When we received the invite from Husko Asia to pay them a visit, we deliberated on it for some time. I have never been one to support pet cafes with the simple reason being my concern for the welfare of the animals at the cafe.
To start the conversation off for a possible visit, I sent over a list of Qs (which were answered promptly) including a request to see behind the scenes of where the dogs are kept (which was a yes).
I found out that the dogs come to Husko Asia from responsible surrenders (owners who are moving countries or owners who are moving from landed properties to condos due to unforeseen circumstances) and also from rescues. Husko Asia takes in the dogs on a probationary basis before committing, to ensure that that particular dog can get along with the rest of the pack, which cuts down on the in-fighting.
Husko Asia also replied that they focus on education first – “visitors go through structured education before any engagement, no play only visits”, which I found to be a big claim.
After much discussion, we organised a visit for a Friday morning. We arrived before our scheduled slot of 11am (each visit is an hour each) and caught sight of one Husky being walked outside the compound and when it was done with its walk, it was brought back on to the compound where it was wiped down, and brushed. The Husky certainly didn’t mind as it looked around at its surroundings, whilst lifting one leg after the other to be cleaned.
Woof, woof!
Happy (a Husky) and Cuby (a Samoyed) were waiting in the reception area of Husko Asia, and eagerly greeted us. These two were friendly and playful, and completely lapped up our attention. It was clear that these two are more people-oriented dogs than dog-oriented dogs. They reminded us of our miniature schnauzer who much preferred the company of humans to other dogs. Sometimes even other humans to his own humans(!).
When our session was ready to start, we were ushered into the main hall of Husko Asia (after having our hands sanitised). Here is where the ‘education first’ part comes in to play. They start you off with a short video about Siberian Huskies (their history, purpose, temperament, and also how Husko Asia came about). Only after the video is done, and after a brief of what to expect, and dos and don’ts, are the dogs (a mix of Siberian Huskies, Samoyeds and Malamutes) let into the hall.
You have got to wonder how much of an education can one get from a 5-minute video which included the history of how the outlet came about? Not much. I got more out of my own research on Siberian Huskies online.
There were also latecomers who missed the video. Were they made to watch it too before being admitted to the hall?
Let the dogs out!
The next part of the session is probably what everyone looks forward to – the onrush of dogs. This part felt slightly underwhelming as of all the eleven dogs which came into the hall, none of them came up to any of us visitors, present there that morning. They rushed in and went about their own business – staking out their own favourite spots or rough housing with each other. One even went to where the treats were stored hoping to get a bite.
This is actually a plus point for Husko Asia as it was clear that the dogs weren’t trained to act in a certain way nor were they expected to. The staff let them be and did not lead them or nudge them to any of us.
In fact, the dogs went about their own business for a good 10 – 15 minutes ignoring all of us, which I totally loved! No set agendas here for the dogs to follow. Instead, we had to follow their lead. And after all that horsing around, they all plonked down flat out on the floor, lazing about.
When you do approach the dogs, they’re more than happy to let you pet and stroke them. And if they didn’t want the attention, they just moved right along. Each dog has its own personality, and my favourite was Momo – the introvert. I immediately took to it as it sat itself on the bench, in a corner, away from the rest of the pack.
There are also ‘treats’ (kibbles) to be bought in super mini bags for RM2 each. When the staff brought them out, the pack immediately noticed and were on the alert. This is the only time you are guaranteed attention from the dogs. And this time round, we humans lapped it up! We were given instructions beforehand on how to feed the dogs (with open palms) and were informed that the dogs know the commands ‘sit’ and ‘paw’.
Clearly, the dogs knew who to play for a sap as one kept pawing at the teen before he could feed the others and it got fed all the time!
You’re also able to have your picture taken with the dogs before the end of your session at Husko Asia (it’s nigh-on impossible to have all the dogs looking at the camera but the staff do try their very best) and I thought this a great memento of the visit.
Time to say goodbye
At 11:50am, the dogs were led back into their sleeping area whilst we were led to the mini museum at the back of the outlet. However, after the interaction with the dogs, I found the museum quite meh. It was like having your favourite toys taken away and it suddenly felt too quiet. But this was just me. The teen thought the museum quite impressive. He even had a go at the little interactive station.
As for the behind-the-scenes look at Husko Asia, the sleeping area was clean, airy and each dog had its own space. One was even out of its cage and sitting straight up like a sentry on duty. After our hour, they were all resting up before the next session. They weren’t asleep as much as they were just resting up. There was nary a peep out of them too.
Husko Asia – is it a yes or no from us?
One thing that I didn’t take to was the lure of a free pack of kibble if you gave them a 5-star rating on Google. This was when the ‘treats’ were brought out in the middle of the session. We opted out and we paid for the treats on our own. For how can you rate something when the experience hadn’t even ended yet?
Perhaps, they could also work on their ‘education first’ mantra, for the video did seem insufficient for such a big claim. Shan, the outlet manager, clearly knows a lot about dogs, and her knowledge could be shared on a bigger scale.
That being said, it was a thoroughly enjoyable visit. It was clear that the dogs are well cared for, happy and settled. It was also evident that the dogs have a bond with Shan, and the staff, as they would perk up whenever they came into the hall.
Good to know
The website says it’s great for all ages but I will say that this experience is best for older kids and up, and also for folks who are comfortable around bigger dogs who rough house and are rambunctious. The dogs do not care who or what they bump into when they’re at it, as they should be!
The storage available for your belongings is small in size, so don’t bring along big totes.
If you’re not used to having dogs, a good thing to note is that floors are always slightly icky. So wear socks if you mind icky floors.
Also, be prepared to have dog fur all over your clothes after your visit. But don’t worry, they have lint rollers on hand.
Even though it’s categorised as a pet cafe, there’s no food served here. There is a coffee kiosk just outside the outlet though should you desperately need a java fix.
Ticket prices are RM38 per adult and RM28 per child (below 12 years). You can book your slots online at Husko Asia.
Husko Asia
26, Jalan Delima, Imbi,
55100 Kuala Lumpur.
We were invited by Husko Asia. As always, our opinions are honest and our own.
