Local Woman Hopes To Open America's 1st Dog Cafe

LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — America's first dog café could soon call the Southland home.

In an effort to ease overcrowding at local animal shelters, The Dog Café is trying to entice coffee lovers to adopt man's best friend.

"Our project will reinvent the way people view adopting dogs and will give dogs that seemed 'unadoptable,' a chance at their very own forever home," founder Sarah Wolfgang said.

The Dog Café launched an IndieGoGO campaign in December to help raise $200,000 for the business.

"Our goal is to find forever homes for at least 104 dogs within the first year," Wolfgang added.

The café plans to be the American-take on the popular Asian dog and cat cafés where patrons can enjoy food and drinks while playing with four-legged friends.

In October, the city's first Catfe opened as a four-day pop-shop in Chinatown. The café's owner also launched a Kickstarter campaign in hopes of raising funds for a permanent location.

Wolfgang plans to partner with Santa Monica's Grounds and Hounds Coffee Co. for their hot beverages.

The café will be split into two distinct portions, one for beverages and another for the canines in accordance with the Los Angeles Health Department.

The Dog Café's IndieGoGo campaign expires on Feb 5. As of Jan. 14, it has raised more than $5,600. To donate, click here.