My mother and I visited Two Shepherds Taproom this afternoon with our three dogs. Although we live in St. Pete, we’ve enjoyed coming to your establishment a handful of times and decided to make the trip today for a change of scenery. We were happy to find the vendor market, purchased bottomless mimosas, supported the vendors, and had a lovely time socializing with other patrons.
Unfortunately, our visit ended on a very concerning note. While inside, our dogs were briefly playing with another patron’s dog (an Aussie doodle mix, from what I could tell). Things got a little rowdy but never aggressive, and when we realized it was too much, we responsibly directed our dogs outside. Our dogs listened to us immediately, no questions asked. It actually seemed to us that the other owner did not have control over her own dog. At that point, however, she went to your staff and claimed one of our dogs had “tried” to bite her and her dog.
I watched the entire interaction—our dogs were excited but not aggressive, and at no point did any dog bite, snap, or make contact. When I asked her directly if she or her dog were injured, she admitted she had no marks and could not even identify which of our dogs supposedly “tried” to bite.
What concerns me most is what happened next: when my mother stepped inside to grab our leashes, this woman threatened to choke our dog out and to call animal control to have him put down. A violent threat like that is unacceptable and, frankly, illegal. It is deeply troubling that someone would make such a statement in a dog-friendly space like yours.
I called on our way home to request your contact information so I could share this directly with you. We have owned and cared for dogs our entire lives—including breeding Rottweilers—and we regularly frequent dog parks and off-leash establishments across the Tampa Bay area. Our dogs are not aggressive, and nothing in today’s interaction warranted such a dangerous and hostile threat.
Adding to my concern is that your establishment had no appropriate measures in place to escalate or de-escalate the situation. You had two staff members at the front desk, one person behind the bar, and zero wooferees present to step in when this woman became hostile. There was no staff intervention, no witness statements gathered, and no effort to mediate or ensure a safe resolution.
While we understand that losing our business may not affect your bottom line, it is troubling to us that a person claiming to be a “dog trainer” was allowed to berate and threaten my mother in your establishment without any staff involvement. I am immersed in the dog community here in St. Pete and, until now, we have never experienced anything like this at any other dog-friendly establishment or park. If people ask me about this incident, I will be honest that your staff allowed violent threats to occur unchecked, and I will not be recommending your business to other dog owners.
We would like your acknowledgment of this incident and we are considering filing a police report against this individual for her violent threats.
We truly hope Two Shepherds Taproom takes this matter seriously, reevaluates safety measures, and continues to be a safe and welcoming environment for both...
Read moreIf you're looking for a place where both you and your furry friend can have an unforgettable time, look no further than Two Shepherds Taproom in Tampa, FL! This incredible dog-friendly bar is a haven for dog lovers and their four-legged companions. We recently visited with our Frenchie, and he had an absolute blast!
From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a friendly and welcoming staff who made us feel right at home. The spacious, well-maintained play area is perfect for dogs of all sizes to romp around and make new friends. Our Frenchie was in heaven, playing with other dogs and enjoying the fresh air.
But Two Shepherds Taproom isn't just for dogs—humans are in for a treat too! The taproom boasts an impressive selection of craft beers, ciders, and wines that cater to all tastes. Whether you're a beer connoisseur or just looking for a refreshing drink, you're sure to find something you love. The cozy, relaxed atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to unwind and socialize with fellow dog enthusiasts.
What sets Two Shepherds Taproom apart is their attention to detail and dedication to creating a safe, enjoyable environment for everyone. The play area is well-supervised, and they have plenty of water stations and toys to keep the pups hydrated and entertained. They even offer doggy treats and pup-friendly events, making it a true paradise for our furry friends.
In addition to the fantastic drinks and dog-friendly amenities, Two Shepherds Taproom also hosts various events and activities that add to the fun. From trivia nights to food trucks, there's always something exciting happening that makes each visit unique.
If you love spending quality time with your dog while enjoying great drinks and a lively atmosphere, Two Shepherds Taproom is an absolute must-visit. Our Frenchie had the time of his life, and we can't wait to go back for more fun and memories. Highly recommended for dog owners and dog...
Read moreI love all of the local dog bars, however I did have an off putting experience when first arriving. As a veterinary nurse myself, the lady working the front had to Google the proper vaccine protocol for dogs right in front of me when checking in. After she got on Google, she then asked me if my pets bordetella (kennel cough) vaccine was a 6 month or 1 year vaccine. I advised that they only manufacture 1 year vaccines for bordetella, however it is up to the facilities protocol if the facility requires bordetella to be boostered at 6 months for entry. After the lady insisted that there were two different vaccines I let it go, and we continued on. It just seemed incredibly unprofessional that the receptionist had to Google the proper vaccine protocol, and then was spreading misinformation about vaccine schedules. It did make me feel a lot less “safe” about the true vaccine status of pets there, since the lady had to Google puppy vaccine schedules. Aside from the unprofessionalism from the lady up front, it was a great experience with a great selection of drinks. They have an amazing area for the pets. The other staff/bartenders were absolutely amazing! It really is a great...
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