PawPawPet opens dog cafe on Saipan

PawPawPet has expanded its pet services on Saipan with the opening of PawPaw Dog Cafe, giving dog owners a place to spend time with their pets while treating them to freshly made meals, specialty drinks, and even birthday cakes.

Owner Crystal Li said the dog cafe opened last Aug. 8 as the latest addition to PawPawPet, which already offers pet grooming, supplies and boarding services.

Li said the idea grew from her lifelong love of animals and what she saw as limited pet-related services and facilities after moving to Saipan.

“I just like need to put like a little more time, a little more work, and a little more effort into this industry and I can help improve the like the life quality of the animals here,” she said.

Li, who has a background in finance and venture capital, said the business allows her to combine her entrepreneurial experience with her passion for animals.

PawPawPet currently provides grooming, pet supplies and boarding in addition to the new cafe. Li said its boarding service handles about 10 to 15 dogs each month, with homestyle boarding and a separate dog hotel available depending on a pet's needs and temperament.

At the cafe, meals and treats for dogs are freshly made daily using natural ingredients without artificial additives or preservatives. Li said some ingredients, including vitamins, fish oil and goat milk, come from brands in the United States and New Zealand.

Owners who order a meal for their dog also receive a complimentary drink. People without dogs are welcome as well and can receive a complimentary drink with a qualifying purchase from the store.

Li said the cafe welcomed nearly 30 animals during its first week, including a dog whose birthday was celebrated there.

Dog meal combos start at $10, while premium offerings run about $45. Custom dog cakes are also available, with prices depending on size.

One of the early favorites has been dog sushi. Instead of rice, the sushi uses chicken as its base and is topped with seafood such as salmon and shrimp and unsalted nori.

Li said she decided to expand despite Saipan's struggling economy and the recent super typhoons because she believes pet owners want more than basic services for their animals.

“They want to spend more quality time together,” Li said. “So I want to make it happen.”

She said her own experience trying to plan special occasions for her dogs showed her there was demand for a place where owners could celebrate with their pets.

“I'm doing this business not just for money,” Li said. “It's my passion.”

The expansion comes after PawPawPet itself suffered extensive damage from Super Typhoon Sinlaku. Li said the former location was flooded after its door and window were damaged during the storm. She estimated about 80% of its merchandise was damaged, along with grooming equipment, forcing the business to close for about a month before reopening nearby.

PawPaw Dog Cafe is open from 10am to 6pm every day except Tuesday. It is located along Pale Arnold Road in Chalan Laulau, positioned directly next to the Quick Steam Car Wash.

Dogs must remain on a leash outside the cafe's designated playpen, while owners who want their dogs to socialize can allow them off leash inside the playpen.

Walk-ins are welcome, although customers planning birthday parties, custom cakes, or other special orders should make arrangements in advance. PawPaw can be reached at (670) 484-0520 or through its Facebook and Instagram pages.

Li thanked PawPawPet's longtime customers for continuing to support the business.

“They're not just customers to me. They're already like really old friends to me,” she said.