Coffee and canines: Prague opens first dog café with certified therapy dogs

The Czech Republic's first dog café is now open in Prague, where visitors can enjoy specialty coffee while interacting with a rotating group of certified therapy dogs. Yorkmut Café, founded by Markéta Blahová and Anna Dvořáková, allows patrons to relax, socialize, or simply spend time with the animals in a carefully managed environment.

The café combines the comfort of a traditional coffeehouse with a growing urban interest in animal-assisted therapy. Studies suggest that brief interactions with dogs can reduce stress and lower blood pressure, offering mental health benefits for city residents navigating busy work and social schedules.

Located on Londýnská Street in Vinohrady, Yorkmut Café hosts up to 13 dogs at a time, with each animal on-site for no more than two to three consecutive days to prevent fatigue.

Dogs are provided by certified breeders and therapy organizations, including the Českomoravská kynologická unie, ensuring that animals are well-trained and healthy. A dedicated staff member, called a “dog assistant,” introduces the dogs to visitors, explains rules, and monitors interactions.

"It was always our dream to open a café together, and during our time together, it crystallized into a dog café. We looked for space for over a year and now we are here," Blahová told Novinky.cz.

Guests are not allowed to bring their own pets, allowing the therapy dogs exclusive access to the space. Visitors report that the dogs frequently approach patrons and sit on laps, creating a calming environment.

Weekends are especially busy, and advance online reservations are recommended. The café also publishes updates on social media outlining which dog breeds will be present each week.

“Canine interaction has proven therapeutic benefits,” said Beáta Veverková, a breeder participating in the café. “This setting allows dogs and humans to enjoy safe, structured socialization that supports both their well-being.”

Admission is CZK 200 per person, covering a portion of the dogs’ care and staff salaries. The café operates daily, with a midday break for dog rest and exercise. For visitors navigating Prague’s transport and urban layout, the café is centrally located, making it accessible by public transport.

Following the popular trend of cat cafés, dog cafés are part of a broader global trend of animal-assisted wellness in urban areas, which began in Asia and spread to Europe over the last decade.

Prague’s new café represents the first instance in the city of this model applied to dogs, reflecting rising interest in mental health and leisure experiences that combine social and animal interaction.

Patrons can book a table at in advance via social media or the café’s website. Owners say the café may expand to host yoga sessions or other wellness activities with dogs, further integrating pet-assisted therapy into urban lifestyle offerings.