A Guide Dogs Puppy Cafe Is Coming To Sydney Airport For One Day Only

In some puplifting news, Sydney Aiport and Guide Dogs NSW/ACT are set to host a one-day-only pop-up puppy cafe at Café Veloce in Sydney Airport's Domestic Terminal 2 on Thursday, January 18.

The event aims to provide a delightful experience for travellers and raise awareness about the incredible work of Guide Dogs.

From 10–11.30 am and 12.30–2 pm, attendees at Sydney Airport can enjoy the company of tiny labrador guide dogs named Aero, Pax, Kingsford, Syd, and Amelia — collectively known as the “airport litter”.

For a ticket price of $15, travellers can spend time sipping coffee and patting these charming pups. Tickets are available at the door, so drop by early to secure your spot.

The pop-up puppy cafe is not just about puppies; attendees will also be surrounded by Therapy Dogs, and as a bonus, you’ll be able to nab a free coffee with the purchase of a ticket.

"For one day only, we are thrilled to open up our Guide Dog cafe in Sydney Airport where ticket holders can meet the gorgeous airport litter and learn about the wonderful work of Guide Dogs," said Guide Dogs NSW/ACT Puppy Development Advisor Sabrina Gabrielle.

"This day is all about highlighting the brilliant work that Guide Dogs does, raising awareness for our community and celebrating our wonderful Christmas appeal partnership with Sydney Airport."

"It takes over two years and costs $50,000 to breed, raise and train each life-changing Guide Dog, including the pups we'll have at our cafe. Through this event we want to recognise the crucial role all of our dogs play in helping Australians living with low vision and blindness lead a life without limits."

Sydney Aiport has long supported the work of Guide DogsNSW/ACT, and announced the birth of the “airport litter” back in December.

Karen Halbert, Sydney Airport’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, said following the pups’ arrival into the world: “We are thrilled to be partnering with Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, an organisation that helps make independent living and travel a reality for so many people.”

“We have all fallen in love with the Sydney Airport puppies Aero, Pax, Kingsford, Syd and Amelia and can’t wait to see them grow from playful pups to fully qualified dogs with jobs, who will transform the lives of the people who need them.”

December also saw Sydney Airport kick off its Christmas appeal to raise money to train the new guide dog pups — which costs around $50,000 per pup. The appeal runs until 21 January, with special “Donation Dog” collection boxes and QR codes prominently displayed throughout the domestic and international terminals.

Tamara Searant, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT General Manager of Social Change, added: “This first of its kind partnership for Guide Dogs NSW/ACT will help raise awareness and break down barriers for our community to have a smoother travel experience.”

“We're asking travellers and airport workers to consider us while passing through the terminals, and to work with us to create a more inclusive community for people with low vision and blindness.

“Fellow passengers play an important role in supporting Guide Dog Handlers or people who use white canes. If you see a Guide Dog in harness, please don’t pat them, and if you see someone with a Guide Dog or a white cane, always ask them if they require assistance before taking any action.”

Online donations can be made at nsw.guidedogs.com.au/dogswithjobs/