There’s a scientific reason you melt every time you see a puppy. Our bodies are biologically engineered to feel the need to squeeze them close to our chests. When we see their adorable little faces, our evolutionary instinct to protect kicks in and our brains release oxytocin, the hormone known as “the love drug”; the very mechanisms that have kept the human race alive are also responsible for the overwhelming love we feel for our furry friends.
Several studies have found that pets are stress-busters. They hugely benefit our mental health, offering us social support and bouts of happiness every time they wag their tails or cuddle up on our laps. Becoming a pet parent, however, is a huge responsibility that no one should take lightly. Like a (human) child, our animals need constant love, attention, and a level of care that some of us are simply too busy or circumstantially unavailable to give at this time.
If that’s the case for you, don’t worry, you don’t have to be deprived of the puppy (and kitty!) love you’ve been yearning for any longer. Here’s a list of places across India where animal lovers can destress with some furry companions, even if you don’t have a pet of your own!
The world’s first dog cafe, located in Andheri, is a haven for dogs and humans alike. Customers walk into a room full of dogs of all breeds ready for an afternoon of pets and play. Their large menu is sure to have something you like, spanning cuisines from across the world. Equipped with a doggy spa, pool, pet clinic, and shop, Cafe Pefe is also a great spot for dog owners looking to spoil their best friends.
Follow Cafe Pefe here.
For just Rs. 200 per person, Willie’s Pet Paradise promises you an afternoon of fun and great coffee to boot. Their dog cafe offers outdoor seating, where you can run around, play, or just sit and cuddle their pups to your heart’s delight. They also offer grooming and boarding services, leaving your pet in good hands whenever you have to step out of town.
Find Willie’s Pet Paradise here.
Are you a dog person or a cat person? If you’re like me and can’t choose, The Pet Cafe in Hyderabad is the perfect stop for you. Though this cafe is nicely laid out with tables and chairs, we’re willing to bet you’ll end up on the floor in a pile of furry friends ten minutes into your visit. Their space is also open to customers’ pets and their menu offers special animal treats, making it the perfect excursion for you and your furry bestie.
Follow The Pet Cafe here.
Throttle Shottle sets itself apart from others on this list because it is primarily a space for motorheads from across the country to come together in their shared love for bikes. That being said their locations across the country are all pet-friendly and equipped with special menu items for your companion on the road. At their location on Gurgaon-Faridabad road, you’ll find Peddler and Sparco, their resident dogs who are sure to get along with you and your pets.
Follow Throttle Shottle here.
Cat lovers, don’t worry, we didn’t forget about you! The Cat Café Studio in Andheri is the purr-fect (sorry, couldn’t help myself) place for you to get your fix of kitty cuddles. Every cat at the cafe is up for adoption, so if you fall head over heels for one of their cats, you always have the option to take them home for years of destressing cuteness by your side.
Follow Cate Café Studio here.
If you enjoyed reading this, here’s more from Homegrown:
Bhavya Ramesh Collabs With The 'Big Dawgs' Team For Her Latest Indo-Futurist Collection
Hortus 2024 Is A Homegrown Festival Celebrating The Literary Arts & The Zeitgeist
Indian Memes To Bollywood Dreams: 8 Distinctly Homegrown Halloween Costume Ideas