The Austin scene is getting a pro-canine boost from an unexpected quarter.

Downtown Austin offers some dog amenities, most notably Town Lake’s pet-friendly jogging trails, but luxury condos and dogs haven’t traditionally been a match. One Austin condo is trying to cater to dog owners, though. The Austonian, which at 56 stories claims to be the tallest residential building in Texas, has decided to go pro-dog with a set of facilities, policies and services.

The amenities include a 10th-floor dog park, dog grooming area, pet sitting, pet food delivery and even a taxi service that transports dogs to and from off-site appointments. The condo apparently also has an agreement with a nearby veterinarian. The only service that seems to be lacking is a substitute owner service to lavish love on lonely dogs who miss their hard-working owners.

With some of the well-publicized sales problems faced by downtown Austin condos, it’s admirable that the Austonian is already taking steps to appeal to this pet-crazy town full of outdoor patios. Looking at the Google map of Austin’s pet-friendly establishments at Austin Dog Friendly, it’s surprising to see the density of pet-welcoming businesses, especially in downtown Austin. A random list: Opal Divine’s Freehouse, Tiniest Bar in Texas, Key Bar, the Gingerman, One 2 One, Lamberts Downtown Barbecue and the Cedar Door. It’s a natural fit for a downtown Austin residential complex to cater to dog owners. However, we’re not sure if cat owners are included in the equation.

The Austonian is an interesting building. It’s part of the new condo construction that is rapidly remaking the face of downtown Austin, and it’s yet to be seen how such a structure will fit into the morphing Austin skyline. The Austonian is already dominating the downtown landscape, and it’s still climbing. Looks like the Frost Tower’s honeymoon period is over…!