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: “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.” “Last year, we did not get this many dogs. This time, there is a stark difference,” he added.

Arun Shivakumar, who runs Asha Arun’s pet home boarding, 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. In view of the situation, boarding facility owners have adopted additional precautionary 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.