Darius Smith and his wife experienced quite the winter shock when they moved from Las Vegas to Indy. The brutal cold made it hard for them to get outside and walk King, their Cane Corso. Wanting a temperature controlled, friendly and educational space for dog and dog-owners alike, they set out to create their own: Indy’s Indoor Bark Park.
“The pet community in Indianapolis has been very welcoming and helpful,” said Darius Smith, who began this journey with a simple post on Facebook.
When the park idea gained traction on social media after the very first day, he decided to create an Indiegogo campaign and successfully raised money, and awareness, through pre-sales.
Smith has worn many different hats since the process of opening the park. Not formerly affiliated in the pet industry in any way, he sought information and advice from Paws and Play, the canine training and lodging facility located in Fishers.
Smith says, “They told us what’s right and wrong in the industry and even donated a few things, but the biggest thing they’ve donated is their time and that’s been very helpful.”
Other local vendors, like Pet Wants Indy, provide the indoor park with organic pet food, treats and educational pamphlets, while special events like “Yappy Hour” and “Beer Sampling Saturday” make it a space not just enjoyed by canines.
“My goal is to make the park a hub for all dogs and dog-owners in central Indiana,” Smith said.
You can check out our trip to Indy’s Indoor Bark Park below.
