East valley businesses, events are inclusive of pets

When she was considering relocating and starting a new career, Cathy Brooks gave Las Vegas a good, hard look, and she saw one thing in particular she didn’t like about it.

“Las Vegas is not the most pet-friendly city,” she said. “It’s kind of unfortunate, considering the volume of dogs that live in the valley.”

She decided to see that as an opportunity and opened the Hydrant Club, 109 N. Ninth St., a downtown dog park and canine day care facility. It hosts two monthly events in partnership with downtown venues.

Every second Tuesday, you’ll find Brooks at Barkyard at the Bunkhouse, 124 S. 11 St., from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., and every third Wednesday, she’s at Doggie Date Night, from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Downtown Container Park, 707 Fremont St.

But pet-friendly locations aren’t limited to monthly special events. Brooks has discovered several pet-friendly venues in Las Vegas but wishes there were more.

“The Beat (520 Fremont St.) is one of the most dog-friendly places in town,” Brooks said. “When the patio is open at EAT (708 Carson Ave.), it’s dog-friendly, too.”

Several restaurants with outdoor dining allow dogs. The website bringfido.com lists many of them in the valley, including the Crown & Anchor British Pub, 1350 E. Tropicana Ave.; Sonic Drive-In, 5085 E. Tropicana Ave.; and Park On Fremont, 506 Fremont St. The list is available at tinyurl.com/fidofood. Sunrise Coffee, 3130 E. Sunset Road, also allows dogs in its outdoor dining patio, and co-owner Juanny Romero is surprised that there was any question about it.

“I just assume all patios are dog-friendly,” Romero said.

The coffee shop is near Sunset Park and its dog park, 2601 E. Sunset Road, and Romero said her place is popular with dogs and their owners during the weekend but are a rare sight during the week, except at the drive-through window.

“We see a lot of dogs there,” she said. “We give them doggy treats. It’s a surprise the first time someone comes through, but after that, the dogs are ready to get it each time.”

One place that has embraced pets is Town Square Las Vegas, 6605 Las Vegas Blvd. South. Leashed dogs are allowed just about anywhere on the grounds, and most of the stores allow them inside, too. There are two green park areas: The Green, a recently established micro park on the northwest end of the property; and The Square, a park in the middle of the complex.

The Square has been the setting for dog training classes hosted by The Dog House, a pet supply store at the shopping center. No classes are scheduled, but to make inquiries or browse classes when they are posted, visit thedoghouseboutique.com. The Dog House also sponsors seven doggie bars throughout the shopping center that provide water for dogs.

Beginning June 4, Movies in the Square is scheduled every Thursday through Aug. 20. The film series brings G- and PG-rated films to the outdoors in The Square. The event is family- and pet-friendly, welcoming animals of all stripes, within reason. A Town Square Las Vegas spokeswoman said that while she’s seen a variety of pets at the event, if someone brought an alligator or some other dangerous exotic animal, it’s likely that they wouldn’t be welcome.

The movies start at sundown, and the titles of the films are set to be announced closer to the events. Live entertainment is provided before the films, but guests must bring their own pet treats.

To reach East Valley View reporter F. Andrew Taylor, email ataylor@viewnews.com or call 702-380-4532.