In Cairo, canine cafe is the new cool place to be

CAIRO－Humans and dogs were seen in a new cafe in the Egyptian capital Cairo, with dog owners drinking their tea and coffee, and their puppy friends enjoying their meals and treats.

The newly opened dog cafe is believed to be the first specialized one in Cairo, where there are few pet-friendly cafes or restaurants.

The business was initiated by two friends and dog lovers who, like many dog owners in Egypt, had few places to go and relax when they go out with their dogs.

A co-owner of the dog cafe, Ola Loutfi, who has owned dogs for 30 years, said that during the pandemic-related lockdown many people bought pets because they were lonely.

"So I thought of opening a specialized cafe for both humans and dogs" to help fill in the gap in this area.

"Dogs also have the right to eat something they like, and what they eat should be good and healthy," she said, expressing her belief that "being merciful to animals generates a positive energy in life".

Dog owners and lovers are encouraging the new trend that is trying to solve their long-time challenge of where to hang out with their dogs.

The counter of the cafe, where snacks and beverages are ordered, is divided, one part for humans and the other for puppies.

At a table in one of the corners, Omar Islam, who works in technical marketing for Microsoft Egypt, was having his coffee with his "best friend" Eva, a seven-month-old German shepherd.

"After COVID-19, most of us started to work from home," Islam said. "I personally don't like working at home. When I leave Eva at home alone I feel I need to go back as soon as possible. I see the place as a solution to this problem."

Another customer, Hams Akil, was enjoying her time in the cafe with her golden retriever Suki.

"Now there's a place where I can bring my dog, drink coffee and gather and talk with friends," she said.

The cafe owners said it has house rules and is designed so as to ensure the safety of customers and their dogs, such as having dog hooks near each table and suitable distances between tables.

The cafe also has a wall serving as a bulletin board on which people announce missing dogs, sick and injured dogs that need help, dogs available for adoption and places to donate for dogs.

Xinhua