Milwaukee’s only indoor dog park is getting a rebrand as Mac’s Pet Depot reopens its Bark Park, this time, with an emphasis on the “bar.”
The pet shop’s 4,500-square-foot indoor dog park is planning to reopen by the end of the year with a bar serving beer, seltzer and human mocktails, along with mocktails for dogs.
The dog park originally opened in the former Big Foot Bike Repair shop, 346 E. Ward St., next to the pet store at 2197 S. Kinnickinnic Ave., in November 2023. Over the summer, the indoor park transitioned to just playing host to occasional events due to low usage and staffing changes.
Now owner Keri Torgerson is hoping to get more buzz around the space by providing refreshments for pet owners and hosting regular events for both humans and their furry friends.
“We just want to do something for dogs and their people that they can enjoy together,” Torgerson said. “It’s going to be a fun space.”
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Possible events include dog yoga, paint-your-dog sessions, owner and pet reiki, and more. Torgerson wants to host Thursday night fundraisers for local dog shelters and occasional events for cat adoption groups.
Outside of special events, the space would be open as an indoor dog park, complete with a ball pit and agility course. Torgerson also plans to add an indoor sensory garden for dogs in the future.
The space is divided into two areas: a 1,500-square-foot space for private rentals, intended for reactive or selective dogs; and a 3,000-square-foot space open to visitors with paid admission.
She plans to have VIP weekday or weekends packages for regular indoor dog park customers.
Torgerson will keep the bar program simple, featuring beer from Bay View breweries, and seltzers. There also will be mocktails for dogs including things such as a Bloodhound Mary. She hopes to open the bar portion in November.
“There are some dog beers out there, but I think it might be more fun to make up our own with bone broth, pumpkin, and other dog-friendly ingredients,” she said.
The Bark Park will be open to the public on Oct. 13 for a fundraiser for Roxz’s Resources and Awareness, which provides pet food and services to people who cannot afford it. The Paws, Pumpkins & More event from noon to 4 p.m. will include Halloween photos for pets and their owners, a bake sale, raffles and more. Torgerson hopes to reopen the park with regular hours for general visitation on Nov. 1.
More information: For details on future events and the Bark Park’s reopening, follow Mac’s Bark Park on Facebook.
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