Interzoo by People and Management ( A HR magazine)

ISSN 0976 - 4801

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Publisher’s Note It gives me immense pleasure to introduce this exclusive edition. We, the Creature Companion team, are happy as clams to be a part of Interzoo 2014, the world’s leading exhibition for pet supplies industry. As regular and active participants at global standing trade events such as Zoomark, Italy; CIPS, China and Pet Asia, Singapore; we are determined to make global markets understand the scope of India’s pet industry— for export, import and retail. Read this issue to know the growing potential of the Indian pet market. Our in-depth, analytical cover story studies the Indian pet industry. The growth factors, the trends, the industry voices—read the story to know everything that goes into making the industry as promising as it is. The story ‘Pet Grooming: A Booming Business in India’ helps one gain a perspective on how the Indian pet care industry is all set to record double digit sales growth even while the economy is chugging along the slow lane given the effects of a global economic meltdown. Understand how the demand for pet grooming services such as spas, clothes and accessories are on an alltime high in India in the story ‘Niche Pet Businesses in India: Wide Reach’. Another informative article titled ‘Veterinary Practices in India: Coming of Age’ lays out all the information needed about factors responsible for this new trend including the introduction of latest diagnostic equipment, continuous education programmes conducted by vet associations; and pet food companies bring in qualified international speakers for better awareness among pet owners. While at Interzoo, we are looking forward to enhancing our reach and expanding our network. Our agenda is two-fold. We aim to spread awareness about the Indian pet industry in the global arena; and to gain a greater understanding of the international pet market which we bring to our loyal readers through the magazine. Let the journey begin!

Linda Brady Hawke

linda@lbassociates.com

also find us on www.facebook.com/Creature.Companion

Interzoo Special 2014

Indian Pet Industry: Numbers That Matter........................................... 10 Heavy Petting: Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Burgeoning Pet Care Industry.......................... 12 Pet Grooming: A Booming Business in India ....................................... 24 Niche Pet Businesses in India: Wide Reach ........................................ 36 Veterinary Practices in India: Coming of Age ...................................... 40 5 Most Popular Cat Breeds In India...................................................... 46 5 Most Popular Dog Breeds In India..................................................... 49

Indian Pet Industry Numbers That Matter

Creature Companion | International Edition

• The pet population in India has grown from 7 million in 2006 to 10 million in 2011. On an average 600,000 pets are adopted every year • With dog ownership in India rising, Euromonitor International has projected India to be the fastest growing global pet market, and the rising pet ownership rates are driving demand for pet food, health products, and pet accessories • The Indian pet market is now $800-million-plus industry, and is expected to register strong double-digit retail value growth in the coming years • Rising disposable income is a huge contributing factor for the growth of pet industry in India, with the annual disposable income of Indians reaching $1.576 billion in 2012 • According to Goldman Sachs, India’s GDP per capita in US$ terms will quadruple from 2007 to 2020, and the Indian economy will surpass the US by 2043 • Pet care products catering to the health and wellness needs of pets have emerged and are being well accepted, with pet care registering an approximate growth of 24 percent in 2012 • International players hold a strong presence in pet care in India. Compared with local players, international players have more resources to invest in new product development and prolific marketing • Pet food in India has seen increasing specialisation and premium food brands are gaining popularity in urban areas • The media’s positive portrayal of pets has had a huge impact on public perception towards the latter • Owing to the general atmosphere of sensitisation towards pets in the country, more Indian consumers have come to humanise their pets, and pet owners do not mind spending on what they perceive as being necessary or beneficial for their pets, be it pet food, treats, toys, medicines, resort stays or air fare • Delayed parenthood is a much underestimated but a potent contributing factor to the growth of the industry. Every year, hundreds of young married couples without children adopt pets as a means to simulating family life before they have children • Forecast sales for dog and cat food in 2016 is $102.89 million

Heavy Petting: Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Burgeoning Pet Care Industry On the back of changing attitudes, rising incomes and the need for an emotional bond in Indiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s increasingly impersonal cities, the pet care industry is booming.

T 12

he list of products and services available in the pet care domain is endless today. Pet parents dote on their pets as they would on their kids and spare no expense in their upkeep. The pet care industry comprises retail pet stores, groomers, boarding facilities, online pet stores, veterinarians, exclusive spas and salons catering to the needs of the pets, gourmet restaurants and bakeries that whip up treats for the pets.

Creature Companion | International Edition

There is a steady increase not only in pet ownership but also in the spending on pets in India. With more and more double income families adopting pets the trend is to spend more, whether on grooming; or on buying toys. Euromonitor International, an international strategy research firm,

estimates that India’s pet industry grew up to 22 percent in 2012 and reached `4.5 billion (around $81 million); in a nation where the per capita income is $1,256. Dogs account for 80 percent of all pets in India, with cats and fish also popular.

a brand out of the offering. Furthermore, launching multiple stores also brings you a lot many customers, therefore the growth will be that much faster.”

A wide range of pet products, including food, chews and accessories are sold at pet shops, supermarkets, mom-and-pop grocery stores and e-commerce websites. According to expert estimates, the domestic product market is expected to grow at an annual rate of 10-15 percent.

ScoopyScrub's Sanjeev Kumar is of the opinion that a franchise model serves better, as it is cost-effective and profitable. “I truly believe that a franchise model is the way forward for expansion. There is a sense of ownership amongst franchisees – and all you need to do is provide them with the knowledge, training and equipments which are needed to run the franchise. It is far more profitable than the conventional model of opening branches in different localities.”

