Dog-Friendly Andover: Dog Park, Daycare, Groomers and Vets

Andover's dogs have a park of their own just over the line in Coon Rapids. Bunker Hills Dog Park, built jointly by Anoka County, Coon Rapids and Andover, gives them 6.5 fenced acres, with separate areas for small and large dogs.

The rest of a dog's life is covered in town: daycare and boarding, grooming, food, two veterinary practices and a foster-based rescue for anyone ready to adopt.

Bunker Hills Dog Park

The park is at 1620 133rd Ave NW in Coon Rapids and is open daily from 5 am to 10 pm. Small dogs and large dogs each get their own side, so a timid terrier and a lab can both have a run.

A few rules apply to every visit, and they are worth reading before the first trip.

• Bring a licensed, vaccinated and healthy dog wearing ID and rabies tags.
• Bring fewer than three dogs per visit.
• Leave food and treats outside the park.
• Bring your own water.
• Keep young children within arm's reach.

Daycare and boarding

Muddy Paws Doggy Daycare on 161st Ave NW runs cage-free daycare seven days a week, with about 5,000 square feet of play areas for dogs to run and wrestle with other dogs. Ask how new dogs are screened for temperament before their first day.

For overnight stays, Dover Kennel on 164th Ln NW boards all breeds in indoor and outdoor kennels, and its indoor kennels are heated and air-conditioned. Ask how often dogs are let out and whether you can bring your dog's own food.

Grooming and food

K-9 & Kitty Kutters Andover on 154th Ave NW grooms dogs and cats, from baths and nail trims to full haircuts. The salon says it works with aggressive, elderly and timid animals, which matters if your dog dreads the clippers.

A few doors down on 154th Ave NW, Canine Crossing sells dog and cat food and supplies, including frozen raw dog food, freeze-dried options and premium kibble. Ask how to switch foods gradually if you are changing a dog's diet.

Veterinarians

Andover Animal Hospital on 139th Ln NW provides full-service veterinary care, and VCA Pine Ridge Animal Hospital at 2172 Station Pkwy NW provides primary care for pets. Ask each what a first visit includes before you choose.

Adopting a dog

The Rescue Crew on Round Lake Blvd NW is a volunteer-run, foster-based rescue for dogs and cats. Because the animals live in foster homes, ask the foster what a dog is like with children, cats and other dogs.

Restaurant patios

Minnesota law lets a city allow dogs on designated restaurant patios by ordinance, with a city permit, as long as dogs stay leashed and off the furniture. Andover has no such ordinance on record, so ask a restaurant before bringing your dog. Service animals are always allowed.

Walks at Bunker Hills

Bunker Hills Regional Park has walking trails beyond the dog park. A vehicle permit costs $7 a day or $30 a year, so a regular walker will want the annual one.