Pet boardings get more calls as infections ravage families

NEW DELHI: With the Capital grappling with an unprecedented surge in Covid-19 cases, many individuals and families are turning to boarding facilities for their pets. Owners of pet boarding facilities across the city said there has been a significant increase in the number of requests for taking in pets.

Kuldeep Chauhan, owner of Pet Lovers Hut - Dog Boarding Centre, said his facility is receiving requests from people who are down with Covid-19 or are unable to meet the pet’s requirement due to restrictions. “During this time of the year, people leave behind their pets while going for vacations. This time, people are not going anywhere but our facility is full due to requests from Covid-affected individuals and families. There are instances where the owners have died of Covid and their dogs are left with us,” said Chauhan. He said that the number of requests pouring in due to the pandemic is higher this time. “Last year, we did not get this many dogs. This time, there is a stark difference.”

Arun Shivakumar, who runs Asha Arun’s pet home boarding, said the facility has been receiving more and more requests from Covid-affected families since last month. “We receive at least ten calls a day from people battling Covid-19. Last year, we did not have any requests from Covid patients in April-may,” said Shivakumar.

He said he also received requests from people who want to give up their dogs for adoption as they can’t take care of them due to Covid-19. “My wife and I have conducted counselling sessions with such pet parents to make them understand Covid is temporary,” said Shivakumar.

Nandita Sikka, CEO, Heal Your Paws, a facility in Sainik Farms, also echoed similar sentiments. “I have been getting a lot of requests from people who are unable to step out of their houses and take their dogs for walks due to concerns arising out of Covid-19. We are taking care of dogs whose owners are Covid positive or are busy with Covid-related work,” said Sikka.

In view of the prevailing situation, boarding facility owners have also adopted additional precautionary measures. Sikka said the staff at the facility have been tested for Covid and are taking sanitisation measures.

“We have created a designated spot at the entrance of the facility where owners are asked to tie the dog. Following that, our caretaker gives the dog a bath, only after which they can enter the kennel,” said Chauhan.

There are instances where the owners have died of Covid and their dogs are left with us.

owner of a pet care facility in Delhi