Pampering pets now big business for groomers

GOOD LIFE: Animal spas now catching on

KUALA LUMPUR: LONG gone are the days when all it took to groom your  aquaphobic pet were soap and a bucket of water.
Today with more than 350 pet stores in the Klang Valley alone, Malaysians are spoilt for choice on deciding between a grooming package and a spa treatment.
House of Groomers Pet Grooming Salon and Academy proprietor Gan Wee Yet said the industry had grown tremendously since he opened for business in 1999.
"Ten years ago, people would roll their eyes if you charged RM18 for a dog haircut.
"But today, as we become a more affluent society, customers can afford to pamper and ensure the wellbeing of their pets are in the hands of a professional."
Operating three branches in Subang, Sri Hartamas and Klang, Gan said a basic grooming package for toy dog breeds were between RM80 and RM120.
The package includes nail trimming, ear hair removal, wash and blow dry.
Gan, who is a United States-certified master groomer, said the challenge now for customers was in seeking the right groomer to meet their pets needs.
"There are many outlets claiming they are certified and can perform various tasks.
"But, pet owners should seek proper groomers with certification and those that carry out services without harming the animal."
Gan, who is also the president of Malaysian Pet Groomers Association, said the association had 120 members nationwide.
However, he said it was a constant search for professional groomers as the figures were relatively low.
Pusat Kucing Ikhlas Sdn Bhd owner Rezan Tambi said an important trait groomers lacked was patience.
"I have dealt with cats practically my whole life.
"And it's never easy to trim a cat's fur, all the more if it happens to be temperamental one," said the 28-year-old.
Rezan said it was important to allow the cat to be familiar with the groomer and then proceed to trim and wash the animal.
"Once the cat trusts you, it will be easier to handle while trimming its fur or giving it a flea treatment."
In business since 2007, Rezan's shop offers a wide range of services, including grooming, boarding and several health treatments based on the needs of the pets.
For those interested in dyeing their pet's fur or pampering it with a mud bath, Puppy Cottage Sdn Bhd is the place to go.
Owner Ryan Leong said dyeing a pet's fur was a subjective topic.
"But, some owners do not mind and prefer their dogs in a much more interesting colour."
According to Gan, the pet industry here generated about RM50 million and the annual growth rate was 20 per cent. There are more than 700 pet stores nationwide.
It was reported that in the United States, pet industry sales reached US$56.67 billion (RM173.27 billion) in 2011 while research company Euromonitor estimated that India generated US$81 million last year.