Hyderabad is increasingly becoming more pet friendly. While a number of outlets have opened their doors to pets in the last few months, now comes an exclusive café for our four-legged friends. Called ‘The Pet Café’, it is located in a plush area of Banjara Hills and dedicated to pets while being friendly to humans.

Elaborating on how the whole concept of a café solely for pets fell into place, one of its founders, 23-year-old Deven Baheti says, “I have always loved animals. When I was pursuing my graduation in Aeronautical Engineering, my cousin Shruti Bharat and I started a rescue centre for animals. After we finished studying, we got into our regular jobs but we continued with our rescue centre. However, we soon realised that we couldn’t balance both and thought it would be better to give our entire time to our passion.”

He adds, “Our parents were super supportive and didn’t oppose the idea of quitting our jobs to follow our passion. At the same time, we wanted to continue our cause of saving animals. That’s how The Pet Café was born.”

The duo did their research and planning for two months before opening the first pet café in Hyderabad. “We researched locations and what sort of interiors would be suitable for our four-legged guests. We wanted a homely decor, where the pets can feel at home. It is very important for them to feel at ease,” he says. Not only does the café have a comfortable setting, the food is also custom-made according to their needs. “The menu is full of awesome super foods packed with nutrition and also has ice cream and cupcakes made especially for them,” he says.

While there is so much for our furry friends, Deven and Shruti have something for their human friends too! There are different types of board games and books to keep the humans engaged. “Our main focus is not only to create a special place for pets, but for their owners too — a complete family package. Even the pricing is very pocket friendly — our focus is on the college going crowd. Guests can get their pets to the café and relax while the pets can have their me time with us,” says Deven.

As for their future plans, Deven says, “We are also starting a day care centre for pets where owners can leave them with us and we will take care of them — right from taking them out for a walk, feeding them and giving them exercise. What is even more special to us is that all the proceeds from the café will go towards our animal shelter.”