Loop Extra: Downtown Dogs

The ultimate guide to dog-loving in Downtown KC

Downtowns used to come with a stereotype of being anti-pet due to little park space, cramped buildings and few resources for pet owners. Kansas Citians today are lucky, however, to have plenty of hidden treats to dig up around the urban core. From parks to play-places, let’s dive into the woof-tastic world of pet ownership in Downtown KC. 

Many a dog owner knows the struggle of finding the perfect green space for your pup, so we’ve curated a list of some of  Downtown’s most revered dog-friendly parks. And, please — be a good neighbor (or visitor) and clean up after your fur baby.

DCID Walnut Street Dog Park

700 Walnut St.

The Downtown Community Improvement District Walnut Street Dog Park is a fenced-off park open to the public. It is on the smaller side, making it the perfect location for little dogs, but bigger dogs may need a different, bigger park to get out all of their energy. 

Open gates lead into the DCID Walnut Street Dog Park, affectionately called The Barking Lot. Photo: Hannah Schuh

Green Roof Park

1211 Main St.
Dusk to dawn

This leashes-required park offers a great view of Power and Light from above Cosentino’s downtown market. Although the view is worth the visit, you may want to bring a blanket as few seating options are provided. 

Penn Valley Off-Leash Dog Park

29th and Wyandotte
5 a.m. to midnight 

What began as KC’s first off-leash area has grown into the 2.7-acre space within Penn Valley Park known as the Penn Valley Off-Leash Dog Park. The space is fenced off with two double-gated entries, and an additional 1.8-acre area is set aside for small, elderly and handicapped dogs. 

River Market Dog Park

419 Locust Lane
Always open

The River Market Dog Park not only serves as a great spot to let your dogs run unleashed — it’s also a great place to meet new friends and catch up with old ones from the River Market, Columbus Park and East Village neighborhoods.

West Terrace Dog Park

750 Pennsylvania Ave.
5 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Located adjacent to Case Park, this off-leash zone comes with views of the West Bottoms and the Missouri River. Although Case Park is free and open to the public, access to this fenced-off dog area is only allowed by buying an annual membership through KC Parks. 

Inside West Terrace Park there are plenty of shaded picnic tables, open space and staircases to make playing with your pets even more engaging. Photo: Hannah Schuh

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Of course, your pet needs more than playtime. When it comes to daycare, grooming and supplies, there are plenty of options for your pet’s needs.

Bar K

501 Berkley Parkway
Mon - Thu 9 a.m. - 9 p.m., Fri - Sat 9 a.m. - 10 p.m., Sun 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Bar K brings ‘dog park’ to a new level by creating a space for dog lovers to come together and party. They’ve combined their dog park with a bar and restaurant, and hosts musical performances, Trivia Tuesdays, Adoption Days, DOGA (Dog Yoga) and more. Visiting Bar K without a dog is free, or — with your furry best friends — you need to purchase a Guest Pass or become a Bar K member. 

CITYDOGs KC

2001 Walnut St.
Mon - Fri 6:30 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sat 8 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sun 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.

CITYDOGs was established with the goal of providing more dog care and boarding services to the Crossroads. Now, the group offers a dog park (by subscription or day pass), boarding, grooming, daycare and training for all dogs older than four months. 

Pet-themed geometric murals are found outside the CITYDOGs KC entrance. Photo: Hannah Schuh

Dog’s World of Fun

1220 W 31st St.
Mon - Fri 6:30 a.m. - 5:45 p.m., Sat 9:30 - 3 p.m.

The only thing more fun than a dog is a clean dog, and Dog’s World of Fun offers many grooming services to make that dream a reality. Whether it’s nail trims, medicated baths, de-shedding treatments or more, Dog’s World of Fun provides an in-depth grooming experience. 

Kate's Canine Resort

2823 Main Street
Mon – Fri 7 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Nestled on the slope between the Federal Reserve Bank and the Union Hill neighborhood, Kate’s offers daycare, boarding and grooming in this indoor/outdoor facility. When you’re picking up Rover, step outside and take a look north for one of the best views of the skyline.

Simply Wonderful KC Groomer

2939 Cherry St.
Mon 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Tue - Fri 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sat 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

The name speaks for itself as Simply Wonderful works to make dog care as simple and as wonderful as possible by bringing grooming, shopping and pet sitting all to one place. Their online store makes purchasing even easier, and their groomers typically hold national certifications in various canine-related skills. 

Tail Waggin’ PetStop 

1818 Wyandotte St. 
Mon - Fri 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sat 10 a.m. - 5 p.m., Sun 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

The Tail Waggin’ PetStop is a one-stop shop for all things cats and dogs. Locally founded, they offer a large collection of regionally made pet products. A list of their products for sale, as well as pricing for their DIY bathing area, can be found on their website. 

Food, toys and treats for dogs and cats can be found at Tail Waggin’ PetStop. Photo: Hannah Schuh

Now that you know all the best spots in town, you’re guaranteed a paw-some time with your pet. What is your fur baby’s’s favorite Downtown location? What did we miss? Let us know in the comments!