Mutts and Martinis didn’t open in March as planned, but rest assured, dog parents — the highly anticipated canine waterpark and full-liquor bar will open on Friday May 26th, according to updates posted on its Instagram page.

The 5,000-square-foot facility, located at 2900 Central Avenue, was developed by Natalie Conner, owner of Love My Dog Resort and Playground, which has locations in downtown St. Pete and northern Pinellas County. 

The grand opening celebration starts at noon on Friday May 26th with a live DJ, a light food menu, and a full bar.

For the safety of everyone, all dogs that want to enjoy Mutts and Martinis will need to be up to date on all vaccines and male dogs over 18 months need to be neutered. Dogs may also be temperament tested.

Browsing through social media, it appears a few special dogs have already been visiting Mutts and Martinis to try out its many amenities, which include a zero-entry splash fountain and water sprays — perfect for beating the upcoming summer heat.

“We’ve had some delays, but we’re getting there,” Conner said in a late March video update. Another video, posted on April 13, shows fencing and turf being installed. “We’re trying to wrap this thing up,” she said.

The property was formerly the home of King’s Transmission, an auto-repair shop. Conner told St. Pete Rising that she has retained the large, roll-up garage doors that were already part of the building.

While pooches will have plenty of space to run around and play in, their human companions won’t be bored either. In addition to the expansive bar, Mutts and Martinis will have 28 TVs and a stage for live music.

Mutts and Martinis adds even more credibility to St. Pete’s status as the nation’s most dog-friendly city. According to SmartAsset, pet owners in the Burg have access to the fifth-highest number of pet stores and veterinary clinics in the United States. The Sunshine City is home to 18 dog-friend shopping centers, 134 dog-friendly restaurants, and 2.3 dog parks per 10,000 residents.

Tucson, Arizona, is No. 2 in SmartAsset’s rankings, while our friends across the bay in Tampa live in the nation’s third most dog-friendly city. The top five is rounded out by No. 4 Portland, Oregon, and No. 5 Madison, Wisconsin.

Be sure to visit Mutts and Martinis when it opens on Friday May 26th at 2900 Central Avenue. To stay up to date, follow them on Instagram and Facebook.