Exam stress is upon us! While I’m sure everyone is slaving away in front of their laptops with seemingly no end in sight, spending some time with man’s best friend might just be the cure you need to get through the rest of the semester.
As an avid animal lover (whose parents unfortunately did not allow pets in the house growing up), I am always on the hunt for pet cafes to fill my weekends. When I found out that "Snow Pawttage" was the new kid on the block, I cleared my schedule.
"Snow Pawttage" is a pet café dedicated to the Samoyed dog breed - the first of its kind in Singapore. Affectionately known as "Sammies", they are large but elegant. Even their most endearing trait—a never-ending smile—has a useful purpose: "Sammies" are kept from drooling by the raised corners of their lips which keeps icicles from growing on their faces in the cold; how cute is that!
The café is hard to miss – although tucked away on a row of shophouses along Joo Chiat Road, the large pictures of 2 Samoyeds with their signature smile is a sight you cannot miss.
As I stepped through the door of the cafe, the musky scent of dogs is the first thing that greeted me along with a cozy and minimalistic receptionist area. When I went down on a Saturday, the small café was packed with eager patrons waiting for their turn to interact with these furry creatures. Unfortunately, you would have to try your luck if you decide to do an impromptu visit on the weekends – slots are limited, and great minds think alike, so they are usually booked out on the weekends!
Sad to say, I was not aware of how popular they are, so I did not make an appointment, and was sorely disappointed when I was told by the owner that all slots were booked out for the day!
Luckily, I was able to make a booking for the next day. Weekend sessions with these cuddly dogs cost $38 per person, while weekday sessions cost $35 per person. Treats for the dogs were $10 per packet.
The takeaway from this: learn from my mistake and make a reservation by direct messaging their Instagram account @snowpawttage! And here is a special tip: For those seeking a quieter and one-to-one experience with these cute pups, weekdays are the way to go!
Tails of Joy!
The next day, I was filled with excitement as I made my way down to meet the fluffy and adorable furry friends! The owner, manning the register herself, greeted me with a smile and swiftly guided me through the registration process. We were told to remove our shoes and slip into a pair of provided slippers – a thoughtful touch to ensure cleanliness and comfort – and went over some house rules.
Respect for both humans and dogs was emphasized, setting the tone for a harmonious and enjoyable experience for all. Flash photography and outside food are strictly prohibited.
Then, we were given a packet of wet tissues and treats for the dogs before being ushered into the play area.
When we entered the play area, we were told to scatter throughout the room before the trainer made his grand entrance, accompanied by a lively ensemble of Samoyeds. Each dog had its own distinct personality, adding to the charm and allure of the café.
And if you are an avid Kpop listener or binge-watch Kdramas during recess week (I’m sure we are all guilty of that sometimes – just to destress, of course), their names might sound a little familiar. Among the stars of the show were Rose, Jisoo, and Lisa – three spirited female siblings at just eight months old, and yes, they were named after the members of Kpop girl group BLACKPINK (all the more reason for BLINKS to visit!).
Their boundless energy and playful antics brought laughter and joy to everyone in the room. The other 3 of the pack are affectionately named Yeobo, Sajangnim and Daebak (Korean for ‘honey’, ‘president’ and ‘awesome’ respectively). Mia, the adult of the pack at 3.5 years old, exuded a calm and gentle demeanour.
Weighing in at a substantial 17-18 kilograms each, these majestic creatures were a sight to behold. Their fluffy coats begged to be petted and their expressive eyes sparkled with mischief and curiosity.
The highlight of the visit was the impressive array of tricks on display. They had a slew of tricks up their paws such as “shy” (where they place their paws to partially cover their face) and “paw” (where they place their paw on the palm of your hand).
The last in their basket of tricks is “selfie!” where they were taught to climb on your shoulder for a selfie! These talented canines captivated the audience with their agility and intelligence.
And of course, no visit to a dog café would be complete without plenty of photo opportunities. With every click of the camera, memories were captured – moments of pure joy and companionship frozen in time.
Now, let's talk treats. The dogs are offered a selection of beef or chicken, specially formulated to be lower in protein to suit the Samoyeds' dietary needs. There were even some cute treats in the shape of macaroons that elicited enthusiastic tail wags and eager sniffs.
A word of advice: steer clear of wearing white unless you're prepared to leave with a stylish new pattern of drool stains. And if you're wary of scratches, opt for long sleeves – these playful pups can get a bit exuberant during playtime.
Lastly, there was a photo-taking segment towards the end of the session for us to get as many pictures as possible for the ‘gram. The beautifully curated photo-op spot provided a nice backdrop, and all the Samoyeds tried their very best to sit still while we snapped away, proving that they were the goodest dogs ever!
So if you ever find yourself in need of a dose of fluffy happiness, look no further than Snow Pawttage!
Address: 290D Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427542
Opening Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 11am-3.30pm. Saturday and Sundays: 11am – 5pm (Closed on Wednesday)
Instagram: @snowpawttage