For many dog owners, their pets are considered family.
This idea that led local dog lovers, Tom and Danielle Lafe, to open an all-in-one coffee shop, bar and dog park in East Liberty earlier this month.
Hound Haus, located on Broad Street, had its grand opening on June 7, revealing over 10,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor space where both dogs and their owners can mingle.
“We wanted to create a place where we wanted to go,” Tom said.
Tom, who grew up in Highland Park, said he always felt like Pittsburgh had a need for more communal outdoor space — open to both people and four legged patrons.
The couple got the idea for a dog-friendly cafe and bar while living in New York and then moved to Pittsburgh in 2021 to pursue the business.
“Pittsburghers, I would say, embrace an entrepreneurial spirit,” Tom said.
There are two designated sections outdoors. The first is an on-leash section featuring picnic tables and lawn games. The second is an off-leash heated patio and dog park, which is divided into separate areas for small and big dogs, with a separate entrance for nervous small dog’s and their owners.
Dottie, the Lafes’ 2-year-old cavalier, acts as Hound Haus’ “unofficial mascot” and company greeter, giving each visitor a quick sniff hello. Inside the building there is a cafe that serves a variety of breakfast foods, sandwiches, salads, pastries and dog treats sourced from local vendors through Catapult Culinary, as well as a seating section with free Wi-Fi where dog owners can work.
Monitoring the pup’s play are “houndskeepers,” who look out for behavioral changes in the dogs that may indicate potential stress or aggression. Currently, Hound Haus has four individuals acting within this role. While on-duty, they are easy to spot in their neon colored safety sashes.
Waffles, a 3-year-old goldendoodle, and his owner Gabe Buxareo, of Wexford, have visited the park three times since its opening. Because he works from home, Buxareo and Waffles sometimes become isolated, he said.
“Dogs are social animals too,” Buxareo said. “This is an easy solution where I’ll come here and get a coffee and [Waffles] meets … new friends.”
Head of Dog Operations Barbara Moore has over 30 years of experience working with dogs. She says that while the cafe has only been open for a little over a week, she has noticed significant behavioral changes in some of the dogs who visit regularly.
Moore said Waffles has become much more social after visiting Hound Haus consistently. He now sniffs the other dog owners and barks less frequently.
Hound Haus requires all dogs be up-to-date on their vaccinations and spayed or neutered. Tom encourages people to register their dogs ahead of time through their website, but pup profiles can be created while on site.
“It lets us know that you’ve uploaded your immunization records for your dog. We know who they are. We know who their vet is. We know who to go to in case of an emergency,” he said.
Hound Haus offers a $350 annual membership or a $50 monthly membership. Day passes are available at $10 Tuesdays through Thursdays, and $15 Fridays through Sundays. The first 50 dogs signed up qualify as “founding members” and get perks such as T-shirts, additional guest passes and discounts.
Dino, a rough collie, is one of Hound Haus’ founding members. Dino’s owner, Brittney Senott of East Liberty, said it is nice for Dino to have a large grassy area to run around and play with other dogs. Senott said the price of a membership seems fair.
While Hound Haus is designed to be a space for dogs and their owners, patrons do not need to have a dog to stop in and grab a cup of coffee or a drink.
“It’s a true community of responsible dog owners,” Tom said.
