With the furry friends, how Mumbai is witnessing a surge in Pet-friendly cafes

As much as the lively and bar atmosphere of Versova’s WTF attracts people on a Saturday night, the patrons here are also swayed away by what is inside the indoor seating area – furry creatures. Before leaving, they make sure to pay a visit inside to bid a ‘bye’. Perhaps this is not only a sight at the WTF, but also in many eateries in the dream city now. 

In a quest to stand out in the clutter of the hospitality business, newly opened cafes and restaurants are keeping one thing in focus – the accommodating nature that defines the brands. As a result, the industry has been shaped very differently in its positioning and has taken steps not just to improve the goods and services, but also to be, for instance, queer—and has even been holding multiple events inside the premises to attract a crowd.

Another step in the same direction is the rise of pet-friendly cafes —an evident trend in Mumbai, which is only growing.  No doubt, old spaces like WTF have also been on the voyage if they have to swim in the same waters.  

The demand and the supply mechanism

Even while the Vishal Bhindora, the director of Zane's Cafe and Pet Spa, who has named the Lower Parel Café after his pet, Zane, opened this space after their personal experience of facing troubles in carrying pets outside, he believes that such a trend grew post-pandemic. “We have seen a significant surge in the pet parentship in Mumbai, particularly post-pandemic. This has fueled the growth of pet-friendly cafes. There's also a rising interest in pet wellness, including healthy food options and grooming services,” he says, adding that parents are seeking places that offer amenities. 

As much as Zane has thorough cleaning schedules throughout the day and after hours to ensure cleanliness, they also have a "lose the leash" policy that is managed within a controlled environment, ensuring all pets can play safely. “We've got tablets that we give to all the pet parents who've got a pet being groomed at our spa, so they can watch a livestream of the grooming, just for their peace of mind!” Mr. Bhindora states.

Additionally, pets in Zane are not just offered fresh water bowls; there is a dedicated pets menu with nutritious, homemade treats and meals. “Parents can choose between a slow-feeder bowl and a regular bowl based on their pet's eating habits. We also have our pet grooming spa upstairs,” Mr. Bhindora adds. 

Even Andheri-based Kona Kona has a small but pet-friendly menu available in their outdoor area. Mona Singh, the actor and the owner of the place, opines, “Pet parenting has become more thoughtful, and people are seeking out places to spend quality time with their pets. As a result, cafes are adapting — but the key is doing it with intention and care, not just as a trend.”

For Journal, a café in a quaint location of Santacruz, the pets get the food as their parents do, as the café keeps a small stock for them. “Whether it is chicken or another source of protein, we can offer something when pet parents ask,” says Ateet Singh, the co-founder of Journal. 

Talking about how Mumbai‘s hospitality sector is changing for and with the inclusion of pets, Rahul Bajaj, the director of Khar-based Café Out of The Blue says, “We’re seeing a shift from simply being 'pet-allowed' to being pet-conscious — meaning spaces are starting to think of pet comfort, engagement, and even mental stimulation.” Adding, he says, “There’s a growing movement in Mumbai toward more inclusive, lifestyle-integrated pet ownership. Pets are no longer confined to homes — they’re part of brunches, staycations, and even birthday celebrations.”

However, not all industry holders view the trend as a “trend”. Chef Sarita Pereira from the Bandra-based The Lovefools shows surprise when she says, “I am always shocked when people ask me, ‘Are children allowed?' It’s shocking that they even have to ask for our permission. People are also very shocked when a fine dining restaurant allows pets.” 

When this chef designed this place, a bungalow set-up that offers enough room for both pet parents and other guests, he gave the brief to interior designer Richa Bahl that it should “feel like home.” “Who would not allow pets at home?” he says.

Growing beyond products and services

The businesses with this feature, however, are not solely dependent on products and services for pets, but also host events to keep their patrons engaged. Over the years, Café Out of the Blue has also hosted events like Paint With Puppies, where the “rescued dogs wandered around while guests painted”. “A few pups even found forever homes that day. We’re now planning more pet-focused pop-ups,” says the founder. 

Why is a demarcation still important?

As much as the trend has already gained prominence, cafes are making sure to demarcate areas for pets to avoid any potential conflicts with non-pet parents. All the places mentioned above have either a strict policy regarding designated spaces for pets and their guests, except for the Zane café. 

“There are some guests who feel anxious about having pets around them. Since the indoor section includes an open kitchen, allowing pets there wouldn’t be the most practical or hygienic option. This setup allows us to cater to both kinds of people comfortably,” Ateet Singh from Journal says.