Updated for 2026 with new cafe openings, updated prices, and visitor tips.

Dog Cafes Around the World: The Ultimate Guide

The first time I walked into a dog cafe in Seoul, I was not prepared for the emotional experience of drinking an excellent latte while being surrounded by 15 Samoyeds. Big, fluffy, impossibly friendly Samoyeds just wandering around, climbing into laps, and smiling their signature Samoyed smile at anyone with a treat. I stayed for three hours, ordered four drinks, and left feeling like I had experienced something fundamentally different from any cafe experience I had ever had.

Dog cafes — establishments where customers can interact with resident dogs while enjoying food and beverages — originated in South Korea in the mid-2000s and have since spread worldwide. They serve multiple purposes: they provide a dog interaction experience for people who cannot have dogs at home (apartment restrictions, allergies among family members, travel lifestyles), they offer socialization opportunities, and in many cases, they function as adoption centers where resident dogs are available for forever homes. Organizations like the ASPCA support pet adoption through shelters and rescue-cafe partnerships nationwide.

This guide covers the best dog cafes on every inhabited continent, with practical visitor information, etiquette guidelines, and tips for finding them during your travels.

Asia: Where Dog Cafes Were Born

South Korea

South Korea is the birthplace of the modern dog cafe, and Seoul alone has over 100 dog cafes operating as of 2026. The Korean dog cafe model typically features a coffee shop on the ground floor with a separate dog interaction area above or behind, where resident dogs live full-time with professional care.

Bau House Dog Cafe — Seoul Bau House is consistently rated the best dog cafe in Seoul, with 20 to 30 large and medium breed dogs including Samoyeds, golden retrievers, corgis, and huskies. The cafe enforces a one-drink minimum ($8 to $12) and has a time limit of two hours during peak periods.

• Location: Gangnam District
• Price: $8-$12 per person (one drink minimum)
• Dogs: 20-30 large and medium breeds
• Hours: 11 AM to 10 PM daily
• Tip: Weekday afternoons are the least crowded

About Pet — Seoul About Pet specializes in small breeds — Pomeranians, Chihuahuas, toy poodles, and Maltese. The smaller dogs are more approachable for visitors nervous around large breeds, and the cafe’s intimate setting creates a cozy atmosphere.

• Location: Hongdae
• Price: $7-$10 per person
• Dogs: 15-20 small breeds
• Hours: 12 PM to 10 PM daily

Japan

Japan’s dog cafe scene is unique in that many cafes combine dogs with other themes — manga, themed decor, or specific breed focuses.

Dog Heart from Aquamarine — Tokyo Located in Akihabara, Dog Heart features a rotating cast of small and medium breed dogs that customers can interact with during their visit. The cafe is clean, well-maintained, and the dogs are visibly well-cared-for.

• Location: Akihabara, Tokyo
• Price: 30-minute session from 800 yen (~$6)
• Dogs: 10-15, primarily small breeds
• Hours: 11 AM to 8 PM

Mame Shiba Cafe — Multiple Locations Dedicated entirely to Shiba Inus — specifically the miniature “mame” variety — this cafe chain operates in Tokyo (Harajuku, Akihabara) and Kyoto. The Shiba Inus roam freely while customers sit on floor cushions and enjoy drinks.

• Locations: Tokyo (Harajuku, Akihabara), Kyoto
• Price: 30-minute session from 880 yen (~$6.50)
• Dogs: 8-12 Shiba Inus per location
• Tip: Shiba Inus are independent by nature — they may not seek your attention. Patience and treats help.

Thailand

Dog in Town — Bangkok Dog in Town is Bangkok’s most famous dog cafe, housing over 20 dogs including huskies, golden retrievers, and corgis in an air-conditioned, two-story space. The cafe was founded by a veterinarian, and the dogs receive professional veterinary care on-site.

• Location: Ekkamai, Bangkok
• Price: $5-$8 per person (one drink minimum)
• Dogs: 20+ medium and large breeds
• Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM
• Note: The air conditioning makes this a welcome respite from Bangkok’s heat

Europe

United Kingdom

Lady Dinah’s Cat Emporium… and Dog Cafes Too — London While Lady Dinah’s is a cat cafe, London’s dog cafe scene has grown significantly. The pop-up pug cafe, dachshund cafe, and corgi cafe events organized by companies like Pug Cafe Ltd. are wildly popular and sell out within hours of ticket release.

Pug Cafe — London (Pop-Up Events) Pug Cafe organizes monthly pop-up events across London where pug owners bring their dogs, and anyone can attend. The events feature pug-themed food, merchandise, and 50 to 100 pugs in one venue.

• Format: Monthly pop-up events at various London venues
• Price: Tickets from 15 to 25 GBP ($19-$32)
• Dogs: 50-100 pugs per event (owner-brought)
• Booking: Essential — events sell out in minutes. Follow @pugcafe on Instagram for announcements.

Dachshund Cafe — London (Pop-Up Events) Same concept as Pug Cafe but with dachshunds. The events are organized by Pup Up Cafe and rotate through venues across the UK.

