International Dog Day: On a sunlit afternoon in Delhi’s Dwarka, one might stumble upon a scene that feels almost magical— dogs of all shapes and sizes lounging on cosy cushions while their human companions sip on artisanal coffees and exchange stories. The soft hum of conversation is punctuated by the occasional bark, and there’s a palpable sense of ease in the air, as if this is precisely where everyone— human and animal—was meant to be.
For Anushka Singh, 26, a regular at Café Uncover, a pet-friendly café, this place is more than just a café; it’s a sanctuary. “Milo, my Golden Retriever, and I come here every weekend,” she says, stroking his fur as he relaxes by her side. “It’s about being in a space where he’s not just tolerated but truly welcomed. It’s our little escape from the city’s chaos.”
Café Uncover offers an open space designed to ensure the fur babies feel at ease alongside their owners. Additionally, the café provides separate food menus tailored specifically for dogs and cats.
The rise of pet-friendly cafés is not merely a trend; it’s a reflection of the changing attitudes towards pets in urban India. These spaces are becoming crucial sanctuaries where the bond between humans and their pets is celebrated and nurtured.
“Five years ago, you’d be hard-pressed to find a place where pets were allowed, let alone catered to,” says Singh. “But today, there’s a growing recognition that pets are part of the family, and they deserve spaces where they can be themselves.”
Pet-friendly cafés originated in Japan with cat cafés in the late 1990s, offering a space for people to enjoy food while interacting with animals. The concept quickly spread globally, evolving to include cafés where customers can bring their own pets.
Prachi Nigam, 30, and her dog Jack have made Colocal in Chattarpur’s Dhan Mill compound their weekend destination. Nigam, a graphic designer, describes their routine: “Jack loves the dog-friendly treats and the chance to interact with other dogs. For me, it’s a great way to enjoy my coffee and meet fellow dog lovers.”
At Diggin Café in Chanakyapuri, Amit Sharma, 36, and his German Shepherd, Rusty, have found a welcoming retreat. “The café has genuinely become our second home,” Sharma says. “As a new pet parent, seeing others with their pets creates a sense of community. I’ve even made friends here who have been invaluable in helping me navigate the world of pet parenting.”
Passion for pets: How dog-friendly cafés are redefining community spaces. For café owners, creating a pet-friendly space involves passion and perseverance. Take Vaibhav Nagori, founding partner of the Greenr café chain in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Goa. Nagori and his team’s vision was clear from the start: “Pet-friendliness highlights your business’s commitment to serving every member of the family, including their furry friends.”
Nagori acknowledges several significant challenges in this endeavour. These include managing pet behaviour to minimise disturbances, preventing pets from being fed in guest dining areas, and addressing the sensitivities of both pet owners and other patrons.
According to several brand consultancy firms, pet-friendly cafés are a savvy marketing strategy, attracting a loyal customer base of pet owners and fostering community engagement. They enhance brand image, drive increased foot traffic, and encourage longer visits, leading to higher sales. Additionally, these cafés benefit from social media buzz and word-of-mouth promotion while offering the potential for diversified revenue through pet-related products and services.
Nishant Sinha, co-owner of Colocal Café in the Dhan Mill Compound, Chattarpur, along with its other branches, shares, “Creating a pet-friendly environment was never a conscious decision for us; it has always been a given. We cater to everyone, and by ‘everyone,’ we absolutely mean pets as well. As pet owners ourselves, we recognise the joy and comfort of having furry friends by one’s side. We aim to create a space where both humans and their pets can enjoy a pleasant experience together.”
Known for its artisanal chocolates and speciality coffee, Colocal Café offers a unique bean-to-bar experience. Sinha adds, “We also provide a small menu for pets at no charge, featuring baked biscuits, fried chicken, eggs, and vegetables.” When asked about potential mishaps with pets, Sinha laughs, “I believe animals are far more civilized.” On a more serious note, if a pet causes any disruption, the staff politely requests the owner to address the issue. If this is not possible, we offer to take the pet outside temporarily.
Pet-friendly cafés often become more than just places to grab a drink; they turn into community hubs. At The Big Tree Café, Gurugram, Devanshu Chaba hosts events like pet adoption drives, pet festivals, and other fun activities, which help foster a sense of community among local pet lovers.
“It’s not just about food; it’s about building a network of people who share a love for dogs,” notes Chaba, the co-founder of the café.
Also Read: International Dog Day: Stray dogs surge causes 15% spike in bite cases in Delhi
Founded in 2018, The Big Tree Café takes pride in offering a warm and inclusive environment for all guests, including pets. “Creating a pet-friendly atmosphere involves several essential elements. It is important to train staff to respect and accommodate animals, provide appropriate food options such as pet food and biscuits, and maintain a suitable noise level to ensure pets’ comfort. Additionally, equipping the café with bowls and toys further enhances the experience for our four-legged visitors,” explains Chaba.
His beagle, Romeo, was a major influence in his decision to open a pet-friendly space. “Romeo is more than just a pet; he’s a family member,” Chaba explains. “There was always a sense of frustration when we couldn’t bring him along to places where we wanted to go. This personal experience made me realise that many pet owners face the same challenge. By establishing a pet-friendly café, I aimed to fill this void and create a space where pets can be part of the social experience. It’s about providing a venue where pet owners can fully relax and enjoy their time without having to leave their beloved companions behind.”
Economically, the pet-friendly café market is booming. According to a 2023 report by Grand View Research, the global pet services market, which includes cafés, is expected to reach Rs 37 billion by 2027, driven by the growing pet population and the humanisation trend. In cities where disposable income is high, these cafés cater to a clientele willing to spend generously on their pets’ comfort and enjoyment, leading to a proliferation of premium offerings.
