JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A local woman is serving up more than just coffee and tea at her cafe on the Westside.

The Jacksonville Dog Cafe is the first of its kind and owner Carolyn Snowden is gearing up for its grand opening Saturday.

Snowden told News4Jax the goal of the dog cafe was to get some deserving dogs a forever home. The cafe will mix people and adoptable dogs in a fun setting that's more comfortable than a shelter.

"We are sort of a work in progress, but we started having pop-up events, and the basic concept is adoptable dogs, coffee and tea," Snowden said. "Putting the two things together in a fun environment so these dogs can maybe be exposed to potential adopters."

Snowden has owned a pet-sitting company for years and decided to do something to get more local dogs adopted.

She and three other rescue shelters teamed up to host people at the dog cafe every Saturday.

"I am hoping that these dogs will get the exposure, the love and affection in between, then find their forever home," Snowden said. "They are all worthy dogs."

People will also be able to drink free coffee from local roaster Martin's Coffee while meeting cute canines.

"The idea came from a dog cafe that came up in Los Angeles," Snowden said. "I didn't know if I would be able to do it, I just knew that I should do it. It shouldn't just happen in big cities. I'm from Jacksonville. I wanted nothing other than to lead the charge in Jacksonville."

Snowden puts meaning behind the word cafe, with each letter encourage people to "Connect, Adopt, Fundraise, Educate."

The dog cafe is located on Roosevelt Boulevard at the corner of Timuquana Road near the Dollar General.

Cafe hours will be every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.