Starbucks opens its first pet-friendly cafés in China

Starbarks... anyone?

It's the Year of the Dog, so it kind of makes sense: Starbucks has opened two pet-friendly locations in China – one in Guangzhou and the other in Chengdu – and you can even order a 'paw-sized' Puppuccino for your dog.

After unveiling the world's biggest Starbucks in Shanghai late last year (at 30,000 sq ft, the Shanghai roastery is roughly half the size of a football pitch), the international coffee behemoth is thriving in the Chinese market, with the Shanghai outlet alone making twice as much in one day as the average US store does in a week. But back to the pets...

@igbulldogs_wordwide via Instagram.

According to China Money Index, amongst other sources, these stores have been launched to compete with more niche local coffee and bubble tea brands, and there are plans to open more over the course of the year.

Each store will reportedly include designated play areas, seating and even a secret special menus for pets. We imagine the animals they'll expect you to bring are cats and dogs – more exotic animals might be frowned upon – although we're all for some sort of Noah's Ark scenario.

Should the pet-friendly Starbucks prove to be successful in China, fingers crossed they'll be opening one in Beijing soon. And if pet-themed Starbucks capture the public's imagination, the themed stores just might keep on coming: Halloween-themed Starbucks Ghoastery; sci-fi-themed Battle Starbucks Galactica; royal family-themed Starbuckingham palace locations? The possibilities are endless...

@tiff_g69 via Instagram.

Prefer to get your cup of joe from local coffeehouses? Hit 'Read more' for our picks of the top ten cafés in Beijing.

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