Dog lovers have a new spot in town to hang with their furry friends while enjoying a beverage and catching some live music. Crate Escapes Dog Park + Bar in Westfield is Indiana’s first dog bar.
The 8,800-square-foot, indoor-outdoor facility offers an off-leash dog park, a self-pour beer and wine wall, a cafe and a bar, along with a range of other amenities designed to create an entertaining retreat for both humans and dogs.
Owner and CEO Meg Schaffer, an avid animal lover, wanted space for a dog park and day care. “We thought it would be fun to have food trucks and live music,” said Schaffer. “The more we looked into it, we thought it would be cool if we could have entertainment every day and not just on the weekends.”
With a background as a dog trainer, vet tech and even a zookeeper, Schaffer envisioned a space where people could socialize with their pets in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. “There are places like this across the country but not in Indiana,” she said. “Once we realized this wasn’t just a crazy idea, we visited other dog bars.”
A Unique Spot
Crate Escapes features a 20-tap, self-pour beer and wine wall, mocktails, Delta drinks, coffee, tea, and soda. Most of the venue is up and running, like the heated, on-leash outdoor patio spanning 5,000 square feet where guests can dine comfortably, even in the colder months. The restaurant space is still under construction and set to open within six to eight weeks. There is even a private space that can be rented for business or birthday parties.
Dogs are free to roam and mingle in the bar and off-leash park. If you don’t have a dog, there’s no need to worry about being excluded. Crate Escapes is open to dog owners and non-owners alike. “Think about the times when you don’t want to leave your dog at home but want to go to out,” Schaffer said. “So you invite your friends to meet you at the bar.”
Additional services include a self-serve dog bathing station and a small retail section. For busy pet parents, Crate Escapes provides a drop-off service until 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.
A Place for Family and Community
Beyond its core offerings, Crate Escapes has a strong focus on fostering community through events. Patrons can look forward to trivia nights, live music, and seasonal celebrations like Mardi Gras in March and a dog prom in April.
As a regular foster for Far Fetched Dog Rescue, it was important to Schaffer to give space to dogs who need homes. Crate Escapes hosts local rescues for adoption nights. Check out their Facebook page where they highlight some of the dogs currently waiting for their forever homes.
Schaffer’s own dog, Paela, a golden-coonhound mix (and her 138th foster fail), is a testament to her dedication to animals.
Schaffer created the business with her sister and brother-in-law. “What started as a small idea turned into a much bigger venture than we expected,” Schaffer said, noting her mom and even some of the seven children between the two families are part of the team. The project also involved local investors, emphasizing the community-driven nature of the business.
Check Out Crate Escapes
Whether you’re looking to relax with a drink, spend time with your dog or simply soak up the energy of a pet-friendly space, Crate Escapes offers a new kind of experience. “It’s a place for everyone,” Schaffer said. “We’re excited to share it with the community.”
For more information, visit crateescapeswestfield.com.
