Off-the-Leash Oasis

Off-the-Leash Oasis

Experience a paradise for dogs and humans all under one 'woof.'

By Brock Johnston

Wander into a world where dogs dash and their humans relax

Imagine an oasis tailored to the wants and needs of dog owners and their canine companions. This retreat was the vision turned reality by Megan and Kyle Casey, owners of Paws & Pints –a Des Moines destination combining the services of four-legged friends everywhere with a fun, friendly atmosphere guests can enjoy.

After visiting a dog bar while in Colorado, the Caseys knew their community would benefit from a curated space that didn’t limit people and pets to walks around the neighborhood or leashed patios. What started as a pop-up business at local events, including the Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers’ Market, quickly gained popularity upon opening the expansive 7-acre location in August 2022 in the heart of the metro.

“We like to say we’re a one-stop shop for your dog’s needs all under one ‘woof,’” says Jamie Lamb, marketing and social media director at Paws & Pints.

Today, visitors can wander a series of indoor and outdoor spaces designed to dwarf backyard playtime, fawn over a full menu of local foods and brews, and book services to keep your canine happy and healthy.

A Tail-wagging Experience

Nestled at the heart of Paws & Pints, guests will find “Your Best Friend’s Bar” and dog park – the perfect place to try flavorful eats and enjoy nearly 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor space sporting durable, artificial grass. Often, facilities will use recycled turf grass from old football fields and similar places, says Keith “Porkchop” Jones, who serves as the facilities manager at Paws & Pints.

“The SYNLawn turf chosen for this facility, however, is specifically made for use in a dog setting, including the infill and drainage underneath,” he adds.

The facility also boasts a dedicated yard for small dogs and a massive 3.5-acre natural grass park open for use when the weather permits. The yard has a jungle gym, walking trails, interactive water feature, clean-up stations and more.

“To ensure guest and pet safety, dog yards are routinely staffed by our grounds crew, who are trained to recognize dog behavior and body language,” Lamb says.

For their human counterparts, the area offers several indoor and outdoor TVs, yard games, live entertainment, multiple bars to enjoy beverages, a restaurant, spacious seating and a plethora of special events.

Paws & Pints’ exclusive store, the “The Bonetique,” builds on the concept of a traditional pet store – offering countless varieties of dog food, treats, toys and apparel. Ongoing partnerships with local and regional businesses, including Kinship Brewing Co., Rusty Anchor and others, are also reflected in the retail items sold within the store and building.

Megan and Kyle Casey, owners of Paws & Pints, with their dogs Kora and Myers and puppy Rou.

Paw-fect Care

Whether you’re looking to pamper your furry friend for the day or book an overnight stay, Paws & Pints offers a suite of grooming, lodging and daycare services.

Training, including one-on-one sessions, dog park readiness courses, group classes and more, are also available through a partnership with Imperial Canine Obedience. In the future, the facility intends to offer veterinary services through an on-site tenant partnership.

Know Before You Go

Although dog ownership isn’t a requirement to visit Paws & Pints, first-time guests interested in bringing their dogs are encouraged to review a few helpful tips before arriving.

• Download the Paws & Pints mobile app, available on Google Play and the App Store. Simply create an account and build a profile for each dog.

• Obtain up-to-date copies of veterinarian administered Bordetella, Distemper, Parvo and Rabies vaccinations. Guests who cannot access records through their smartphones can present hard copy records upon arrival.

• Review the facility rules and children’s policy. As with any public space, owners always assume responsibility for their dogs’ behavior.

• Visit the check-in desk so Paws & Pints staff can meet you and your pet. The facility will require a signed waiver and photo identification to enter the dog park areas.

Upon subsequent visits, guests will be able to experience a faster check-in process. Visitors can choose between one-day, three-day or monthly membership passes.

“If an owner is unsure how their dog may fit in among big crowds, coming during morning hours or during the day is always a great way to get your dog comfortable in the space,” adds Lamb.

These measures and more allow Paws & Pints to continue providing a safe, friendly environment for guests and dogs to enjoy.

SYNLawn incorporates soybean oil, the vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the soybean plant, in the turf’s backing and uses adhesives made with soy protein during installation.

Reimagining the traditional dog park

It’s no secret that adequate exercise and socialization make for happy and healthy canines. At Paws & Pints, dogs and their owners can enjoy nearly 25,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor dog park space utilizing SYNLawn synthetic grass – the first of its kind in Iowa.

The turf’s sanitized antimicrobial technology and durable design make cleanup a breeze and is ideal for high-traffic use by dogs and their human counterparts. By eliminating the need for irrigation and fuel usage often required to keep natural lawns in pristine condition, the product has offered a more sustainable, modern solution to traditional grass yards found in most conventional dog parks.

In addition, SYNLawn incorporates soybean oil, the vegetable oil derived from the seeds of the soybean plant, in the turf’s backing and uses adhesives made with soy protein during installation. As a renewable resource, uses for soybeans range far beyond food and feed. Soybean oil has successfully replaced petroleum and other volatile ingredients in many industrial and consumer products.