Northern Michigan Goes to the Dogs

A tail of two pet-centric businesses

By Abby McKiernan | Dec. 7, 2024

Northern Michigan is going to the dogs—and it’s pawsitively delightful. With two new businesses opening in the last year, River Street Dog in Elk Rapids and K&A Hop Dogs in Traverse City, the region is proving to be a haven for pet owners seeking unique spaces where both humans and their four-legged companions feel right at home.

Though they offer very different experiences—one is a charming pet boutique and the other lively dog-friendly bar—both businesses share common ground: they’re inspired by a deep love of animals, their owners’ travels, and a commitment to fostering vibrant, year-round community spaces.

River Street Dog: A Boutique for Pets and Their People

For Becky Morin and Anja Gierlach, the journey to opening River Street Dog began with a walk through downtown Elk Rapids. Partners for 23 years, the pair stumbled upon a quaint 375-square-foot space that immediately sparked their imaginations.

“We saw it and thought, ‘Wow, wouldn’t that make the perfect little pet boutique?’” Gierlach recalls. “We couldn’t shake the idea, and eventually, we just decided to go for it.”

Drawing on their shared love of animals and their experiences exploring independent pet shops on their travels, Morin and Gierlach opened River Street Dog in December 2023. It wasn’t long before the shop became a useful resource for the community. Before their arrival, the nearest pet supply store was over 17 miles away, making the boutique a welcome addition for local pet owners.

The business quickly outgrew its original space, and in less than a year, the duo fell in love again with a larger storefront down the road.

The move to 129 River Street has allowed them to expand their offerings, including popular products like 100 percent olive wood chews that are both digestible and splinter-free, as well as interactive “snuffle mats” designed to mentally stimulate dogs by making them sniff out their treats and get creative to get them. They’ve even ventured into pet apparel, with plans to stock a few cat coats as well!

Morin and Gierlach’s mission goes beyond selling pet supplies—they’re dedicated to creating a welcoming space for both pets and their owners. Customers are encouraged to share product suggestions, ensuring the boutique meets the unique needs of the Elk Rapids community.

“From the beginning, we’ve felt embraced by this caring, loyal town,” Gierlach says. “The local support has been incredible, and we’re so grateful for the friendships and connections we’ve made with the village and the Chamber of Commerce as first-time business owners.”

Learn more at riverstreetdog.com.

K&A Hop Dogs: Drinks, Dogs, and a Whole Lot of Fun

Traverse City’s K&A Hop Dogs takes a different approach to pet-friendly spaces, combining a bar with a dog-centric twist. Owners Dan and Joy Goodchild, inspired by the pet-friendly environments they encountered while traveling in the South, wanted to bring a similar concept to their hometown. Named after their beloved dogs Koda, a Great Pyrenees, and Abbey, a Golden Retriever, K&A Hop Dogs opened in 2023.

“Our goal was to create a space where dogs could run free while their parents relaxed and enjoyed a drink,” Joy explains. “But you don’t need a dog to have a good time—just being a dog lover is enough to enjoy the atmosphere!”

The one-acre outdoor fenced area at K&A Hop Dogs gives dogs plenty of room to play, supervised by “ruff-a-rees” who ensure safety and good behavior. Meanwhile, owners can unwind inside, where a full bar offers specialty cocktails, local wine, and 18 beers and ciders on tap. Snack options include bar classics like popcorn, with plans to expand food offerings as the business grows.

Safety is a top priority. All dogs must be registered through K&A’s app, which tracks vaccination records, signed waivers, and membership details. In addition, the business has a strict three-strike rule for pet behavior, a non-negotiable neutering rule, and other guidelines that can be found within the app, creating clear expectations about the space and the experience. These policies and rules have helped the Goodchilds maintain a high standard of care, ensuring every visitor has a positive experience.

As fellow first-time business owners, Dan and Joy credit the SCORE program in Traverse City for helping them navigate the complexities of starting a business. The mentorship and resources they received were instrumental in bringing their vision to life.

Now, K&A Hop Dogs is so much more than just a bar or a dog park—it’s a community hub for pet lovers. “It’s a unique pet-friendly bar focused on a great experience,” Joy adds. “It’s a special place where people and pets can both feel free to relax and play.”

Learn more at kahopdogs.com.