A new nonprofit called MeowWOOF Animal Collective & Café is preparing to open at 2905 E. Simcoe Street, right next to McMillan’s Pub.
The project aims to create a unique community space where people can enjoy coffee or tea while spending time with adoptable cats and dogs within thoughtfully separated environments designed for each species.
The idea for MeowWOOF grew from years of private fostering. “We envisioned a space where orphaned cats and dogs could have a safe, relaxing environment to heal while getting socialization and love from people who might adopt them,” said Amy, co-owner. “Our why is to keep these sweet babies from being sent to a scary shelter where they often decline rapidly.”
MeowWOOF logo
The facility is being built using a mix of shipping containers—two 40-foot and one 20-foot container already donated—with a goal of adding at least three more 20-foot containers to complete the design. Each section of the building will serve a different purpose.
Inside, the cat café will serve coffee and tea while offering a cozy lounge space where adoptable cats can freely roam and interact with guests. Across the property, a separate dog patio will provide an outdoor-style experience where visitors can relax with adoptable dogs or bring their own pet to hang out. The dog area will also connect to fenced relief runs and grassy spaces for play.
The project includes additional features such as:
• A small holistic boutique with animal supplements and pet-friendly retail items
• Two self-wash dog grooming stations open to the public for a small fee
• Space for rotating food trucks to park and serve visitors
• Community rooms designed for workshops, adoption events, and support groups
Rendering image created using ai and is intended for conceptual purposes only
Guests will also be able to bring their own pets and enjoy libations from McMillan’s Pub next door, thanks to a partnership with the longtime neighborhood business.
MeowWOOF is organized as a nonprofit, with a mission to help rescue groups by focusing on pets displaced after the loss of their owners. “We get frequent calls from rescues that pull these cases and need fosters ASAP,” Amy said. “Our hope is to offset the take-in numbers for rescue organizations, allowing them to focus on strays and animals in medical crisis.”
Construction is expected to begin in October, depending on fundraising and site preparation. If timelines hold, Meow WOOF could open before the end of the year.
For more information and to make donations, visit their website at https://meowwoofcafe.org/ . You can also follow MeowWOOF on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/share/19pzyyL2t6/?mibextid=wwXIfr and on IG at https://www.instagram.com/meowwoofcafe?igsh=ampsenJ4a2hhdzdt.
