Dogs are living in luxury at DOG PPL, a private members’ park in Santa Monica, Los Angeles, where canines and their owners socialize and enjoy high-end amenities. Dubbed the “Soho House for dogs,” DOG PPL offers a $120 per month membership that provides dogs with a clean, luxurious environment and supervision from “rufferees” who ensure their safety and fun. Owners benefit from lounge and work areas, Wi-Fi, a bar, free parking, and social events.
Founded two years ago by friends Alex Esguerra and Liam Underwood, DOG PPL was created to address the lack of clean and safe dog parks in Los Angeles. “We want to offer the same lifestyle quality for dogs as Soho House does for people,” said Esguerra. Underwood added, “The humans are guests of their dogs, enjoying the community and amenities provided.”
Dogs must pass a temperament test to become members, ensuring they can coexist peacefully with other dogs and people. “We’re observing social skills and compatibility with different ages, sizes, breeds, energy levels, and personalities,” explained Keitel Frankle, DOG PPL’s Safety Operations Manager.
While the dogs have a blast, their owners also reap the benefits. Oliver Damavandi, a 39-year-old from Malibu, brings his dog, Gino, to DOG PPL. “I think I enjoy coming here more than my dog,” he said. Damavandi appreciated the genuine human interaction fostered by the park, noting, “We’ve lost the ability to communicate and connect, and this space allows people to do exactly that.”
The park’s atmosphere is more relatable and less pretentious than other exclusive clubs. Damavandi even mentioned making personal and business connections, including meeting a potential romantic interest. For Olga Plaksina, who attends with her dog, Bimba, the club offers a safe space for her dog to play while she works or socializes. “She loves playing with the other dogs, and I appreciate that she is safe here,” said Plaksina. “I like that I can work from here. There’s Wi-Fi, and you can get a coffee. It’s super cool for both dogs and people.”
DOG PPL exemplifies how luxury and community can blend seamlessly, providing an upscale yet welcoming environment for dogs and their owners to enjoy. As more people seek spaces to connect and engage, DOG PPL stands out as a haven for both canines and humans alike.
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