By Satyaki Dutta
Pet cafes are a unique concept, as it puts two things together- foods and the cute cuddly pets in the same complex. The idea is quite common in the metropolises abroad, but it was much required in Kolkata too, the city which is growing up as the pet capital now.
Two entrepreneurs and brothers from the city, Varun and Saket Agarwal planned to cater to this need. As kids, they were not allowed to have pets in their home, so they dreamt of a place where they can go and play with the pets. The result is Wood House – The Pet Cafe, a place where anybody can come and spend time with the pets, enjoy good food as well.
You might love pets, but you might not be allowed to keep them, also hardly have places to take them out in the city. Started in April, 2018, Wood House has become very popular by now.
While asking about their primary marketing and promotional strategies Saket Agarwal stated, “In a theme cafe like us, it is very important to maintain. Our strategy involves not only good food but good services and time with pets. From children to adults, anyone who loves pets can come and spend time with them here. That is how we target our customers -people who love pet.” However, Wood House welcomes the customers who are scared of pets too. There is a pet-free zone separately designed for them.
The information about the place spreads from word of mouth to the satisfied customers who enjoy birthday and kitty parties there. Social media and Zomato play an important role. “Few pet cafes are in Kolkata now. However, we have a monopoly as we are a pet cafe with dogs, birds, cats and a great aquarium – coupled with the bar. We have an advantage of having everything under one brand,” added Saket.
The design and seating arrangements are meticulously planned to make this place an apt cafe. There are small clamps and hooks on the floor at the foot of the table, so the pets can be leashed there easily. There are brushed in the washroom to remove hair from the pets. None of the pets roam around, as they stay in their specific zones.
Varun stated, “When a group of ten people come in, one of them might be uncomfortable with pets. He will not have any trouble as he can sit here in the common zone, while those who are interested can enter the specific area.”
Varun said, “We have some regular customers, where father are not fond of pets but the children love them. They sit in the pet-free zone and kids go in. Pet birthday party brings lots of people too. We book the private section upstairs depending on the number of people.”
Wood House has corporate customer base too. Business parties and meetings often take place.
The pet owners just need to carry the updated vaccination card, there is no need to take permission in advance while entering. All kinds of pet food menu are available – readymade pedigree from the market, any rice item or any home like non-vegetarian or vegetarian item.
When asked to share the most unique experiences with the pets Saket mentioned, “Every day is unique as many pets come in. We had guests with dogs, cats, birds and even a rabbit. Among all the most unique experience is when a guest came in with an Iguana. It is quite uncommon – a reptile for a pet. The guest came in with this huge Iguana who was sitting on his shoulder, very well-trained and well-mannered.”
Wood House has trained personnel, available 24X7, who takes care of the dogs, cats, birds, their hygiene, cleanliness, foods and all. Doctors come in for regular check-up every 15 days and vaccination is updated.
The cuisine is majorly Italian along with one Indian platter along with mocktails and desserts. For the pets, there are pet friendly ice-creams.
Varun said, “People have birthday parties for their pet dogs here along with their friends and their pets. So we have lots of dogs on those days.”
Pet café also has few challenges. The birds’ zone has a different temperature inside, which needs constant monitoring. Besides the hygiene and the safety of the animals, they need to make sure the children enjoy also.
Regarding expansion plans, the duo concluded, “Ours is a 50-seater restaurant. Lots of big party bookings come in. Hence, we do plan for a bigger place, but not lately.”
Do plan an outing to this place, this winter. Enjoy with the dogs – Snoopy and Oreo, cuddle the kitties- Simba and Sasha. Spend some time with the birds or the aquarium and enjoy the good food- it will be a great way to kick-start Year 2020.