Nestled in the heart of the University of Victoria’s Multifaith Centre, the Pet Cafe is more than just a place to unwind – it’s a weekly tradition that brings students together for an hour and a half of comfort, companionship, and community.
The Pet Cafe is a drop-in event featuring therapy dogs from Pacific Animal Therapy Services (PATS). Students are invited to stop by, enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, have a snack, and, most importantly, spend time with the visiting dogs.
Rebecca Yeo, the Anglican Spiritual Care Provider at UVic’s Multifaith Centre, describes the event as a space designed to support students’ mental health.
“It’s just about helping students look after themselves,” she says. “A lot of students tell me how much they look forward to coming here, how much it relaxes them and destresses them.”
At a time of year when exams and deadlines loom large, the Pet Cafe offers a much-needed respite. But beyond individual well-being, Yeo has observed the formation of a small yet strong community.
“For this hour and a half, a little community springs up,” Yeo explains. “This is a time and place where we really need each other, and spaces like this give me a lot of hope.”
The program, which has been running for about seven years, sees a mix of regulars and newcomers each week. Some students have been attending for years, while others stumble upon the event late in the semester.
Regardless of how often they attend, the impact remains the same: a moment of peace amidst the pressures of university life.
Carmen B., a student who frequently attends the event, highlights the personal significance of the Pet Cafe.
“I really miss my dogs back home, and this makes me feel connected to them in a small sense,” she says. “I always leave these meetups feeling like a weight has been lifted from my shoulders.”
The therapy dogs themselves rotate on a weekly basis, with a core group of around 10 to 12 dogs making regular appearances.
Through wagging tails and warm cups of tea, the Pet Cafe at UVic has become a cherished part of campus life, offering a weekly moment of joy and connection in an often-hectic academic environment.
