When was the last time you gushed over an adorable picture of a cuddly paw getting groomed by a Facebook friend? Or rather, don’t we all know somebody who has been going places, with an obsession to do something for our four-legged furry mates? In a refreshing trend of sorts, a volley of young Bengalureans are taking to ‘Pet’preneurship, diving into varied pet-care and grooming arenas, only to meet with fruitful results and supporters by the hordes. Bengaluru Chronicle takes a deeper look...
Pro-activeness turned into passion: “I started because of a dog that was extremely sick and was told she needed to be on prescription food for the rest of her life. That didn’t sit well with me.
“So, I started my research, did a certification course and then subsequently did my diploma in Canine nutrition from England,” shares Manssi SK Saha, a 36-year-old Bengaluru-based practicing canine nutritionist. Adding to how a routine check-up of your dog for specific needs is recommended, Manssi adds, “Quite like us, every dog is different and needs a slightly different nutritional profile to stay healthy. For new dog families, I suggest that a session on complete puppy care, lifestyle care and nutritional care is a must for the whole family to attend. It really makes a world of a difference to the quality of life you will provide to your new dog.” Thinking along similar lines, companion dog trainer and pet parent, Yamika Damani, believes it was her responsibility as a pet owner which inspired her to start with her venture — Clever Canine, a healthy treats venture for dogs.
“I’m a pet entrepreneur, who likes to innovate in 100 per cent natural and healthy treats for dogs. We rustled up India’s first ice-cream for dogs, which is sugar-free and pro-biotic. For me, it was about giving food to your pets that is human grade — meaning that it is safe for human consumption too.”
Pet lovers in town are going all out to show they care.
A voice for the voiceless: Speaking about how it was her personal observations that moved her to start a home-based boarding facility with her husband, Shreedevi Navaneeth, a 27-year-old adds, “I’ve been crazy about pets since childhood. Fortunately, I got married to someone who shares a common love for animals. That’s when we decided to set-up a space, PAWsitively PURRfect, a vacation home for pets. Through this, we foster abandoned pets, injured and help homeless puppies in getting adopted by the trust-worthy and genuinely interested contacts we gather through the business.”
Challenges and the way ahead: Throwing light on the general ignorance among pet owners, Shreedevi asserts, “Certain pet parents are least knowledgeable about pets. To educate them about taking care gets difficult.” Adding to it, Yamika says, “With the pet industry on the brink of a boom, the fun has just begun! So enjoy it, and stay true to the founding principles of your venture and success shall follow!”
