Polo has peculiar food habits that only her owner Padma Rajagopal understands. And that was precisely why she was worried before going on a family trip to Europe. However, within days, the Lhasa Apso had got used to the kennelling centre Ms. Rajagopal decided to leave her at. “Now, we also feel assured that she is cared for even when we are away,” she says, who has made such regular trips after she found a safe custodian for her pet in her absence.
As the summer approaches many pet owners are in a dilemma as they prepare to go on vacations. For many, who are forced to leave their pets behind, kennelling centres in the city seek to be “a home away from home” for dogs and cats.
The kennelling centres seem to be in demand almost the entire year. The month of February alone seems to be an exception with more owners tending to stay at home since their children have examinations. During summer holidays, such boarding facilities have more people bringing their pets.
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A regular regimen of walking, feeding and grooming is followed in the boarding centres that provide a professional service. “We get to know the routine food habit of the animal from the owner and continue with it. We also ensure that at least the relative of the dog visits the kennel once in ten days if the owner has gone on a long vacation,” says Senthil Kumar, owner, Shekas Dog International.
For pets that miss their owners dearly, even a small reassurance over the loudspeaker of cell phones can help.
In SKS veterinary hospital, the owners can keep a watch on their pet from any country through the surveillance camera placed near the kennel of their pets. “But sadly, around 10 per cent of the affluent owners leave their pets for care and later abandon their pets. In these cases we are forced to find another person who is willing to take care of the pet,” says V. Arun, owner, SKS veterinary hospital.
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He adds that they prefer to take in pets that have a well-maintained vaccination record which is an indication of owners who genuinely care for the pet. Most boarding facilities charge from Rs.150 to 350 per day, depending on the size of the pet.
But there are many quack kennelling centres too, cautions Dr. Arun. “Some centres take the pets and sell them or even kill the animals. Therefore it is important for the owners to visit the kennel and ensure that it is hygienic and all the facilities are provided,” he says.