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Photos: The Adorable Pups At Los Angeles' New Dog Cafe
The Dog Cafe is now officially open, full of playful and adorable dogs that you can pet and play with—and perhaps later adopt—while enjoying a coffee or soft drink.
Founder Sarah Wolfgang first started tossing around the idea of opening a dog cafe in Los Angeles in 2014. Wolfgang came up with the opening a cafe where guests could come and meet adoptable dogs when volunteering at a shelter in Korea when she was 14.
"The Dog Cafe is going to put a spin on the way people adopt by totally reinventing the way we connect with homeless dogs. We want to provide you with the opportunity to see these highly adoptable pooches in their true light. And even if you're not looking to adopt, you can still enjoy all of the sloppy kisses you've ever wanted," Wolfgang told LAist.
Wolfgang checked in with the L.A. Health Department, who told her that her idea was legal as long as the area where you buy the coffee and pet the dogs were kept separate.
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Wolfgang hosted a Dog Cafe "pup-up" in downtown Los Angeles in early 2015 to give us a taste of what a permanent location might be like, before securing her permanent space on Virgil.
Located at 240 N Virgil Avenue near East Hollywood, the Dog Cafe is unique, as its the first dog cafe in the U.S. The relaxing, bright space with its turquoise-walls and cushy furniture is a perfect place to unwind with some furry company.
To go, we advise you first reserve a spot online. While walk-ins are welcome if space is available, the cafe seems to be quite busy! A reservation costs $10, and that includes one complimentary beverage. Get there about 10 minutes early so you can stop by the cafe, where need to show the employees your ID to confirm your reservation. Then you can pick out your drink. They serve pourover coffee, espresso, tea and flavored lemonades. The beans come from Grounds & Hounds Coffee, Co., and you can also buy beans from Dogs Drink Coffee. Both companies give back to animal nonprofits. They don't sell food, but you can stock up on cute dog socks and other novelty products.
On the other side of the establishment, you'll be able to spend up to 55 minutes per reservation socializing with dogs of all sizes and breeds. All time slots begin at the top of the hour, and that includes walk-ins.
You can check out the dogs that will be at the cafe and who are available for adoption or fostering here. We met a 15-year-old blind dog named Oreo who is sweet as can be, a puppy named Biggie with a very soft coat and my favorite of the group, Theo, an 8-year-old Chow/Shiba Inu mix. You might fall in love with cafe mascot Sharkie, but you can't take her home: she's Wolfgang's dog.
You currently can't bring your own dog, though the the cafe is working on that. If you're thinking about adding a new dog to your family, you can arrange an outdoor meeting between your current dog and any adoption candidates.
The Dog Cafeis located at 240 N. Virgil, Unit 12, Los Angeles, (213) 810-2872. Open Weds.-Sun., 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Reservations can be made here Children 5 to 17 must come with a parent or legal guardian. Children 5 and under are not permitted.
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