A pooch lover’s paradise

The dog-petting cafe consists of two areas, the “human zone” and “dog zone,” with the latter being the main attraction as it is where the dogs could roam around and play with humans.

IT’S EASY to say that Barkin’ Blends Dog Café is a dog lover’s paradise. Tucked in the bustling university belt of Katipunan Avenue in Quezon City, it is the first dogpetting café in the Philippines, housing over 30 well-trained and friendly pups for the enjoyment of customers.

In 2014, owner Bernadette C. Aboganda brought to life the idea of creating a space where people and dogs can bond comfortably and freely. She shared that the concept was originally inspired by one of her travels to South Korea where she had the opportunity to visit similarly themed cafés.

Coming from a family of pet lovers that owns a total of 40 dogs, establishing Barkin’ Blends Dog Café only felt natural for Ms. Aboganda. If anything, it sensed of home. The dog-petting café consists of two areas, the “human zone” and “dog zone,” with the latter being the main attraction as it is where the dogs could roam around and play with humans.

“Taking care of dogs is a stress reliever,” told the 25-year-old café owner in a recent interview with BusinessWorld. Ms. Aboganda added that she made the café so she could share the joy of caring for dogs to those who don’t have pets but want to.

Barkin’ Blends Dog Café has a variety of dog breeds that could make any pooch lover squeal with delight. Starting with only 15 dogs two years ago, the café’s pets have grown twice in number since then. The dog zone is currently composed of golden retrievers, shih tzus, labradors, pugs, and poodles. It also hosts uncommon breeds in the country such as an Irish setter, corgi, and schnauzer.

Apart from the fluffy friends, the café also boasts of its selection of cold drinks to sip on and enjoy while playing with the dogs. One of its best-sellers include its Wintermelon Milk Tea with rocksalt and cheese. For only P195, visitors get a two-hour pass at the dog zone exclusive of any beverage of their choice.

The dog zone could only take 40- 50 people at a time. On weekends when the dog zone is often jampacked, waiting customers could spend their time at the café’s artist area where they can express their creativity at an art and painting workshop.

Introducing the concept of a dog-petting café to the Filipino public became a large hurdle to the business when it was only starting out. Nevertheless, Ms. Aboganda said they eventually overcame it by doing their best and keeping their social media and online marketing game on top.

“Social media is very important. We make it different,” she stated, explaining that their active online presence is their edge.

On the other hand, Ms. Aboganda said that managing a family business is also hard work as it requires a lot of compromise.

“There are different types of conflict. But if you take conflict as a journey, the effects will be positive and your family’s bond will come out stronger,” she said.

Asked on her advice for budding and young entrepreneurs like herself, she said the most important tip is to focus on your passion.

“If you’re gonna live, you have to love what you’re doing. Work wouldn’t feel like work if you do what you want to do passionately,” added Ms. Aboganda.

Barkin’ Blends Dog Café plans to expand and branch out in the future.