Today we’d like to introduce you to K9 Garden.
Hi K9 Garden, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
K9 Garden was born from a simple idea: St. Louis needed a place where dogs and their people could truly spend time together — not just a dog park, but a complete experience. Our small team behind 9 Mile Garden has spent the past two years creating community-driven spaces centered around food, drink, events, and connection. Along the way, we kept hearing the same thing from guests: “We wish our dogs could be part of this too.”
So, we listened.
K9 Garden is St. Louis’ only full-service indoor/outdoor dog park, designed for year-round enjoyment where dogs can run free while humans unwind. We combine off-leash play areas with a full bar and cafe and rotating food offerings through partnerships with local favorites, creating a truly one-of-a-kind experience. Guests can enjoy bites from Taste D Burger, Kanoa’s Hawaiian Grill, and Picture Perfect Panini, then browse our curated shop featuring St. Louis–made pet goods—all within a welcoming, community-focused space built for people and their pups.
What began as a passion project quickly grew into something bigger, driven by our love for dogs, local businesses, and creating places people genuinely want to gather. We’re a small but mighty team, building K9 Garden with the same heart, creativity, and attention to detail that shaped 9 Mile Garden.
We can’t wait to open the gates and welcome the St. Louis dog community in 2026.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As a small team, balancing the day-to-day operations of 9 Mile Garden while developing K9 Garden simultaneously was another challenge. We’ve had to be intentional, patient, and adaptable, especially when timelines shifted or plans evolved. Renovations, supply delays, and the realities of launching something new all tested us along the way.
That said, each obstacle pushed us to refine the concept, strengthen our partnerships, and build a space that’s more thoughtful, more inclusive, and more community-driven. The process hasn’t been easy — but it’s been worth it, and we believe the result will be a place that truly serves both dogs and their people.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about K9 Garden?
Our team, led by Director Chuck Schoene, brings together years of experience in hospitality, operations, and community-driven placemaking. At our core, we specialize in creating welcoming, experience-focused environments that bring people together — and now, their dogs too.
What we want our community to know most is that K9 Garden is about more than dogs; it’s about creating a place where community happens naturally. Dogs may be the heart of what we do, but the experience, the people, and the connections are what truly set us apart.
What do you like and dislike about the city?
What we love most about St. Louis is its heart. This is a city where people show up for one another — whether it’s supporting small and local businesses, rallying around neighbors in times of need, or coming together to celebrate community wins. There’s a deep sense of pride here, and that collective spirit is what makes building something local feel truly meaningful.
What we like least is also tied to that same passion — St. Louis can sometimes be its own toughest critic. The city has so much to offer, yet it occasionally struggles to fully recognize its own potential. That said, we believe that continued support for small, local businesses and community-driven spaces is one of the strongest ways to keep St. Louis moving forward.
Pricing:
- Free admission for anyone visiting without a dog
- Monthly and Annual Membership Tiers
- Dog WeekDay Pas: $12
- Dog Weekend Day Pass: $16
- Day Pass Additional Dog: $5
Contact Info:
- Website: https://k9garden.com
- Instagram: https://www.facebook.com/k9gardenstl/
- Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/k9gardenstl/