• Format: Monthly pop-up events
• Price: 12-20 GBP ($15-$26)
• Dogs: 50-100+ dachshunds
• Booking: Pre-sale tickets via pup-up-cafe.com

Germany

Dogs Welcome Culture Germany does not have dedicated dog cafes in the same way as Asia because dogs are already welcome in most German restaurants and cafes. The cultural norm in Germany is that dogs accompany their owners to cafes, restaurants, shops, and public transport. Any cafe in Berlin, Munich, or Hamburg is effectively a dog cafe.

This is worth highlighting because the “dog cafe” concept exists partly to fill a gap in cultures where dogs are not normally welcome in food establishments. In Germany, that gap does not exist.

France

Similar to Germany — French culture widely accepts dogs in cafes and restaurants. Parisian cafes are famous for their relaxed attitude toward dogs, with water bowls at the door and dogs lounging under tables being a standard part of the atmosphere.

Netherlands

Kaldi Coffee House — Amsterdam (Dog-Friendly) While not technically a “dog cafe,” Kaldi encourages customers to bring their dogs and provides water bowls and treats. Many Amsterdam cafes have this dog-welcoming culture.

North America

United States

The US dog cafe scene is growing rapidly, primarily around the adoption model — cafes partner with local rescues and all resident dogs are available for adoption.

Boris and Horton — New York City Boris and Horton was one of the first dog cafes in New York City and operates on a dual model: one side is a standard coffee shop that serves excellent coffee and food, and the other side is a dog lounge where customers can bring their own dogs or interact with dogs from partnered rescue organizations.

• Location: East Village, Manhattan
• Price: Standard cafe pricing; no entry fee for the dog lounge
• Dogs: Customer-brought dogs plus foster dogs from partner rescues
• Hours: 7 AM to 9 PM daily
• Adoption: Foster dogs available for adoption through partner organizations

The Dog Cafe — Los Angeles The Dog Cafe in Los Angeles partners with local rescue organizations to house adoptable dogs in the cafe. Every dog you interact with is available for adoption, and the cafe has facilitated hundreds of successful adoptions since opening.

• Location: Silver Lake, Los Angeles
• Price: Reservation required; $20 per person for a 30-minute session
• Dogs: 8-15 adoptable rescue dogs
• Hours: 10 AM to 6 PM (varies; check website)
• Adoption: All dogs available; adoption fees range from $200-$500

Barking Dog Cafe — Denver Denver’s dog cafe culture reflects the city’s overall dog-friendly attitude. Barking Dog Cafe is a coffee shop where customers can bring their own dogs and enjoy a laid-back atmosphere.

• Location: Highland neighborhood
• Price: Standard cafe pricing
• Dogs: Customer-brought
• Best for: Dog owners who want to socialize their dogs while enjoying coffee

Canada

Cafe Feline… and Rover Cafes — Various Cities Canada has seen a rise in dog-friendly cafes, particularly in Vancouver and Toronto. While dedicated dog-interaction cafes are less common than in Asia, many Canadian cities have cafes that explicitly welcome dogs.

Woof Cafe — Toronto Woof Cafe is a full-service coffee shop where dogs are welcome inside. The cafe hosts regular adoption events in partnership with local rescues.

• Location: Riverside neighborhood, Toronto
• Price: Standard cafe pricing
• Dogs: Customer-brought; adoption events monthly
• Atmosphere: Industrial-chic with a dog-friendly floor plan

South America

Colombia

Aluna Cafe Canino — Bogota Bogota’s growing cafe culture has embraced dogs, and Aluna Cafe Canino is a dedicated dog cafe where rescue dogs roam freely while customers enjoy Colombian coffee. The cafe partners with local rescue organizations.

• Location: Chapinero, Bogota
• Price: $3-$5 per person
• Dogs: 10-15 rescue dogs
• Adoption: All dogs available for adoption

Argentina

Buenos Aires Dog Culture Similar to European cities, Buenos Aires has a strong culture of dogs in cafes. Most cafes in Palermo and San Telmo welcome dogs, making the entire neighborhood a de facto dog cafe experience.

Oceania

Australia

Cafe Bones — Sydney Cafe Bones in Sydney’s Leichardt neighborhood is a legendary dog-friendly cafe that has been serving dogs and their humans since 2000. While not a “dog cafe” in the Asian sense (there are no resident dogs), it is specifically designed to cater to dogs — the menu includes “puppuccinos” (steamed milk for dogs) and dog-friendly treats.

• Location: Leichardt, Sydney
• Price: Standard cafe pricing plus dog menu items ($3-$6)
• Dogs: Customer-brought
• Best for: Dog owners who want their dog to have a dining experience too

New Zealand

Most cafes in New Zealand welcome dogs on their outdoor patios. The country’s relaxed, outdoor-focused culture extends to its cafe scene, making nearly every cafe with outdoor seating a viable dog cafe.

