The idea of pet cafes first started in Taiwan and the concept flourished in Japan, where someone felt that there was a need for the working class to relax. It became widely popular and it wasn’t long before Singapore’s first pet cafe sprouted.
Over the years and much to our delight, we have seen several cat cafes (and even a museum) popping up around our sunny island – but what about their canine counterparts?
Located in a quiet corner on the top floor of Bugis+ is Singapore’s first dog petting cafe: We Are The Furballs (WTF)!
From Mondays to Thursdays, you’d have to pay an admission fee of $10.90 per entry (21 years and older) or $9.50 per entry (students below 21 years old). On weekends, public holidays and eve of public holidays, you’d be charged $12.50 for the first two hours and $2.50 for every subsequent 30 minutes.
Unfortunately, the cafe forbids children under 10 years old from entering the premises and all children under the age of 13 require adult supervision. I mean, we all have the doggies’ best interests at heart after all and wouldn’t want them to feel overwhelmed.
Visitors will have to listen to some house rules before being allowed to enter the canine haven.
The Playhouse
The playhouse offers several shelves for visitors to place their belongings. Its spacious and brightly lit interior, coupled with several wooden benches, provides visitors ample opportunities to comfortably interact with the 10 residential dogs.
It’s hard not to fall in love with each of these adorable canines and we couldn’t help but to try to get some time with each of them.
Here’s Yuki-Chan, the timid mini Pomeranian, posing for us.
And here we have Slinky, the long-haired Dachshund, gazing inquisitively with her signature “puss-in-boots” eyes.
At WTF, visitors can purchase doggie treats at $3 per packet. Every three packets of doggie treats purchased will entitle you to another free packet.
The dogs are extremely bright and are always on the look out for people purchasing doggie treats. So, if you make your way to the counter, expect to be surrounded by these furry creatures.
Bui Bui, the French Bulldog and leader of the pack, approached me when she realised I was giving out treats. While they like to move as a pack, I was advised not to throw the treats on the floor, lest they squabble over them.
If you’re ever in need of a day to de-stress, I can’t think of a better place to head to. I mean, how adorable is that?
At WTF, most dogs are trained to follow certain commands like “Sit” and “Paw” so feel free to instruct them to do so, but remember to reward them with the doggie treats!
Keep in mind that these cuties are free to do their business as and when they please, so don’t be alarmed if you spot something on the floor. Inform the attendants and they will come to clean and disinfect the mess.
Waffles, the Corgi, is the most energetic of the pack. Oh, and did I mention that she has the biggest appetite too?
The Cafe
If you get tired of playing with the dogs (Waffles will give you a run for your money), why not give others a chance while you chill at the cafe? The minimalist set-up, combined with rays of natural sunlight, is perfect for an afternoon tea or a board game.
While WTF cafe does not serve food, visitors are entitled to a free standard drink and can thereafter purchase anything else on the drinks menu.
Besides the beverages provided, you are also able to loan the board games (free of charge!) to play with your friends or with strangers. What could go wrong with an afternoon of dogs, board games and new friends?
I thoroughly enjoyed the moments when these cute little furballs dozed off on my lap.
Do take note that on weekends the crowd can be rather chaotic, and not everyone is able to get a chance to enter The Playhouse. We suggest making reservations to secure your slots.
So if you have a soft spot for these furry creatures, or are simply looking for a place to spend your day with a date, family or friends, why not head down to this dog cafe? Who knows, you might come out a happier person.
We Are The Furballs (WTF): #07-07 Bugis+, 201 Victoria Street, Singapore 188067 | Tel: +65 6509 1186 | Facebook
Opening Hours: 1pm – 10pm (Sun to Thurs), 12.30pm – 10.30pm (Fri, Sat, PH & Eve of PH)
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