What it’s really like to visit Edinburgh Chihuahua Cafe

This is certainly something I never thought I’d do, but I did it. I went to Edinburgh Chihuahua Cafe and yes, I had a pretty good time. This may very well be one of the strangest travel experiences I’ve had, and I’ve been to some weird places. Like this cave full of penises in Thailand.

So what’s it really like to visit Edinburgh Chihuahua Cafe? Great question. 

Settling in at Edinburgh Chihuahua Cafe

First, you need to make a reservation in advance and arrive on time. Space is limited and seems to fill up quickly. Once you arrive, you wait in line outside until the ladies are ready to call you in. They assign you to certain seats and you are not expected to get up for the full time you’re there. Of course, if you need to go to the bathroom, that’s ok. You just need to inform one of the ladies first so she can make sure the chihuahuas don’t get scared. 

In the beginning, the ladies collect your items like handbags and coats in a basket and put them aside. Next, they explain the rules and give you some blankets to drape over your laps for the chihuahuas. Soon after that, they begin to introduce the chihuahuas one by one, as they come out of the backroom. 

The chihuahua entrance

The chihuahuas select who they want to sit with on their own, and if they all gravitate to a few people, the ladies help spread them around, whilst sharing some fun facts about each chihuahua. In addition, they’ve got a book on each table where you can read their biographies yourself. There were seven chihuahuas during our visit.

Drinks & snacks at the Chihuahua Cafe

As they get snuggly, the ladies pass around a menu for drinks. I have to say, the time goes by quite quickly and I really wanted to focus on petting the chihuahuas, so if you are not a quick drinker or really in need of a coffee, I’d skip. The session is only 50 minutes and by the time the dogs are settled and they take and prepare your order, you have very little time to drink or snack.

Chihuahua photoshoot time

At the end, the ladies help get the chihuahuas ready for a photoshoot with each group. It’s honestly the cutest. They are bribed with some treats or kibble to jump from one couch to the next and show off their cuteness all at once. This part had everyone in the room laughing and smiling, a true dose of good cheer. 

After they did their final round, we waved goodbye, our boxes of things were given back to us and we paid for our drinks and cakes at the till. While we got ready to leave, the chihuahuas went to the backroom to rest and prepare for their next group of cafe goers who were already lined up outside waiting.

What to know before you go

The Edinburgh Chihuahua Cafe was definitely the strangest experience I’ve had in Scotland so far. 

It’s a long day for these show chihuahuas, but the ladies assured us that they are well cared for. They have days off, go for walks and really seem to have companionship with one another, and of course, adoration from all of us. Overall, the cafe was clean and the staff were friendly. It’s clear they love their animals dearly. 

Despite this, I still had some mixed feelings about the whole experience. They are working ladies, not your average chihuahuas. The chihuahuas are very friendly, cuddly and cute, but they can also get very tired and deserve a rest. Being pet all day is tough work!

Ps, if you’re like me and have any pet allergies, I’d definitely recommend taking allergy medication before visiting. Though they provide blankets for the chihuahua to sit on, you of course want to pet them and you’ll definitely feel the allergens. 

Visit Edingburgh Chihuahua Cafe yourself

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