How to Find Dog Cafes While Traveling

Search Strategies

1. Google Maps: Search “[city name] dog cafe” — most established dog cafes appear in Google Maps results with reviews and photos.
2. Instagram: Search location tags and hashtags like #dogcafe[city] or #[city]dogcafe. Instagram is often the first place new cafes announce their opening.
3. TripAdvisor: Search “dog cafe” in the destination city. TripAdvisor reviews are particularly useful for international cafes.
4. Local blogs and forums: City-specific pet blogs and Reddit communities often maintain updated lists of dog cafes and dog-friendly restaurants.
5. BringFido app: The BringFido database includes many dog cafes worldwide.

Before You Visit

• Check hours and reservation requirements. Many dog cafes require advance booking, especially on weekends.
• Verify the entry policy. Some cafes charge per person, some per time session, and some require a minimum purchase.
• Ask about bringing your own dog. Some dog cafes allow visiting dogs; others permit only resident dogs to avoid conflicts.
• Check vaccination requirements. Cafes that allow visiting dogs typically require proof of current vaccinations.

Dog Cafe Etiquette

Universal Rules

1. Follow the cafe’s rules exactly. Every cafe has specific rules about touching, feeding, and handling the dogs. Read them, follow them, and do not assume you know better.

2. Let dogs come to you. Do not chase, grab, or corner dogs. Sit down, extend a hand, and let the dog choose to approach.

3. Respect the dogs’ boundaries. If a dog walks away, do not follow. If a dog is sleeping, do not wake them. If a dog shows signs of stress (lip licking, yawning, turning away), give them space.

4. Do not feed the dogs human food. Only give treats provided by the cafe.

5. Supervise children closely. Most dog cafes have minimum age requirements (typically 5 or 6 years old) and require adult supervision for children.

6. Wash your hands before and after interacting with dogs.

7. Do not use flash photography. Flash can startle dogs and cause anxiety.

8. Keep your voice low. Dog cafes should be calm environments. Screaming, squealing, and loud laughter stress the dogs.

Ethical Considerations

Not all dog cafes are created equal. Some prioritize animal welfare; others prioritize profit at the dogs’ expense. Here is how to evaluate a cafe’s ethics:

Green Flags

• Dogs look healthy, well-groomed, and at a healthy weight
• Dogs have access to rest areas away from customers
• Staff monitors dog-customer interactions and intervenes when dogs are stressed
• The cafe limits the number of customers to prevent overcrowding
• Dogs are spayed/neutered
• The cafe partners with rescue organizations for adoption
• Veterinary care is provided on-site or through a dedicated vet

Red Flags

• Dogs appear lethargic, underweight, or poorly groomed
• Dogs have no escape from customer interaction (no private rest areas)
• The space is overcrowded with customers and dogs
• Staff does not intervene when customers are rough with dogs
• The cafe breeds dogs specifically for the cafe (rather than rescuing)
• Puppies are used as the primary attraction (puppy mills may be involved)
• Dogs are kept in small cages when the cafe is closed

If you observe red flags, do not patronize the cafe. Consider reporting concerns to local animal welfare authorities or the Humane Society.

Starting Your Own Dog Cafe Crawl

For dog cafe enthusiasts, a multi-city or multi-country cafe crawl is one of the most unique travel themes available. Here are three potential itineraries:

Asian Dog Cafe Crawl (10-14 Days)

• Tokyo (3 days): Mame Shiba Cafe, Dog Heart, breed-specific cafes in Harajuku
• Seoul (3 days): Bau House, About Pet, themed cafes in Hongdae
• Bangkok (2 days): Dog in Town, True Love at Neverland
• Singapore (2 days): The Wagington, Sun Ray Cafe

European Dog Culture Tour (10-14 Days)

• Paris (3 days): Traditional cafe terraces with dogs under tables
• Berlin (2 days): German dog-in-cafe culture, Tiergarten walks
• Amsterdam (2 days): Dog-friendly brown cafes, Vondelpark
• London (3 days): Pop-up pug cafes, dachshund events, Boris and Horton pop-ups

US Adoption Cafe Road Trip

• New York City: Boris and Horton
• Philadelphia: Dog-friendly cafe scene
• Washington DC: Dog-friendly patios
• Nashville: Dog-friendly restaurants and bars
• Austin: Most dog-friendly city in America
• Los Angeles: The Dog Cafe, various rescue cafes
• San Francisco: Dog-friendly cafe culture

Final Thoughts

Dog cafes represent something beautiful about the relationship between humans and dogs: the simple, universal joy of being in the presence of a happy, friendly dog. Whether you are a dog owner missing your pet while traveling, someone who cannot have a dog at home, or just someone who appreciates good coffee and better company, dog cafes offer an experience that no other type of establishment can match.

Seek them out during your travels. Support the ones that treat their dogs well. And maybe — just maybe — you will walk out of a dog cafe with an adoption application in your hand and a new best friend at the end of a leash.

---

You Might Also Like

• Dog-Friendly European Cities — Explore Europe’s most welcoming cities for dogs and dog lovers.
• Dog-Friendly Paris: A Complete City Guide — Our full guide to experiencing Paris with your dog, including the cafe culture.
• Dog-Friendly Breweries and Wineries — Another way to enjoy drinks in the company of dogs.