Dog-friendly tavern and park opens in Menomonee Falls

A new dog tavern and park offering a safe and unique social experience for dogs and humans has recently opened in Menomonee Falls.

The dogs and the tap is a tavern, dog park and day care center where dogs can play while their owners socialize over a beer, wine or cocktail. The business offers a variety of services including boarding, grooming, a retail section with pet supplies, and self-service dog wash.

The Hounds & Tap was founded by entrepreneurs Jeffrey Wilgus and Leah Neuroth, who met in the corporate world and became quick friends after sharing stories about their own pets.

“We wanted to create a space where dogs and their humans can come together in a safe, clean and community-based environment,” Wilgus said in a statement.

Neuroth says there are business models similar to The Hounds & Tap around the country, but none in the Midwest offers all of its services in one place.

The 12,000 square foot facility includes daycare, tavern, boarding house and indoor dog park. The boarding school has 12 luxury suites and its staff members use aromatherapy and soothing music for its overnight guests.

The Hounds & Tap also has an 8,000 square foot fenced dog park with a small obstacle course for off-leash dogs and seating for owners. A rotating range of food trucks, including Flour & Flame Girl, Rise up and shine, RollMKE, and more provides visitors with local dining options.

“Our mission is to connect dogs and humans to make every day a day of play,” Neuroth said in a statement. “It’s at the heart of everything we do.”

Safety is the top priority for The Hounds & Tap, which is why the company has implemented various protocols to protect visitors and pets. All dogs must be at least four months old, spayed or neutered if they are over six months old, and have a friendly disposition towards other dogs and humans. Pet owners are also required to provide up-to-date proof of vaccination.

“Everyone follows the same protocol,” Neuroth said. “We also offer our trained staff to monitor dog play as an extra pair of eyes to make sure the dogs respect each other.”

At this time, The Hounds & Tap will not allow visitors under the age of 16, Neuroth said, adding that not all dogs and children are comfortable with each other. However, The Hounds & Tap plans to create “family days” in the future.

“We know a lot of families would love to use our services, this is something we are looking to add in the future,” Neuroth said.