New Zealand’s first planned adoptable dog cafe, The Barkery, is running a crowdfunding campaign for its launch. 

Located in the Christchurch Red Zone, the cafe offers a dog-friendly venue with open space and indoor and outdoor seating. 

“While dog welfare considerations mean we won’t have adoptable dogs on site every day, our friends at Dogwatch and Christchurch Bull Breed Rescue say they’ll visit as often as they can,” said cofounder Jack Penniket. “We’ll be showcasing current adoptable dogs with displays, digital signage and plenty of info about the adoption process.”

The Barkery is going to open next April if it is able to raise at least $50,000. The cafe will return a percentage of profit to its shelter partners, according to Penniket. 

The Barkery concept was created last year by Penniket with Ally Mullord in efforts to raise the rates of rescue dog adoption in the country, while adding a new hospitality venue to Christchurch’s regrowth. According to the company, only 12 per cent of pet dogs in New Zealand are adopted from rescues and shelters.  

“Crowdfunding The Barkery’s construction and launch is the next step in making our dream a reality, and continuing to provide a second chance for adoptable dogs across New Zealand,” said Jack Penniket, director. 

Before the campaign, The Barkery has run several ‘Pup-up’ events to test the possibility of the concept and received much positive feedback.