Paw Street, a cats and dogs café, a first of its kind in Sri Lanka, was unveiled in Kandana recently.
The cafe comprises dog breeds such as Toy Poodles, Miniature Poodles, Pug, Shipoo (unique), Tibetan spaniel, Japanese Spitz, Pomeranian, Shihtzu and Dachshund. The dog manager of the cafe is Dior. The café consists of 14 dogs and 14 cats.
The cat breeds are Persian, Ginger Persian, Maincoon, British Shorthair, Scottish Fold, Himalayan, Ragdoll, British Longhair. The cat manager›s name is Ashy.
Co-owner Kasthuri Sathiyamoorthy said, “The Paw Street is Sri Lanka’s one and only cats and dogs cafe. The best therapists in the world have fur and four legs. It›s a place where you can boost your happiness, relieve all your stress, anxiety, depression, loneliness and create unforgettable moments by meeting our furry and paw- some friends. It›s a perfect blend of joy, relaxation and furry companionship. This cafe creates a welcoming environment for visitors and provides an experience like no other.”
This cafe serves as a traditional sit-down cafe with a pre-made menu — with the licence to serve fast food and nonalcoholic drinks, which is in the premises itself.
“It is our vision to become the pet cafe brand in Sri Lanka since there are currently no in house pet cafes operating in the country. The cafe provides customers a unique and fun experience and creates the art of happiness by using our pets.
This could also serve to support the tourism industry in the country since we have had many tourists visiting from the time we opened the café,” she said.
Sathiyamoorthy said her first dog Cammy and first cat Leo provided the inspiration for the pet café concept. Customers could enter the café by paying an hourly cover charge at the door to spend time with the pets and they will receive a welcome drink free.
Sathiyamoorthy is assisted by co-owner husband Shehan Shamilka Buwanayake and staff members Harshani, Roshani and Naveen.
Buwanayake said they have huge plans in the future to introduce a wonderland for pets and that would be a first in Sri Lanka and a unique and novel concept everything will be available in one place.
