Unique Dog Park and Bar Concept Thrives in Westfield

Crate Escapes offers an off-leash dog park and bar experience for pet owners and patrons.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:10pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print featuring a repeating grid of dog bowls, leashes, and tennis balls in neon colors, conceptually representing the lively and playful atmosphere of the Crate Escapes Dog Park and Bar.Crate Escapes Dog Park and Bar blends an off-leash dog park with a bar atmosphere, creating a unique social hub for pet owners and their furry companions.Indianapolis Today

Crate Escapes Dog Park and Bar in Westfield, Indiana has become a popular destination that blends an off-leash dog park with a bar atmosphere. Owner Megan Schaffer, who has a background in animal welfare, opened the unique venue that allows dogs to roam freely while their owners socialize. The establishment supports local dog rescues and has become a hub for social connections, with many people meeting there for first dates or other gatherings.

Why it matters

Crate Escapes represents a growing trend of businesses catering to the needs of pet owners and creating community spaces that bring people and their furry friends together. The venue's success highlights the demand for pet-friendly social experiences that go beyond traditional dog parks.

The details

Crate Escapes features a self-pour beer system with about 20 different beers available, as well as themed breed meetups like Golden Retriever days and upcoming Basset Hound events. The facility attracts a diverse clientele, including families who visit even without owning a dog. Schaffer noted that many people have met at the dog bar, set up dates, or had first dates there, describing the venue as a 'perfect first date' location.

  • Crate Escapes Dog Park and Bar opened in Westfield, Indiana.
  • The venue hosts monthly Golden Retriever meetups on the first of every month.
  • Upcoming Basset Hound events are planned at Crate Escapes.

The players

Megan Schaffer

The owner of Crate Escapes Dog Park and Bar, Schaffer has a strong background in animal welfare, including a degree in biology, 22 years of experience at the Indianapolis Zoo, and previous work as a dog trainer and veterinary technician.

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What they’re saying

“Well, you can always tell when it's someone's first time because they walk in and they just kind of give it one of those. They usually have a lot of questions. You know, it's a new idea. So there were dogs just running around with no leashes. It's like, yeah. But I think it's all, both people and dogs, really, it's kind of awestruck the first time.”

— Megan Schaffer, Owner, Crate Escapes Dog Park and Bar

“We have a family that's here every week with their little girls that their girls want dogs and they're not ready to get a dog yet, so they come here to see dogs and play and mom and dad get to have a drink, and the kids are happy.”

— Megan Schaffer, Owner, Crate Escapes Dog Park and Bar

“We had a lot of people meet here at the dog bar, or set up dates, or have first dates at the dog bar. We have, I always joked, because we have Golden Retriever meetups every, the first of every month, and like, oh my gosh, if someone brought me to a Golden Retriever, this is the perfect first date.”

— Megan Schaffer, Owner, Crate Escapes Dog Park and Bar

What’s next

Crate Escapes plans to continue hosting themed breed meetups, including an upcoming Basset Hound event.

The takeaway

Crate Escapes Dog Park and Bar represents a growing trend of businesses catering to the needs of pet owners and creating community spaces that bring people and their furry friends together. The venue's success highlights the demand for pet-friendly social experiences that go beyond traditional dog parks.