Woof! What a welcome!

Manika Ahuja

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Air tickets? Check! Lodging? Check! Baggage? Check! Pet? Well… that’s where lies the biggest challenge when it comes to planning a family trip—where to leave your adorable dog all the while you are away! 

Taking turns to stay home to look after your pet canine is not a solution. Sending it to a friend’s place is also not a viable option. Still wondering what to do? Here is a piece of good news for you. 

A number of pet boarding centres have mushroomed in and around Chandigarh, Panchkula and Mohali to accommodate your ‘baby’ while you enjoy without having to worry about its comfort. 

In safe hands

Which dog would mind a little colour and home-like ambience to make it feel snuggly and warm? Shiv Kaushal, owner of Dogs’ Play, sector 7, Chandigarh, says, “We have 18 kennels in all. The boarding charges vary according to the type of kennel requested for. Generally, Rs 500 is charged on a daily basis for small breeds and Rs 700 for keeping bigger dogs.” According to him, the idea is to make the pet feel at home. “Grooming and of course, food facilities, are also provided,” he adds.

Medical care

What more would you want for your precious pet if you are assured that it will receive proper medical care as well, while you are away? 

“We offer a variety of services to make the pet feel pampered. For instance, since it is the winter season, we have kept blowers for the dogs. Besides, pick-and-drop facility is also given to the customers. Doctor Kochar, a vet, visits the kennels to check up on the dogs,” shares Vikas Kumar, who owns Vicktor Boss Kennel near IT Park, Chandigarh. Twenty canines can be accommodated at each. The charges are Rs 500 per day.

Complete package 

Another pet shop owner, Sonu, says, “We, at Sheena Kennel, feed the dog according to the diet chart framed by the owner. The pooches are taken out for morning and evening walks to keep them healthy. Arrangements are also made for keeping the dogs warm by providing blankets and coats.” We charge Rs 400 per day for the boarding facilities, which is inclusive of food charges.” 

Not to worry  

“There is no denying the fact that, every time a family trip is planned, the first thought that comes to your mind is the well-being of the pet. Availing boarding facilities for pets, when you leave for a week’s time or even longer, is not just an alternative, but essential,” says Yashan Gill, owner of Kennel Hub in Sector 40, Chandigarh. “The response garnered has been overwhelming. People from Tricity leave their dogs with us without a worry. At one point of time, we had around 35 dog,” he smiles.  

Food comes foremost

Nand Kishore Sharma, owner of Dog Lovers’ Point, near Sector 20, Panchkula, informs, “We provide a variety of food items as per the requirement of the dog. Pedigree, milk, curd, chappati…you name it, we have it.” He says training is also provided to the dogs during their stay. 

What an experience! 

Sukhmani Bajwa, a civil services aspirant, remarks, “My pet Azure is extremely possessive. Earlier, the thought of leaving him alone used to haunt us. We tried the pet boarding centers and were completely satisfied with the facilities provided to the dogs there.” Gagandeep, working as operation head with Decathlon Sports, says, “My pet Dollar returned really happy from one of the pet hostels in Chandigarh. He came back looking like a rock star after the grooming sessions at the boarding centre.” 

People’s choice

The dog hostel at government pet clinic in sector 3 Panchkula is the first choice for most people because of the facilities it provides and also for low charges. The per day cost of keeping a pet of a small breed is Rs 150, of a medium breed Rs 250 and of a large breed Rs 300. However, for other services such as shampoo washing, morning and evening walks, health check-up, pedicure and nail cutting, extra charges have to be paid. The centre provides services such as 24-hour OPD, surgery, ultrasound and radiography.