By New York Post (U.S.) | Created at 2024-11-16 16:35:43 | Updated at 2024-11-16 18:53:39
2 hours ago
It’s like Soho House — for dogs.
A first-of-its-kind, all-in-one canine club is bringing bone-a-fido luxury to the Big Apple’s four-legged elites beginning next week.
For an eye-popping $1,350 a month, Happy Tails’ ‘fur’st class members will have access to a variety of accommodations, including posh puppy playgrounds and obstacle courses, grooming, pet-friendly wine, a dog therapist and psychic and more at the company’s flashy new Tribeca location.
“It was time for doggie daycare to be revolutionized, and that’s what we’re doing here,” co-founder Irving Fallas told The Post during an exclusive first look at the Duane Street space.
Happy Tails — like the famously finicky Soho House, where memberships run up to $5,163 annually — offers exclusivity and elevated luxury compared to the rest of the market, according to its founders.
Not everyone is given the OK to enter the luxe life.
Prospective clients undergo a multi-step application and assessment process, and are only given the green light once the club’s doggie behavioral therapist deems the pup paw-fect.
“We don’t foresee any problems, but of course people will come in and say their dog is great and amazing, even if it’s not. So we’re very careful,” co-founder Teddy Tawil explained.
The 2,500-square-foot clubhouse features a jungle-themed area in which active fidos can jump through hoops dangling from the ceiling; a “tea room,” where calmer canines can chill on fake grass and couches; an area with a playset for pups, and another room full of balls and other toys.
“Living in New York City, a lot of dogs are stuck in cramped apartments a lot of the time, and the alternative places where people can bring their dogs during the day do not, at all, equate to what we offer here,” said Tawil.
“We wanted to give dogs the life they deserve,” Fallas added.
For those ruff days, specialized Happy Tails staff will include the behavioral therapist, a “paw-sitive” trainer and a group trainer – and even a pup psychic and canine chiropractor occasionally, according to the founders.
More than 100 hopefuls have already submitted an application ahead of the Nov. 21 opening – including some celebrities, according to the founders, who declined to provide any names due to “doggie-client privileges.”
The high-class hounds and their humans can also look forward to periodic birthday parties, movie nights, singles mixers, “bark mitzvahs,” doggie yoga classes and spa days.
Day to day, however, Tawin and Fallas hope that members will take advantage of Happy Tail’s in-house café, which will offer gourmet sandwiches, salads, juices and coffee for pooch owners, as well as dog treats that resemble avocado toast and bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches, they said.
Members can also peruse the ritzy retail section, which featured puppy plush toys in the shape of a Casa Azul tequila bottle, an Aperol Spritz cocktail and a “Barkin” bag for sale this week.
“[Happy Tails] is a lifestyle. You come in, hang out, go on your computer and meet like-minded dog owners who work in cool industries and, before you know it, you’re friends,” said Fallas. “It really is like Soho House.”
“Our whole idea is to bring dogs and their humans together, and create beautiful experiences for people,” said Tawin.
