The owners of Doggievilla Dog Resort, the new vacation destination for Redmond canines, recently opened up a new private dog park where carefully-vetted owners can book special appointments for secure play and quality time.

Trudy Gardner, co-owner of Doggievilla and Doggieville Ranch Dog Training, said the new dog park is called Downtown Doggieville. It is located at 932 SE 4th Court, right next to High Desert Mulching. Gardner said the new business is part of a larger, national trend of more private and vetted dog parks that give dog owners more control over the environment in which their pets play. 

“It is in an industrial area so you don’t have to worry about barking,” Gardner said of the new dog park. “All bets are off, you can let your dog be a dog.”

The new dog park isn’t the first such park in Redmond. Downtown’s The Doghouse Brewyard offers a place where dogs can roam off leash and humans can sip brews and grab a bite to eat. 

Gardner said that prospective park members must first arrange a meeting where both the dog and owner are vetted for temperament and vaccine paperwork. The vetting is to ensure that the dog is a right fit and will not be aggressive or spread disease, Gardner said. Once vetted, the dog owner will be given a code to access the park for 45 minute intervals. 

“We need vaccinations before we just let anybody access the park,” Gardner said. “Everyone basically takes their own water, their own bowls, so that everything stays clean.”

Redmond’s Doggievilla a vacation destination for dogs

Gardner said many dog owners are concerned about the spread of a disease that causes dogs to develop respiratory illnesses similar to kennel cough. She said she does not believe the disease is widespread in Redmond, but she has heard of some possible local cases. Having a safe and vetted environment will help give dog owners peace of mind and keep their pets safe. 

“I think it (canine respiratory disease) has been here, but it hasn’t gone rampant or anything like that. And it may not,” Gardner said. “Timing-wise it is just the perfect time to have a private park where they (dog owners) can feel confident.” 

Gardner said a maximum of five dogs are allowed to use the park at any given time. The space can be reserved in 45-minute increments, and a party of three will cost $30. An extra $5 is charged per extra dog, Gardner said.  

Dog owners are encouraged to bring their own toys, and are expected to let themselves in and out of the park during their time slot. 

“It is a great service and there are lot of private parks popping up all over the country,” Gardner said. “It is a really popular thing now.”