Bank branch caters to canine clientele on Clark Road

Pets who grow bored while their owners stand (seemingly for dog hours on end) at a cash machine or lament the loss of drive-up window treats now have an ATM of their own at a bank branch on Clark Road.

No, they won’t be able to check on account balances or grab a quick $60 for a couple of Porterhouse steaks and a new leash. ATM, in this case, stands for automated treat machine.

Making its debut on Friday at the TD Bank branch at 3450 Clark Road, Sarasota’s first such treat machine is one of 14 along the eastern seaboard. Free dog biscuits are dispensed via motion sensor embedded in a paw-marked mat.

During the 1-4 p.m. grand opening, a DJ will supply music, a dog caricaturist (to be clear, the artist is human, the subjects are dogs) will create art and Satchel’s Last  Resort will operate a dog-adoption station alongside treats and giveaways for two- and four-legged customers.