New dog lounge in Richmond to hold singles night
CAFÉ: You need ‘best friend’s’ approval
Have you had a relationship end because your dog didn’t dig your love interest? A Richmond entrepreneur is promoting puppy love with a singles night at his new dog lounge.
“It’s a great way to make sure your dogs are compatible,” said Dog Club Cafe founder Jason Meyer. While the pups play, owners can have a drink and get to know one another through games focused on their dogs. “If you’re going to fall in love, you need your best friend’s approval,” he added.
After Vancouver’s first cat café opened in 2015, the dog is finally getting its day. Meyer had the idea for his dog lounge more than 10 years ago when he got his chihuahua, Rocco, but timing wasn’t right to open a business.
“I wanted a place to bring him to play indoors,” he explained.
Public dog parks are often not ideal for small dogs that may be intimidated by larger canines or sensitive to the elements — but off-leash playtime and socialization are still important. In the dog lounge’s 1,000-square-foot space, pooches 30 pounds and under can get exercise and meet other dogs while their owners sip coffee and tea. Meyer is planning to get a liquor licence and has a permit for some special events, like his first singles night March 3.
“The idea behind the lounge is that it’s an entertainment venue for dog owners,” he said.
The dog club at the Richmond Public Market will have music, TV and Wi-Fi, while there will also be a retail showroom where dog owners can shop and order clothing, accessories and dog food for delivery to their home or the lounge.
Meyer is selling monthly memberships, as well as five- and 10-class packages. Owners are asked to sign up in advance for events like “morning mingles” and evening socials to ensure the play area doesn’t get too crowded.
The dog café isn’t a new concept, with versions in New York and Egypt, in addition to pet stores that offer seating and social events for customers.
The Richmond lounge, which opened last week, is a test, of sorts. Meyer is hoping there will be enough interest to expand to Vancouver and beyond.
“I want to put out a call to action to local dog owners,” he said. “If they like this idea, I’m hoping they’ll show interest.”