By Ken Abramczyk

Growing up in a household that bred dogs, Stephen Ochs understood the importance of socializing and training them. As an adult, Ochs faced a dilemma in terms of either hanging out with his friends or spending much-needed quality playtime with his boxer, Oakley. And soon, Ochs had an idea. Why not combine these two social activities into one? He opened Fetch Park in 2018.

This concept is part of a trend that is taking metro areas by storm—one that can actually be found at various locations across metro Atlanta. In fact, leash-free dog park facilities bring the best of both worlds together, allowing pups to meet and mingle while their owners can enjoy quality time with friends, grab some food and libations at the bar, watch sports on the big screens and enjoy an array of events. Be sure to check out the following ones throughout the area.

Fetch Park

Located: Alpharetta, Buckhead and Atlanta

When trying to obtain financing to create his dog park, Ochs initially faced rejections from 86 banks, but his persistence kept him in hot pursuit of creating the park. “You can’t dwell on mistakes or things out of your control,” Ochs says. “All you can do is adjust, stay disciplined, keep showing up and improving.” Friends helped finance the project. Today, Fetch Parks are open in Alpharetta, Buckhead and Atlanta (Old Fourth Ward and Fetch Park @ The Works).

Ochs says the parks, which boast mud-free turf for pups, create a sense of community. “Fetch has become a true social hub where people feel comfortable talking with their neighbors,” he notes. “In a world where everyone is glued to their phones, watching real connections form has been incredible.”

To visit, dogs must be four months old, and those eight months and older must be spayed or neutered. Entrance fees for dogs range from $15 for a day pass to monthly fees for $40 or $360 annually, but these prices can vary depending on location. And humans can visit for free. They, of course, can also enjoy a beverage from the airstream equipped with a bar featuring beer, wine, liquor or coffee bar. Weekly events include trivia, bingo, karaoke night, live music, comedy and a mix-and-mingle night.

According to Ochs, every dog entering the parks must up to date on necessary vaccinations, and owners take responsibility by signing liability waivers confirming their dogs are friendly and social. Each Fetch location is also staffed with ‘Woof Wardens’ who ensure all pups play nicely, creating a welcoming environment for everyone.

The Drafty Dane

Located: Marietta

Marietta is home to The Drafty Dane, the city’s only off-leash dog park, which features a 21,000-square-foot turf area with shaded seating—perfect for dogs to play and their owners to sit back and relax. Also for dog owners, the locale has an upstairs bar complete with craft beers, cocktails, light snacks, non-alcoholic drinks, coffee, sodas, mocktails and more. There also are five televisions for outstanding sports event viewing.

Dogs are welcome in the bar but must be leashed. When outside in the field, dog owners hang out with their dogs to monitor and pick up after them. “Rufferees” will play with dogs, but owners are responsible them at all times. Trivia nights, breed meetups and other events round out the offerings at The Draft Dane, which can be accessed for daily fees of $12, monthly fees of $35 and $325 annually.

Emily Matthews, partner at The Drafty Dane, says the park is much more than a place to bring your dog. “In a little over a year in business, it’s turned into a family, built around love for our pups and the people who adore them,” she says. “We wanted to create a space that is welcoming, joyful and designed to be a place where both dogs and their humans feel at home. Our members and their pups have definitely made this place what we hoped it would be.”

Skiptown

Located: Atlanta

Skiptown may be known for its boarding, daycare and grooming services, but it also features a fenced-in playground, artificial turf and splash pad. Located in Atlanta, Skiptown serves up craft cocktails, brews and coffee for dog owners who want to take advantage of the Bar & Park offerings. The park can also host private events and offers specific breed meetups throughout the year. Dogs six months and older must be spayed or neutered, and all canine visitors must at least 16 weeks old and vaccinated.