“Good Dog” Dog Park, Pet Resort and Beer Bar Now Open in Tuscaloosa

A massive new pet resort, boarding house and fenced-in dog park is open now in Tuscaloosa alongside a modest beer bar for the hounds' human handlers.

Good Dog Bar and Dog Park is above all else a family affair, owned and managed locally by brothers Clint and Dillon Carmichael and their father Dan Carmichael.

Clint teamed up with Jeff Hardwick and Bobby Morgan to launch the Good Dog brand, which now comes to Tuscaloosa after finding success at locations in Birmingham and Auburn.

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Located just off the beaten path behind the O'Reillys Auto Parts on 15th Street in Tuscaloosa, the Good Dog celebrated their public grand opening Thursday.

The hub features around 60 spacious kennels for boarding animals and a deluxe spa for grooming and other treats as extravagant as a blueberry facial for pets. The main draw will likely be their large but fenced in no-leash dog park with loads of play features and a small bar where patrons can order beers, sodas, seltzers and more either inside the building at the check-in counter or from a bartender serving from coolers in the park area.

The Carmichaels said a "Bark Ranger" will be on duty at all times to serve as the equivalent of a lifeguard at a public pool -- pet owners are expected to watch and clean up after their own dogs, but paid staff will be there to separate unruly dogs or address messes as needed.

The new facility will also offer daycare for pets whose owners want to make sure they're looked after while the humans are at work, and dogs in that program will have access to smaller, private play areas separate from the public space out front.

Dan Carmichael said his family is opening the dog park and attached Pawms Pet Resort because there just aren't enough options for pet owners in the area. He said friends shared horror stories about often being unable to board pets locally without reserving a space 90 days in advance, and existing dog parks around town all come with their own drawbacks.

Even more features are planned for the new facility, including more spaces and services for cats and eight or so premium VIP kennels separate from the rest.

For more information and to make a plan a visit Good Dog Tuscaloosa and the Pawms Pet Resort soon, follow them on Facebook or Instagram.

For more exclusive stories about new businesses coming to the area, stay connected to the Tuscaloosa Thread.