering spaces.

Membership and safety requirements

Access to the indoor off-leash park, daycare and boarding requires a Pawsome membership.

FOX 13 reported an annual membership fee of $89. Dogs must also have current vaccinations and pass a behavioral assessment before participating.

The assessment and screening requirements are intended to help staff understand dogs' play styles and determine whether they are comfortable in a group environment.

The facility is open seven days a week. Prospective customers can visit the business website to review its services, membership information and assessment requirements.

New business draws interest from Everett residents

Community interest has been strong since the facility began its soft opening.

According to FOX 13, Pawsome enrolled 115 members during its first 45 days, with membership later passing 250.

Rugh said the response reflects a need for places where pet owners can connect with one another while giving their dogs opportunities to exercise and socialize.

Located at 2820 Rucker Avenue, Pawsome Park & Lodge is positioning itself as a new downtown destination for Everett's dog-owning community — and a place where people without pets are welcome, too.