Pennsylvania-born Sarah Wolfgang spent 16 years in South Korea working with shelters and dogs who have difficulty getting adopted. She did her research with a number of dog and cat cafés, but was dismayed to discover their furry residents reign from puppy mills and do little to help the country’s millions of homeless pets.

That’s why—when Wolfgang settled in Los Angeles—she decided to open America’s first and only dog café.

Since December, The Dog Café has held a soft opening in which visitors enter at their leisure and chill with a group of adoptable pups. They also enjoy a beverage that gives back to dogs in need. Wolfgang tells BarkPost:

“It’s a spin on the dog & cat cafes in other countries, but ours is unique in that our dogs are all in need of homes, and only stay with us until they’re adopted. Our mission is to pull abandoned dogs who are being overlooked at shelters and place them in a happier environment where visitors can see them in their true light.”