Copyright The Hollywood Reporter
At first glance, it could be a typical week at Soho House: DJ sets, film screenings with Simu Liu, mix-and-mingle events hosted by Chrissy Teigen and John Legend, comedy nights, Barry’s-led workouts, even drag brunches. But the members at this social club aren’t agents or influencers — they’re dogs. Welcome to DOG PPL, Los Angeles’ first members-only canine park and social club. Located in Santa Monica, the sleek, sprawling facility combines a private dog park with a café, bar and event space, offering a stylish retreat where dogs can play and their owners can network, grab a drink or just chill. The idea was born at another L.A. park, where co-founders Alex Esguerra and Liam Underwood met while walking their respective dogs — Sasha and Kylo. “We realized pretty quickly that [this public park] wasn’t the best place for them,” recalls Underwood. They started brainstorming about a more curated, community-driven space. Four years later, DOG PPL opened its gates. Since launching in 2021, membership has grown to 1,800, with nearly 500 visits per day. Monthly memberships start at $120. A second location is set to open in early 2026: an 18,000-square-foot rooftop park in Brooklyn atop the luxury racquet club Padel Haus. Though the amenities are impressive, the application process centers solely on the dogs. “They’re the invitees,” says Underwood. “We’re not looking for anything other than a dog who’s either well-socialized or socially capable.” Member pups must be spayed or neutered (if more than 8 months old) and up to date on vaccines, and they need to pass an in-person behavior assessment. Once admitted, dogs get supervised playtime courtesy of “Rufferees” — on-duty staffers who help keep the peace and also conduct the behavior assessments. Owners, meanwhile, gain access to what feels like a networking lounge — with leashes. “Dogs are the natural icebreaker,” says Esguerra. “All it takes is someone’s dog jumping in your lap, and suddenly you’re talking to someone from Lionsgate or Apple TV. Next thing you know, you’re collaborating.” DOG PPL’s membership skews heavily entertainment-adjacent. Filmmaker and author Kelsey Darragh visited as a guest and was so charmed, she adopted a pit bull mix named Hippo that she’d been fostering and promptly joined. Since then, she’s brought her other foster dogs to the park once they were vaccinated — one was even adopted by another member. “It’s like a co-working space for people in the business — with dogs,” she says. “And you’ll leave with great content — it photographs beautifully.” Photographer and comedian Xander DePascale became a regular after visiting with Fitz, his Great Dane. Since then, he’s landed gigs shooting shows and performing for fellow members. Even creative director Riaad van der Merwe, who doesn’t usually mix business with dog parks, got recognized at a brand event in Miami by a Live Nation rep: “Wait, do you have a dog? … DOG PPL! That’s where I know you from.” For the founders, the appeal is as emotional as it is social. “People need places outside of work and home to connect in real life — and we believe dogs help make that happen,” says Underwood. “Combine the two, and it’s just euphoria.”
