"Imagine a place in Brussels where dogs are not just tolerated. But truly welcome"

Watch the video presentation of my project.

Hello, my name is Muriel.

I am opening WOOFKES - The Smiling Dogs Club

at 47 rue Léon Lepage, 1000 Brussels, in the vibrant Dansaert district.

The City of Brussels has officially approved the project, recognizing its positive contribution to the neighborhood and its added value for urban life.

Brussels is full of dogs - around 10,000 in the city - yet there are still very few places where dogs and their humans can truly spend quality time together. WOOFKES was created to change that.

What is WOOFKES?

WOOFKES is a concept store and social space for urban dogs and dog lovers.

A place where dogs are not just tolerated, they are at the center of everything.

A place where dogs can relax, meet other dogs, explore the city with confidence and simply enjoy life with their humans.

This is why I call it:

The Smiling Dogs Club.

Because when dogs are happy, you can see it.

They smile.

What you will find at WOOFKES

• A beautifully designed self-wash & grooming area

• A bar where humans and dogs can relax together

• Special treats for dogs and food & drinks for humans

• A curated concept store for urban dog lifestyle

• Educational city walks with behavior professionals

• Dog birthday celebrations and social gatherings

• Workshops with vets and trainers

• Photo sessions and community events

WOOFKES brings together care, lifestyle and community under one roof.

A project rooted in the neighborhood

WOOFKES is designed as a local and responsible project.

Much of the interior will be created using recycled and repurposed materials, giving objects a second life while reducing environmental impact.

The bar will source exclusively from local merchants in the neighborhood, supporting nearby cafés, bakeries and food artisans.

The goal is simple:

Create a virtuous circle for the neighborhood

where dogs, humans and local businesses all benefit.

Why Brussels needs this ?

Urban dogs face real challenges:

• no garden

• busy human schedules

• dense traffic and noise

• limited social spaces

When we create positive places for dogs in the city, we:

• prevent behavioral issues

• reduce tensions in public spaces

• support responsible ownership

• strengthen neighborhood connections

WOOFKES is about building a new urban culture around dogs.

Why I need your support ?

I’m launching this project on my own, and opening a place like this requires a bigger investment than I first imagined :(

Every contribution helps bring WOOFKES to life :

• self-wash installations

• safety-compliant infrastructure

• interior design and furniture

• the iconic suspended sculpture of my dog Lola

• the first community events

Let’s build the Smiling Dogs Club together

If you believe Brussels deserves a place where dogs truly belong,

please support WOOFKES.

Because when dogs are happy, they smile.

And that makes the city a better place for everyone.

Muriel & Lola