A café where pets have their own enclosure and a vet available all day – that’s the latest in facilities for pampered pooches

Pet owners or rather “pet parents”, as they like to be called these days, are increasingly investing more and more in the wellbeing of their pets, including strays adopted from the streets. Regarded as a family member in most households, pets have succeeded in evoking a myriad of emotions from their owners – to the extent that owners bend over backwards to ensure the best of conditions for their pets.

According to Binoy Sahee, India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF) director, “It is expected that more and more urban residents are expected to have a pet in the near future. What is encouraging to see is the awareness of healthcare and subsistence among the people these days. In fact, India will be major exporter of pet related products and accessories in coming years.”

The 11th India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF) 2019 will be held on August 24-25 Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India. It is organised by Creature Companion magazine, and is South Asia’s only pet trade fair, which is also the biggest pet event in India.

As the city warms to its animals, facilities especially targeted at pets have started to surface all over the place. They offer services that target wellness and betterment of the stray as well as the sheltered.

Puppychino, a pet friendly cafe located amid the bustling streets of Shahpur Jat, is a remarkable example of how deftly and dotingly pet owners can spend time with these loved members of their family.

For that, the main cafe is divided in two sections. One has relaxed and comfortable seating arrangements for the patrons to savour their meals from a wide variety of delicious options, while the other is built for pets’ glee. It is basically an enclosure with beds, toys and plastic bones to keep them occupied.

A study conducted by LANA Paws, a lifestyle stores for pets found that pet parents now splurge more and want to create ‘meaningful’ experiences with their pets. Conducted on 500 people residing in Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, the survey finds that pet ownership is undergoing a lot of change as pet parents are willing to spend more on their pets.

We spoke with Shambhavi Singh, 19, student, proud shitzu owner, not at all fazed by the statistics, and a seemingly pleased customer at the cafe. Excited and eager, she described ambience of the place as, “beautiful and different. The paintings on the wall were my personal favourite.”

Her take on this concept would be music to the café owner’s ears. “Taking care of our dogs when we go out is quite troublesome in Delhi. They not only have space for our pets to chill, they offer veterinary services for 12 hours a day and several pet accessories and necessaries.”

She adds, “Rest assured, they maintain the cleanliness factor associated with the whole concept. Sanitisers are available at every table and corner. Even when interacting with the dogs, due hygiene is ensured.”

She also willingly provided us with a rating of 8.5 out of 10 for the café. Amusingly enough, she called it ‘pawdorable’. She was also thrilled about the boarding facilities offered when the humans have to go out of town.

“Essentially, this distinct idea transpired as a physical ode to the four-legged beings that need care and attention, a benevolent action sparking generosity towards the evolving culture of a more responsible approach to animals,” says Nayani Tandon, café owner.

Puppychino is not alone. Various facilities for pets and stray animals have set up shop, coming together to create a state of wellbeing for resident animals. Pet hostels, luxury pet hotels, pet spas are only few hospitable instances whereby a booming niche for grooming and healthcare of pets is noted.

Delhi is dotted with such facilities that exclusively specialise in offering services for nurturing aid as well as spending time simply revelling with their beloved pets.

According to a recently published report by TechSci Research, “India Pet Food Market Forecast and Opportunities, 2019”, the pet food market in India is projected to cross $270 million by 2019.

The fact only strengthens how promisingly the industry is advancing, and redefining the whole industry. Pet owners and animal enthusiasts have actively taken up the task to progress meaning and wheel forward the thought and idea of animal healthcare and security.

This conduct by the citizens; almost like oiling of pet culture — cannot be viewed as anything other than advocating expansion and growth of the concerned industry. Stealthily working towards achieving developed results of the pet care sector, for people are enlightened, informed and aware than ever.

They have, systemically led to paving a smooth path for overall wellbeing of pets as well as the unsheltered strays. A conscious growth, and a commendable effort by the growing hospitality and service sector.