As of 4 September 2025, Brussels will have its very first dog café. Dogood, located in the Ixelles neighbourhood, is set up to become a much-loved destination for dog owners and everyone who doesn’t mind some four-legged companionship during their meal.
Just weeks after the opening of the Woof dog café in Waterloo, Belgium, it will be welcoming a second hotspot for dog lovers. France Marlier, Garance van der Dussen, and Niccolo Ferro will be transforming their passion for dogs into a very tangible hotspot called Dogood. The three owners, respectively an occupational therapist trained in canine behaviour, an osteopath and canine physiotherapist, and a chef with 20 years of experience, have done their research in order to become Brussels’ newest trending cafe.
Dog cafes across the globe have adopted all kinds of approaches. Some are catered specifically for dogs and their owners, while others invite everyone to come without their four-legged companion, functioning as a showcase for animal shelters. Dogood, however, will combine both. For the majority of the time, it will be the place to bring your dog and enjoy a very cute coffee or bite. Yet once a month, the cafe will team up with the organisation Sans Collier to present one shelter dog, who will hopefully find a better home afterwards. On that day, other dogs aren’t allowed into the cafe in order not to stress out the animal.
Dog-friendly menu, location, and personnel
As far as the menu is concerned, Dogood will focus both on dogs and their owners. Humans can enjoy all kinds of delicacies prepared by Niccolo Fero, while a large offer of animal treats will be available on-site, preventing four-legged friends from going hungry. Moreover, all food served at Dogood will be non-toxic to dogs. The owners’ own dogs, Yuna and Isidore, have already approved the offer.
The space, while rather small, has been designed specifically to welcome all dogs as well as possible.
“When you walk through the door, there is a barrier, which creates an airlock that allows people who just want to grab a coffee to go to place their order and leave without entering the dining area. But this airlock also allows you to assess how many dogs are inside. There is a small disclaimer on the door that says that dogs are kings here, but their humans are still responsible for them. We also count on people interacting with each other… The place isn’t huge, so it’s quite possible for everyone to see each other and talk to each other to make sure everything goes well for everyone. The idea is that once inside, dogs should not be kept on a leash”, Garance van der Dussen told the Belgian newspaper Le Soir.
While dog owners remain responsible for their pet when inside, all personnel have been trained in the hospitality industry and in canine communication to make sure everything goes as smoothly as possible. Dogood will also employ workers with disabilities, thus allowing for a more inclusive work environment.
