A dog cafe where people can get to know dogs up for adoption opened Saturday in Jacksonville.
The Jacksonville Dog Cafe is at 5535 Roosevelt Blvd.
"We are sort of like a hangout -- a living room, a patio -- you're there to connect," Carolyn Snowden, owner of Jacksonville Dog Cafe, said.
She said the cafe is a comfortable space for people to get to know adoptable dogs that might seem skittish and aggressive in an overcrowded dog shelter environment.
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"You can always go find dogs that need a home, but how you connect with them is where we come in," Snowden said. "And we are offering a different experience."
The dogs are brought in by local rescue organizations and foster homes.
"The dogs are benefiting from the social interaction and getting their social skills more sharp for when they do get their forever homes, so it's a win-win," Snowden said.
The cafe is also open to those who want to spend time with the dogs but not adopt them. The cafe is only open on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.