The Paw Zone Closes Following 12 Years in Business
The Paw Zone will close at the end of the month. Google Image
UPDATE: The Paw Zone closed it's doors for the last time on March 22 instead of the planned April 1.
The Paw Zone, which has been a weekday hangout for dogs for 12 years, will close permanently as of April 1, according to an announcement from owner Diane Linstrom.
Located at 1501 Mellwood Ave., the business was sort of a daycare for canines, with three separate indoor dog runs and a staff that looked after people’s pets. It is housed in a blue, 7,000-square-foot structure, with about 6,000 of it dedicated to dog play space. There also is a grooming business in the building. During a pre-pandemic interview with Linstrom, she told me The Paw Zone had welcomed 16,700 dog visits the previous year.
In an e-mail to customers, Linstrom called the decision to close “heartbreaking,” saying that the owner of the building has decided to sell the property. On April 1 at 7 p.m., she said, the doors will close for the final time.
“I have spent 12 years of my life building the Zone and the incredible reputation we have,” she said, “something that I am extremely proud of and will continue to be proud of for the rest of my life. The Zone has taught me some of my most valuable lessons and has connected me to some of the most incredible people and dogs I know.”
She also said the two-year pandemic has taken a toll on her personally and the business. The Paw Zone closed intermittently during the Covid-19 era and Linstrom and her staff imposed strict safety policies.
“I fought hard to keep it going but ultimately, could not recover from the effects felt with a change in the way the world operates now,” she said.
Linstrom also has a pet-sitting business she operates from her home, which offers multiple services, including for cats and other animals.
Atticus and his pals will miss The Paw Zone. Photos by Kevin Gibson
On a personal note, my dog Atticus (center in the photo above) has been a Paw Zone regular for the past four years. He and I will both miss the exercise and socialization he receives and the amazing and friendly staff who take such great care of the animals while caring for them each day. Below is a story I wrote about the business in 2019 for Insider Louisville.
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Diane Linstrom says she “only” has two dogs – she chuckles after the word “only” – but on any given day, she may have dozens.
The owner of the Paw Zone, located at 1501 Mellwood Ave., celebrates her business’ 10th year in 2019 and estimates during any given week, people will bring their dogs for 425 to 450 visits. But the Paw Zone is more than just doggy daycare; Linstrom says some of her greatest joys are when shy dogs blossom.
“I see dogs that are shy or unsure of themselves,” she says, but sometimes after a visit or two she can see them gaining more confidence. It helps them acclimate to being around other dogs, which ultimately is beneficial when they are at public parks or in other public places.
Many of her customers bring their dogs every weekday – “Some would be here on Saturday and Sunday if we were open,” she says – while others come in occasionally or on a rotation. The business has slowly but steadily grown.
Last year, Linstrom says, 191 new dogs were introduced into the Paw Zone. Over the course of the year, dogs amassed more than 16,700 total visits.
The Paw Zone is designed for dogs that are friendly toward other animals, and a screening process is involved. All dogs who apply must be fully vaccinated, and each dog must pass a temperament test to assure they will get along with fellow canines. Tests must be scheduled in advance and take place during early mornings before the dog runs have filled up.
Linstrom leases the 7,000-square-foot structure, with about 6,000 of it dedicated to dog play space. There are three different areas, all fenced, inside the covered, garage-like building, and dogs generally are divided by size – small, medium and large. The dogs are always supervised.
Stop in, and you’ll usually get a few dozen eager faces staring at you through a sliding window separating the office and the play space.
Linstrom previously had worked in other pet-related businesses, including veterinary management and retail pet supplies. Prior to opening the Paw Zone, she ran a pet-setting business called Purrfect Paws, which led to the idea for her current business.
“I saw a need,” she says, “with dogs being left at home, destroying things. Owners complained that their dogs have too much energy.”
The concept of the business is to specifically address that – dogs are pack animals, so they naturally enjoy being with other dogs. Linstrom considers all of the Paw Zone dogs to be part of an inherent pack. Dogs come in, play, socialize and go home feeling fulfilled.
One of the key features of the business is its availability. Once a dog is accepted, the owner need not make reservation – just drop them off anytime during the day, sign them in and pick them up when ready.
Rates are divided into segments of up to four hours ($12), up to six hours ($16) and up to eight hours ($20), and five-day passes are available at discounted rates.
At any given point in the day, owners may be dropping off or picking up their dogs, and Linstrom is often waiting for them – when she isn’t cleaning up messes or otherwise tending to duties to help keep the place running. She also has employees who help out.
Linstrom gets to know the dogs she sees often, usually remembering names – a lot of them – and even checking in with owners sometimes to let them know their dog is having a good time.
A decade in the making, the business gets plenty of endorsements from regulars. Linstrom says she hears positive feedback regularly.
“I hear from clients about how much of a difference this has made in their lives,” she says, then laughs. “The biggest thing is everybody says their dogs are tired and happy when they get home.”
(Below are a few photos I shot while on site for this interview.)
