A company that makes high-tech kennels has announced plans to start installing them in Ballard.
They’re called DogSpots, and they’re designed to provide a safe space for dogs while their owners visit locations that don’t allow dogs.
The first one in Ballard will be installed at the QFC on 24th as early as the end of May.
The company was started in Brooklyn by a pair of dog-owners who wanted to be able to take their terrier, Winston, out on more walks around the city.
“For a long time, it was difficult taking Winston around the city with me because so many places don’t allow dogs inside. I wouldn’t tie him up because, like many, I worried he’d get loose, get scared, or be stolen,” co-founder Chelsea Brownridge says.
“Eventually, I realized if Winston and I faced these challenges, then millions of other pet parents shared this experience when it came to spending more time with their dogs.”
The kennels are operated through an app, which allow dog owners to unlock and lock while they shop/bank/etc. Each unit is air conditioned in the summer, and has heated floors for the winter months. They’re auto-sanitizing, with UV lights used to kill bacteria, viruses, and mold. There’s even a puppy cam, so owners can keep an eye on their pooches while in the kennel. The maximum session time is 90 minutes, and cost 30 cents a minute to use. However, the QFC DogSpot is free for customers to use while they shop inside the store.* For their Ballard launch, they’re offering a promotion for locals — the first 50 people to sign up using promo code “MY BALLARD” will be entered in a contest to win a $200 gift card to BarkShop.
One of the most common questions the company fields: what happens if a dog poops inside?
Apparently, it’s never happened. But if it does, the company would temporarily take it offline and send out their daily cleaners to clean it up.
DogSpots are all over the country, but the Seattle launch is part of a massive expansion the company is rolling out in 2019.
*After the original publishing of this story, DogSpot representative informed My Ballard that the QFC kennel will be free for customers to use while in the store.
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If you want to tie your dog up outside the store and hope some scumbag doesn’t steal your dog, that’s up to you. If you want to pay to have your dog locked up in a secure kennel, that’s up to you too. WTF does this have to do with “coastal liberals”? Dumbass.
Gotta disagree with you on this one. I have a dog and enjoy taking it on walks, but:
– I don’t take it into a grocery store or any place like that because I’m not insanely narcissistic and think everyone needs to accommodate me
-On the other hand, clearly Seattle is not safe enough to leave a dog outside with the junkies and crazies running around.
So if I can pay a few bucks to go in and grab some things without bothering the grocery store employees or literally feeding the dog to the wolves I’m for it.
That said, there is a ton of problems you could see happening with this.
I think I’m going to take refuge in one of these, they look comfortable and homey.
Buck, is your hatred of dogs because your mother let you know how much she wished she’d gotten a dog instead of you?
Yeah the I have to take my kids to daycare so I can have some more wine crowd. Need to have yoga mat in full display in car window though is never used.
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Thank you!
Thank you GS.
This is a really good idea and I will probably use it for my dog. She has separation anxiety issues but is fine in a crate. I often need to buy a few things when I am walking her so this will solve my problem, I hope.
Yessssss! I went to visit nyc once and saw these! I am so excited they’re coming to Seattle!!
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