KOTA KINABALU, Aug 4 ― Dog lovers in the city now have a place ― in fact, two places ― to hang out with their furkids.

Situated within three kilometres of each other, the two cafés are giving dog owners a place to go and meet others just like them.

"We noticed dog grooming centres and accessory shops sprouting up in every neighbourhood and new commercial centres but there were no dog-friendly cafés around,” said Daniel Lee, one of the owners of Puppucino.

"There aren’t really many places you can even take your dog for a walk or to hang out. Even public parks are off limits to dogs,” said Daniel.

The cafés are a big hit with residents in the area; they enjoy a steady stream of visitors, particularly on weekends when families bring their furkids to enjoy a day out with friends.

If you are a dog lover but don’t have a furkid of your own, there are even resident dogs you can cuddle for free at these premises.

Dog owners in Sabah relish the opportunity to bring their dogs somewhere where they are not just tolerated, but welcomed.

Furball Heaven

The name of the place perfectly describes this café at its busiest; fluffy pooches running around, occasionally jumping for attention, yapping and peering at you with big brown eyes.

The café is a labour of love by three young entrepreneurs ― Reynard Shak, 25, his sister Valerie, 22 and her boyfriend Norman Chung, 21.

The idea for the café was born after a recent trip to Japan and visiting dog cafés there. They came back with the idea and soon bought their very first dog, a Shih Tzu mix.

But first… they had to convince their mother. Things only started when she gave the go-ahead.

Furball Heaven has four in-house dogs: Siao Ai, their furry Shih Tzu; Peanut, a toy poodle; Butter, their Golden Retriever and Logan, a husky.

"Here, we welcome all dogs. Size doesn’t matter as long they are not aggressive. Friendly dogs are most welcome,” said Reynard, but added that their one condition is that dog owners ensure their dogs are vaccinated.

They said that their desire to open the café began when they realised there must be many people like them who want to have their own dogs but are unable to because of various reasons.

"When I finally got my own dog, I thought I could share it with other people. Some people just love dogs but can’t have their own. Others just want to cuddle while some want their dogs to socialise with others,” said Valerie.

The Shak and Chung family got involved to help the children make their business a success.

Furball Heaven serves up refreshments like cheesecakes and waffles as well as cupcakes for your pet.

Furball Heaven is decidedly minimalist ― there are basic tables and chairs, cement floors for easy clean-up, the food preparation counter, plus an additional room for when the dogs need a "time-out.”

"We wanted the dogs to be able to roam freely and play with other dogs, but yet be hassle free for dog owners when it comes to cleaning up after the dogs.

"Anyone can bring their dog, but they have to clean the place up if their dogs dirty it ― we have brooms and mops and plastic bags provided, as well as water and food bowls,” Valerie said.

The café provides refreshments like coffee, tea and milkshakes along with snacks like cheesecakes and waffles.

"It is primarily a place for owners to hang out with their dogs so we kept the menu simple ― at least for now,” she said, adding that they also have carrot cupcakes made specially for dogs.

They were the first dog café to open and the response has been overwhelming.

"We didn’t expect a huge crowd because we didn’t do a lot of marketing other than announce it on Facebook.

"We were taken aback by the crowd that came ― it was full house the first weekend and we ran out of literally everything. We didn’t realise what a big demand there was,” said Reynard.

The café has also received requests for events and held their first dog birthday party recently.

"We will look to build our own community here and have events for the dog owners,” they said.

About their competitor just down the road, Valerie is optimistic that there is more than enough demand for both to survive and perhaps even room for more dog cafés in town.

Furball Heaven

Lot 7-0, Ground Floor, Lido Plaza, Kobusak, Penampang Kota Kinabalu

Operation hours: 11am to 11pm daily except Wednesdays.

Tel: 016-813 6188

The mural of Tedy the corgi is a stand-out decor at Puppucino Café.

Puppuccino is the brainchild of three high school friends from Sandakan ― used car salesman Daniel, shipping company manager Leong Man Chun, and banker Lee Kok Sang, all 28.

Looking for an opportunity to go into business together, they realised there were many dog lovers and owners in the city.

Taking up two lots on the first floor of the new commercial centre, diners can choose to hang out in the enclosed dog playground, alfresco or in their bar area which is off limits to dogs.

Done up in industrial vintage style with exposed varnished brick walls, a mix of cement and laminated wood flooring and copious amounts of eclectic dog paraphernalia, the café has a polished stylised décor that attracts even those who have no pets.

Owners of Puppucino (from left): Used car salesman Daniel Lee, shipping company manager Leong Man Chun, and banker Lee Kok Sang, all 28.

The most outstanding feature of the café’s décor is the giant mural of its adorable mascot, Tedy, a male Welsh corgi belonging to Daniel.

Usually dressed up in a bandanna or a bib, Tedy is undoubtedly a pull factor, lapping up the attention and affection of customers.

The three friends started the business with support from their family and Puppuccino is a fully functioning café offering a comprehensive selection of Western appetisers, pastas, main courses, desserts and even brunch.

The café’s signature items are its linguine carbonara, a slow roasted lamb shank as well as its signature brunch of waffles with sausage, hash browns, eggs and baked beans.

Acknowledging that some may be sensitive to eating where dogs are playing, Man Chun explains that diners can choose to dine in their bar area which is off limits to dogs.

"They can also choose to sit outdoors and enjoy their meal while leaving their dog under the care of our dog sitter in the pen, which is still visible wherever you are in the cafe,” he said.

Puppucino’s owners surveyed several pet cafes in Kuala Lumpur after first seeing them in Japan and came up with their own house rules which include mandatory proof of their furkid’s latest vaccination.

"We require that they fulfill the annual basic vaccination and that it not be expired. This is to ensure the safety of their dogs, and others.

"We also currently only allow small- to medium-sized dogs which are easier to control,” said Daniel, explaining that they had to accommodate their staff, who were not confident of handling bigger dogs.

To maintain safety of dogs and patrons, Puppucino requires that all dogs be vaccinated yearly and proof of the vaccination must be presented to the café.

"As much as we want to be able to accommodate everyone, intimidating breeds like Rottweilers, Dobermans, German shepherds can scare small children and in a worst case scenario, our staff would not be able to carry them away,” he said.

The café usually sees poodles, Shih Tzus, Schnauzers, and Pomeranians, generally small breed dogs.

In the offing are more menu offerings for dogs, consisting of imported specialised dog food as well as merchandising to build their brand.

"We definitely have a lot we want to introduce to the dog community,” said Man Chun.

Visit Puppucino Café at

First floor, Lot 15 & 16, , Blok B, Plaza 333, Kobusak Commercial Centre,

Penampang, Kota Kinabalu

Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 11pm

Tel: 088-738 161

The décor at Puppucino obviously includes plenty of dog figurines.