For the pet shops, now it’s chic animal products!

"From munchies and combs to fancy collars and leashes, or health food for pets, we offer everything a pet needs – all under one roof," says Mohan Kumar, owner of a pet shop, noting, "It is the vet’s advice and the customer’s goodwill that has led to a spurt in the demand for such products".

"Pet owners are fast becoming aware of the need for grooming the animal as leaving it dirty will not only be harmful for the pet but also for the whole household," says Gautam Grover, president, People for Animals (PFA), Delhichapter.

"Since it is not possible to make available all medicines and animal products to pet owners at the clinic, the pet shops are proving to be of great help," says Dr Surinder Singh, a vet, adding they not only help keep the pet clean and healthy but also the germs at bay.

The range of products varies according to the seasons for in summer and monsoon when animals are plagued by ticks, special shampoos are available while in winter it is warm and chic dog coats which adorn the shelves of pet shops, says Camillia Satija, who has been selling pet products for the last 20 years.

While protein-rich food is also available for fishes and exotic birds, it is the faithful dog, who has the widest variety of products dedicated to its upkeep.

For aquariums even coloured stones are available to give them a `marine’ look.

Though there is no direct advertising being done for the pet products, owners are going in for them mainly on their vet’s advice. They are also widely sold at dog shows."The market forsuch products has increased as people are now realising that even their pets need good care and for that they do not mind spending a little bit of money," Satija says.

"There is no harm in raking in money when the going is good," says R K Gupta of Janata Stationery who also showcase pet products. "The products available till now were mostly imported and being expensive were never able to become popular with customers", says Dr Singh.

Also, as Indian pets are used to fresh food, the tinned dog food never sold that well as locally prepared ones, says Grover, adding whole wheat vegetarian brand of dog biscuits and chews are not locally available and are very popular with the pet owners.

However, with items like dog sleep baskets coming for Rs 850 and a sack of dog food priced at Rs 700 the market for animal products is somewhat restricted to the upwardly mobile class.

"The price range is such that many times we feel the pinch," she says.

Points out Grover, "There is also an element of status attachedto such products as it is supposed to be the in thing nowadays to buy such stuff for pets".

"In a country where the majority do not even get enough to eat, for people to buy items for their pets’ luxury is considered fashionable".

But Kumar says that though the toys are a bit expensive, general food items are available at affordable prices and form the basic minimum diet of a pet.