Ruff Club upgrades Richmond's dog park game
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Karri's dog at play. Photo: Karri Peifer/Axios
Karri here, thinking about all the cynical things I thought when I learned that a members-only dog park with a bar existed in Richmond, and near Scott's Addition, of course.
Why it matters: I was so, so wrong. A dog park with a bar is an awesome addition to our dog park scene.
The big picture: Ruff Canine Club, which bills itself as Richmond's first and only dog bar, opened in 2021, in a surprisingly still-industrial little corner just outside of Scott's Addition.
- It's basically behind the now-closed Greyhound station.
- Like Richmond's many free dog parks, it offers pooches a chance to run off-leash, sniff new smells and play with other pups.
- But unlike the free spots, it has ample seating in the shade, dozens of pristine tennis balls, free wifi, a staff that makes sure water bowls are full, a dirt-free lawn for play, and dog-centric events, like a summer pool party.
Plus, Richmond's only dog bar has a bar that serves wine, beer, canned cocktails, nonalcoholic drinks and plenty of snacks — for humans and their fur babies.
- There's even a "daily yappy hour" for humans, 3-6pm.
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Zoom in: My boyfriend and I cut out of work early one day recently with our almost-7-year-old extremely high energy Lab to give it a try.
- The vibe: Super friendly, very chill, excellent staff, crisp and cold drinks, and pups of all breeds and sizes who came by for a sniff or pat.
- Plus, there were dozens of us there — around 4pm on a Thursday — and still plenty of shaded seats to go around.
The bottom line: Your dog probably doesn't know the difference between a free park and a fancy one.
- But for us dog-loving humans who indulge their every whim, Ruff Canine Club is an excellent upgrade.
If you go: Ruff Canine Club is open Monday-Friday 2-9pm and weekends noon-8pm.
- Membership starts at $10 for a day pass, $40 a month or $355 a year.
- Owners must upload their pup's immunization records before signing up.