CARE FOR PETS: A worker tending a dog at a boarding kennel in Bangalore on Wednesday. — Photo: K.Gopinathan

Bangalore: It is vacation time and time for families to go on holiday. The only hitch is that pets are not allowed at some vacation spots. Several animal welfare organisations are cashing in on this and have started boarding kennels for those who want to ensure the best care for their pets.

Sudhir, secretary of Karuna, an animal welfare organisation, said that their boarding kennels were usually fully booked during vacation time. "We have a boarding facility for 20 dogs. Over the past month, the kennel has been fully booked," he said.

Karuna charges a nominal fee from owners who leave their pets under the organisation's care. "We charge Rs. 60 a day. Owners can leave their pets behind for two days to one month with us. We maintain the food habits as prescribed by the owner and take the dogs out for walks at least once a day. We also have round-the-clock medical care," he said. Asked if the dogs develop withdrawal symptoms sometimes, he said that the organisation has experienced hands to take care of such pets.

Yatindra, a veterinarian at Karuna, said that quite a few boarding kennels have been set up. "Specially veterinarians who live on the fringes of the city have their own boarding kennels for the pets of their clients. It is a special facility that a few veterinarians are offering these days," he said.

Dinesh of CUPA (Compassion Unlimited Plus Action) said that his organisation had boarding facility for 10 dogs. "At the moment, there are no vacancies. They are usually full during vacations and the marriage season," he said. The boarding charge at CUPA is Rs. 150 a day. "We offer the pets all services. Upon the owner's request, we also groom the dogs but charge an additional fee for that," Dr. Dinesh said.

Sharmila Thakur, a pet owner, said that she had left her pet behind on a few occasions. "I was forced to leave my pet behind at a private boarding kennel. They offered good services but at an exorbitant price. I only want the best for my pet, so I did not mind paying the high amount," she said.

Private boarding kennels charge up to Rs. 300 a day and offer round-the-clock medical care, two walks a day, good and wholesome meals three times a day and grooming once a day. A few kennels will also clip the pets' nails. But all this comes at a price.

So, the next time you want to go on a vacation, leave your precious pet behind at one the many boarding kennels that are mushrooming in the city.

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