South Park Doggie Playland:A Dream World for Dogs
As I walk my dog Simba around South Park, I can’t help but to notice the signs and postings for South Park Doggie Playland. The collages of kiddie pools, ball pits, and ecstatic-looking pups in an elaborate playground setting immediately caught my eye. A few of my dog-parent neighbors mentioned the business before, but until now I hadn’t given it a try. I looked down at Simba and couldn’t help but to think that he would have a great time there. So naturally, I inquired.
Working with the enthusiastic staff over the phone, setting up Simba’s free trial day was a breeze, and the next morning I made my way just south of Grand Ave. & Pico Blvd. to drop him off. The workers walked through his trial day with me, which consisted of introducing small groups of dogs to him to help acclimate to the new setting, and then letting him into the playroom to join everyone. The playroom is colorful jungle gym of slides, ramps, and large playsets while the grassy area in the back is set up for water activities. Hearing all the fun the dogs were having, Simba was desperate to go inside, and I left knowing he was in good hands!
Around noon I received Simba’s report card via their Gingr app with detailed notes about his day, several pictures/videos, and high praises about his behavior (no surprises there!). When I picked him up that evening a staff member told me that he mingled into the group very well, made some new “besties,” and acted like he had been there in a past life! After his dinner and a walk, Simba fell fast asleep on the couch - tired out from his big day.
After our successful first experience I spoke with MJ Silva, Director of Operations, about their business:
JK: You have a very unique business model by creating the first theme park for dogs! What was the inspiration behind creating this type of experience for dogs?
MJS: South Park Doggie started as a single, tiny storefront 13 years ago in the South Park neighborhood of Downtown LA, which is where we get our name. During the pandemic, our founder, Gary Khachatryan realized our services were so important to our clients, he wanted to create an extra level of care for our dogs by creating our theme park model where Enrichment Activities like swim lessons, agility training, and puzzles took center stage. Our facilities transformed from a run-of-the-mill daycare of the past to a full-fledged doggy development center where every dog that passes through our doors works with our activities’ instructors to develop physically, socially, and mentally.
JK: What makes the South Park location unique to the other 3 locations?
MJS: Our South Park neighborhood location, South Park Doggie Playland, is our flagship location. It serves as a de facto laboratory for new ideas, and it's the location with our most dedicated clientele. Many of our South Park clients have been coming to us since the very beginning, and our staff has been just as dedicated to getting to know them and their pups. In many ways, our clients in South Park are like extended family, and our staff are always happy to welcome them and talk about how well their dog is doing with us.
JK: What would you like dog-parents in South Park to know about your business?
MJS: We are not a daycare facility. We are the world's first theme park resort for dogs and their humans. I often use the analogy that we are the difference between taking your kid to a babysitter versus taking them to Pre-K. A babysitter is all good and gravy, providing basic supervision, but in Pre-K, your kid gets so much more -they learn colors, shapes, letters, and numbers as well as how to socialize with other kids and follow instructions from a teacher. At South Park Doggie Resorts & Theme Parks, we believe in, and are dedicated to, developing every dog socially, physically, and mentally to ensure they live a long, happy, and healthy life!
What Simba and I experienced at South Park Doggie Playland was truly unique. This is more than just a daycare; this is where your dog can explore creative experiences, learn skills, and meet new friends - all while getting individualized attention from the staff. Here, you can rest assured knowing that your dog is always being put first - as they should be!
South Park Doggie Playland
https://www.southparkdoggie.com
1320 South Grand Ave.
by Jessica Kasbaum