Want to pet a dog? Then go right ahead. The time was never so right to be a pet (dog) parent. Once considered the fiefdom of the rich, owning a pet has become a modern-day choice of the middle-class. And why not? When dog cafes, dog salons and dog schools mushroom all around.
Think about it. There are dog cafes galore offering canines' mouth-watering menus of veggies like sweet potatoes topped with honey and yak cheese, watermelon ice-cream, customised tea cakes, etc. While grooming parlours compete, doling out eye-catching services like spa treatments with Dead Sea mud and salts to leave the pet soothing and refreshed.
"Pet care in India is fast evolving. It is no more about merely owning a dog and taking it for a walk or to the vet occasionally. Throwing a full-scale pet party or taking the dog for a grooming session is something we as pet owners pride ourselves upon," says designer Rashmi G, who owns a young shih tzu.
Estimates predict the pet care market in India is set to grow at a compounded annual rate of 17% in the next few years' time, with over 600,000 pets getting adopted each year. The market, dominated by pet dogs, will be driven by the changes in the lifestyles and consumption patterns of people and the growth in disposable income levels.
"From children, working professionals, collegians to owners of pets, everyone today likes to indulge and relax with dogs. Being around canines is considered therapeutic and helps relieve stress," says entrepreneur Ankur Jain, who has started TherPup, a dog café for dog lovers and owners. He says it is no longer about visiting dog shelters to interact with canines. "The café is a place where people can bring their dogs for three course meals, or come and play or feed our dogs, hold birthday parties for their pets and buy accessories from the pet shop," says Jain, adding that TherPup witnesses a footfall of over 1600 through the week, with some people coming in with their pets, and others visiting to play with the café dogs.
On the other hand, pet grooming has taken on a completely different turn from mere nail cutting, hair trimming and bathing; to include exotic spas and massages for pets.
Sahaya Kunte, proprietor at pet grooming salon Poochezz indulges dogs in her blueberry facials and in aromatherapy baths with lavender and lemon grass oils "for a soothing impact."
Experts say pet owners today wouldn't think twice before shelling out Rs 2,500-3,000 for grooming their dogs and providing them with facials. Or spending upwards of Rs 500 and treating their pets to a delicious buffet of say a banana-yoghurt-pumpkin-cinnamon cookie platter or chicken with broccoli and brown rice.
What's more, to decode the problems dogs go through, personalised canine behaviour consulting is also fast catching on. Canine behaviour consultant Sindhoor Pangal says it is crucial to resolve dog problems which could range from aggression to anxiety. "Behaviour consulting for pups and dogs is emerging as a crucial domain in pet care. I plan on holding workshops on herbal remedies for dogs, alongside nutrition and massage workshops," she says.
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