Worried about your pet while recovering from the virus? A vet suggests what to keep in mind. Plus, a curated list of boarding centres
This picture has been used for representational purpose
For pet parents, a nagging thought right now is the safety of their furry friends if they contract the virus. Veterinarian Dr Madhura Kulkarni shares that if there’s a positive patient at home, treat your pet the way you’d treat your family members. “It’s advisable that you [the patient] don’t interact with the pet. Try not to let the pet out of the house too much in the quarantine period. But if they are let out, sanitise their leash and belts, and wash them; avoid crowded areas. Also, the person handling them should sanitise themselves before and after,” she explains.
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Dr Madhura Kulkarni
Dr Kulkarni adds that if the pet falls sick during the quarantine period, teleconsult the vet immediately. In case you’re alone and don’t have other family members to take care of your pet, wear a mask and gloves while interacting with it. “After handling them, sanitise yourself. Currently, kennel cough is on the rise among dogs, so vaccinate yours,” she says, adding that one must stock up on pet essentials for two to six weeks.
However, in case you’re alone or for some reason, are not able to care for your pet when you’re down with the virus, there are pet boarding centres that will support you both. “Ensure your pet’s vaccination details are up to date in case you have to board them,” Dr Kulkarni advises. Pets find it emotionally difficult to adjust to new owners and surroundings. “But if the new caregivers show a lot of care and love, it becomes slightly easier for them to adjust,” she assures.
Yes, we can-ine!
Krupa Shah of the Mahim-based boarding centre Pupstop, which houses dogs, shares that they provide pick-up and drop services. “Either the parent can put the pet in the car, or if they’re quarantined completely, we ask them to leave the dog outside when the staff arrives. I’ll need a vaccination certificate and address proof from the pet parent,” she adds. Meals for the dogs can be prepared as per their dietary needs and the owner’s instructions.
At: Plot no. 836, 6, Sonawala Compound, opposite Mori Road Post Office, Mahim
Call: 9987511279
Cost: Rs 700 a day for 15 days
Homely care
Kruti Parikh of PetsVille has been taking care of pet dogs and cats for patients since last year. “The vaccination status should be updated. Pet parents can video-call me any time. The idea is to give the animals a second home,” she shares.
At: A/3, A/4, Jafferbhoy Industrial Estate, Makwana Road, near Marol Naka Metro station.
Call: 9920596669
Cost: Rs 600 to Rs 800 onwards
Pawsome time
If you’re a dog owner in Thane, Oscar Pet’s World offers long-term boarding and daycare facilities. “We have a ground for the canines to play around. We also have a nutritionist on board to customise their meals,” shares founder Prasad Dhotre.
At: Oscar Pet’s World, No 02, Block 97, Pankhanda Village, Ovala, Ghodbunder Road, Thane.
Call: 9594797777
Cost: On demand
Staying connected
The Bark Club is a 6,500-sq-ft space at Byculla run by Shyamax Jehangir Presswalla that offers 24-hour live camera access to dog parents. “We have dedicated vans for pick up and drop of dogs for patients. We take care of everything to ease the concerns of pet parents,” he shares about the centre that boasts of air purification, an indoor play area, anti-bacterial flooring and hydrotherapy pools, among other facilities. They’re also open to negotiating the boarding cost for those who can’t afford it.
At: Plot 41A, Brick Bunder, (lane next to Laxmi Ent petrol pump), Byculla
Call: 9930301200
Cost: Rs 1,000 a day
One with nature
Spread over six acres at the foothills of the Sahyadris, Phoebe’s Farm - A Human-friendly Pet Resort in Khopoli is a no-leash space for your pets — be it hamsters, dogs, cats, or even some specific species of birds. “It’s an open air set-up where they can enjoy and live with nature,” shares co-founder and canine behaviourist Manoor Sachdev.
At: B Wing 1405, Meridian Apartments, Nerul West, Navi Mumbai.
Call: 9833955040
Cost: Rs 300 a day for cats; Rs 600 a day for dogs
Feline good
Friends of felines, Meow’s Home in Andheri takes care of cats, and accommodates food by the owners as well. However, in case, they cannot arrange for food, it’s taken care of by the staff members. They also have a vet on call in case your cat needs one, shares founder Jewel Bharaty.
At: Sher-e-Punjab Colony, Andheri East.
Call: 9820984100
Cost: Rs 350 a day
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