Pet grooming is no longer restricted to nail clipping, ear-cleaning and a basic wash. With hair-styling, a complete spa-treatment, deep conditioning, oil massages and even a 'pawdicure', pets are pampered to the hilt by their wealthy owners.
There are also more luxurious boarding options. Harley and Me, for instance, is completely air-conditioned and is equipped with a swimming pool, spa and a lush green lawn.
“People are definitely spending more on their pets. This is because of the increase in spending power, awareness towards pet care and the availability of better products,” said Arunodaya Reddy of Harley and Me, a Chennai-based pet-store and a boarding home for dogs.
Arunodaya's golden retriever, Harley, inspired him to start the pet grooming service six years ago. Apart from importing special products for pets, they also offer various services, such as show grooming, basic bathing, nail cutting, fur conditioning, and ear cleaning etc.
Harley and Me facilities include swimming pool, grooming studio, pet store and pet café. “Basically it starts with a necessity of these facilities; people who love their dogs tend to take good care for them.”
Workshops for pet owners and their pets are also organised by Harley and Me.
Training and fun activities will be dealt with agility. It also specialises in long term care as well when pet parents travel abroad and need a place for long term boarding.
“We have completed 40,000 dogs days till date. I have also adopted 6 dogs and treating them as my family,” adds Arunodaya. He explains about the services being offered this Diwali, “Most of the dogs are afraid of crackers. Some dogs bark all the time, some dogs behave abnormal. We have a special area for those dogs which cannot manage the sound of the crackers. Our space is isolated from the city so that the dogs will not hear the sound of the crackers.”
Though only limited dogs can occupy these areas, Harley and Me also offers pills for dogs to calm down when the crackers are burst.
Appearances, too, have become important as pets aren’t just companions. When it comes to furry friends, it definitely needs a lot of care and shelter this Diwali.
