Lang Lang Don't Cry:  Taipei, Taiwan

Contact Information

Address:  104, Taiwan, No. 7, Lane 3, Huayin Street, Zhongshan District, Taipei City

Phone:  +886 2 2523 0533

Hours: Thu-Tue 12:00 - 21:00, Closed Wed

Entrance Fee:  None

Ratings

Website / Social Media

Website:  langlangdontcry.com.tw

Facebook: @langlangdon'tcry

Instagram:  none

Twitter:  none

Cat vs Cafe (70/30)

Cat Heroes of Taiwan, Part I:  Review of Lang Lang Don't Cry

Tucked away in the shadow of Civic Boulevard near Taipei Main Station is Lang Lang Don’t Cry, also known as Pet Halfway House, a hip café run by dedicated animal welfare advocates.

Opened in 2015, this two-story rescue and adoption center is unique in that it houses both dogs (first floor) and cats (second floor), plus a coffee bar/restaurant.

The day I visited was quite busy, but friendly Julia greeted me warmly and then prepared an outstanding iced latte while she gave me the lowdown on the café and their rescue efforts.  The owners, Tan Jou and husband Alan Liu, decided to open coffee shop as a way to socialize stray animals and increase their chances of being adopted.  They have been very successful, with over 200 dogs and cats adopted in the past 2.5 years.   

As more companies and individuals have joined them in their efforts, the café has outgrown its current space and is expected to move to a new location this year. 

Tan and Alan’s approach drives much of their success, a combination of grass roots promotion and proper vetting of prospective adopters. 

The shop uses social media to promote animals available for adoption, including cute photos and stories about their personalities.  The café now has a large group of loyal followers that help spread the word about rescue and adoption.

However, the owners are also wary of owner abandonment and have stringent requirements for prospective adopters, such as spending time with the animal at the café, participating in an interview and home visit, paying for medical treatment, vaccines and microchip, plus signing an agreement promising they will not desert their pet.

Eventually, I made my way upstairs and was discovered four cats, two playful tabbies, one energetic black, and a shy orange.  I became fast friends with Guo-Guo and he rewarded my head rubs with happy purrs. 

One of the impressive things about Lang Lang is the feeling of community.  It’s not just the friendliness of the staff either—fellow patrons smile at one another and share tips on which cat likes chin rubs or which dog prefers ear scratches. 

With a central Taipei location, inclusive atmosphere, quality coffee and adorable animals, supporting stray animals has never been easier or more fun!

Date Visited:  5/9/18