OMAHA, Neb. (KMTV) — Omaha's newest bar welcomes four-legged friends while the adults can drink some brews.
The Omaha Dog Bar, located on South 14th Street, has opened to the public after years of planning.
Owner Leah Thrasher wanted to create a safe space for dog owners to come with their pets to be social, but the pandemic pushed everything back.
"It was really hard, especially as a small business in a very different concept. When COVID hit our funding was put to a halt, the banks held our funding so it was a lot of waiting, and a lot of having conversations, figuring out if this was the time to move forward or just put a stop to it until the pandemic is over," Thrasher said.
She says while at times she thought of pausing the project, the support of the community kept her going. Thrasher says that in November, months before they opened, people began buying memberships, which helped support the business.
"I was kind of the driving force behind this process but if it wasn’t for the members that helped support it I wouldn’t here today. It feels good now to have them come and see it for themselves," Thrasher said.
Some who came out to support Thrasher on her opening day have been supporting her for years.
"We’ve been going to Leah’s dog pop-up events for years now so we’re super excited that the actual bar is finally open and get to experience it. With this cold weather it’s great for him to be able to run around and I can stay warm," Thomas Frederick said.
Thrasher hopes the bar becomes a community and safe space both for humans and dogs.
"I hope it becomes its own community and I think it already has. We have 250 annual members right now and so it’s not just me anymore. I want it to become its own community and so I hope people who come here have a great time," Thrasher said.
Before heading to Dog Bar, you must register your dog for membership. There are some requirements your dog must meet which can be found on their website at https://www.omahadogbar.com/.
