Walks in the rain and cold are for the dogs. That’s why one Arlington resident is creating a place where Fido and Fifi can stay dry and comfortable any time of year—while their owners socialize with a beer and a snack.
Set to open this month in the 11,000-square-foot space formerly occupied by New District Brewing, Snouts & Stouts will bring a huge indoor dog park with a bar to Shirlington. Founder and CEO Daniel Ramos says he aims to solve two problems common to dog owners: bad weather and finding dog-friendly places to hang out.
“With the weather in Virginia being so volatile, it can be difficult to enjoy the dog park all year round,” he says, referring to our area’s fluctuating heat and cold spells, and proclivity to rain cats and, well… you know.
“Also, there are many times when I would like to go out to get something to eat or drink with my friends or family, but I can’t bring [my dog] because there is no outdoor seating or the weather doesn’t give us that option, so I have to leave him at home,” Ramos says, “which is always hard to do, as many dog owners can relate.”
At Snouts & Stouts, 6,000 square feet will go to the dogs. The space includes agility equipment for canines to explore under the supervision of employees called the “Dog Patrol”.
However, “we will not have any toys, to reduce the chance of any toy possession,” says Ramos, whose own doggo, Cooper, is “pawsident” of the company.
The remaining space will be for human guests. A bar will serve canned beer and cocktails, wine and non-alcoholic drinks such as soda, seltzer, coffee and water. The snack café will serve only dog-safe food and treats.
“All food will be fresh and made in-house,” Ramos says. “We will have a lot of healthy options, like salads, fruit bowls, smoothies, and then some other options like pizza, chicken tenders, wings, fries and also some pastries.”
Snouts & Stouts is a family-owned business with strong Portuguese roots. “You will definitely see some Portuguese flair in our food and beverage menu,” he adds.
To keep the place from smelling like, well, dog, Ramos has installed a specialized turf and flushing system.
“All dogs can use the bathroom on the turf and then any liquid waste is drained down below and goes into the sewer and then the turf is spot cleaned over top,” he says. “Any solid waste is also picked up and placed into a vacuum-sealed trash can and then that area is also spot cleaned. We also do a deeper clean of the turf twice a day.”
Soundproofing panels in the walls and ceilings will minimize noise from barking.
Dogs of any size and breed are welcome, but Snouts & Stouts does have some rules:
- Canines must be at least 16 weeks old, well-socialized and up to date on vaccinations.
- Each dog must be accompanied by a human who is at least 18 years old—a Virginia Health Department requirement.
- Owners must register their dogs online and upload vaccine records.
- All dogs older than 1 must also be spayed or neutered.
Guests are welcome to drop in using a day pass ($10 on weekdays, $15 on weekends), but Snout & Stouts’ business model is based on memberships. An annual membership is $365 and comes with unlimited access to the space and 10% off bar, café and dog treat purchases. Plus, you can have your dog’s paw print displayed on the wall. Membership for a second dog is $120 a year.
Monthly memberships are also available for $45 and come with the same perks.
“We have been very appreciative that we have had an enormous amount of people sign up for a membership before we open,” Ramos says.
He is also offering doggie daycare, boarding and training. Managers are certified by the Professional Animal Care Certification Council and train employees using the Dog Gurus Training Program.
Snouts & Stouts aims to open this month at 2709 S. Oakland St., Arlington. Follow its Instagram account (@snouts_stouts) for more details.