Private dog park comes to Sam's Cat's and Dogs

Dog owners whose pets enjoy Monroe's public off-leash dog park Wiggly Field now have a new alternative with a growing suite of amenities in a fenced yard alongside pet supply store Sam's Cats and Dog's, Naturally, on Woods Creek Road just off U.S. Highway 2.

The dog park opened in May, and for a small fee, dog owners can bring their pets and let them loose off-leash in the grassy field, which has some features for play.

Two enormous tires provide structures for climbing and hiding. Large water dishes are kept full for thirsty pets. And there is movable agility equipment for dogs training for competition.

There's also a shaded spot for people to sit and watch their dogs play.

"This was a piece of land that no one was using at all,GÇ¥ said assistant manager Dylan Tietje. "People are looking for a good dog park, so we said, "Why not?'GÇ¥

Since moving into the old Chinook Lumber building, Sam's Cats and Dogs has expanded into a second building on the property, as well, in which they make their own chicken jerky for sale at the store, and in which sometimes there are obedience classes for dogs.

As more dog owners use the park, the store will take the access fees and add new amenities. Next to come is a teeter for dogs to run along, and a water feature.

The first three visits to the park are free. After that, a day pass costs $5, which allows as many as three dogs to get in. Quarterly fees are $25, and each additional dog is $15. Yearly fees are $75, and $50 for each additional dog.

However, through September, there is a discount on rates of $5 on a quarterly membership and $15 on a yearly membership for the first dog.