According to Euromonitor, “Pet stores are becoming increasingly popular, as they offer a one-stop shopping option for all pet requirements. Some pet superstores are high-end enterprises, stocking only premium brands and pet accessories. Other retailers offer all brands of pet food, treats and toys on their shelves, to give customers a wide choice. As in supermarkets, customers can compare prices of a wide range of products and make more informed purchasing decisions when shopping at a pet superstore. Such stores are clean and also stock medicines for pets, making them an attractive and convenient option for pet owners.”

The Emerging New Trend: An Overview The growing number of multiple pet stores is the latest trend from the Indian pet industry arena. In order to grow and reach out to consumers in different parts of the country, many companies have launched multiple stores under a single brand name. Let us share a few examples. ScoopyScrub, a brand from Pet Bytes, has 16 franchise stores in India and seven stores in Delhi/NCR region. The company plans to roll out 20 more outlets, taking the total count of stores from 23 to 45. Delhibased The Pet Point has three stores and is planning to open two more by the end of 2014. What are the benefits of launching multiple stores under one brand? Is this a beginning of a major trend in India? What are the challenges and opportunities? Explaining the need to launch multiple stores under one brand, Akshay Mahendru, partner, The Pet Point, says, “With a single store, it is almost impossible to make

While multiple stores are a means of ensuring better brand equity, it will take at least three years to become a major trend in India, believes Mahendru. “There are only a few companies in India that have multiple stores under one brand. I can only think of five companies that have multiple stores as one brand. So this is just a beginning of a trend, which will take further strides in the next two to three years,” he says. On the challenges of running multiple stores, Mahendru notes, “It is true that multiple stores enhance visibility and help in brand creation, but one must carefully examine the cost before investing. The biggest challenge of managing multiple stores in India is the infrastructure cost which includes rent and setup cost.” Another challenge, according to him, is to maintain a wide

Multiple Pet Stores in India Challenges • Ever increasing cost of land • High set up expenses • Organised retail pet industry still in nascent stage

Opportunities • Better brand building • Better presence means more customers and increase in profitability • Varied products and services on offer

Creature Companion | International Edition

Real

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the knowledge of the growing disposable income of the middle class in the country, augurs commercial success for the country’s pet industry. “Currently, the human to pet ratios are terribly skewed in India. As awareness about pets spreads and more people see their friends, relatives and neighbours adopting, they too, will consider pet adoption. The next six years will see the rate of adoption go up exponentially due to the host of awareness initiatives being taken by the industry. I expect there will be at least one pet per five homes in 15 years’ time,” says Sanjay Jaiswal, GM, Petcare, Provimi Animal Nutrition India Pvt Ltd.

variety of products at every store and to estimate, which product will sell most at which location.

Indian Pet Industry: The Growth Factors Increased Number of Pet Adoptions: As India continues to evolve in all spheres, more and more people are considering and opting for pet adoption. According to Euromonitor International, the pet population in India (including all species) in 2006 was approximately seven million. This figure grew to 10 million in 2011. Although, a meagre number when held in contrast to the aggregate human population of India (1.2 billion), these figures demonstrate the vast untapped market that lies herein. Although there are no studies providing definitive numbers regarding the number of pet adoptions per year, going by Euromonitor’s figures, 600,000 pets are adopted every year on an average in India. Adoptions are expected to take place at a faster rate in years to come due to a host of reasons — increased instances of delayed parenthood, changed perception towards pets and increased buying power, amongst others.

Despite the fact that India is home to 355 million people who fall below the poverty line, the sheer vastness of the country’s population gives rise to hope for increased number of conversions from non pet owning to pet owning. This expectation, added with

Creature Companion | International Edition

Rising Income Levels: Rising disposable income is a huge contributing growth factor for the pet industry in India. In its revised 2007 figures, based on increased and sustaining growth, and more inflows into foreign direct investment, Goldman Sachs predicted that "from 2007 to 2020, India’s gross domestic product (GDP) per capita in US$ terms will quadruple, and that the Indian economy will surpass the United States (in US$) by 2043". According to official estimates, the Indian economy grew at 7.6 percent (+/- 0.25%) in the fiscal year 2012–2013. Further, Euromonitor statistics report the annual disposable income of Indians was $1,576,087.6 million in 2012, a considerable increment from the $1,073,243.4 million in 2008. Pet care registered an approximate growth of 24 percent in current value terms in 2012. The growing affluence in urban areas has boosted consumer confidence and driven more consumption in many areas, including pet care. As disposable income increases, consumers are more likely to purchase premium pet care products and specialised products. There is also a large base of pet owners who are gradually shifting from homemade food to prepared food as their spending power increases. Growing disposable income is also driving sales of non-food pet products, with pet healthcare and pet dietary supplements experiencing strong

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growth. Pet owners are more willing to increase spending on their pets, not only to meet their basic needs, but also for their health and well-being. The short-term outlook for the economy has become uncertain due to the debt crisis in Europe and signs of global economic slowdown. However, in the long term, the Indian economy is expected to benefit from growth drivers in Asia. Thus, disposable incomes are expected to rise further. This will enable more consumers to own pets, as well as, prompt increased expenditure on pet care among existing pet owners. Improved Perception of Pets: The media’s (national and international) positive portrayal of pets has had a huge impact on public perception towards them. Pets were often seen as non-entities in the country but over the years, there is a growing interest in pets. Even among those who have not been able to adopt a pet for certain reasons are aware of the popular breeds in the country and the rudiments of pet care. Conventional media coverage, along with the advent of social media, has spawned thousands of platforms that propagate the benefits of keeping pets and the joys of pet ownership. Pet lovers and animal welfare workers have taken aggressively to blogging and social media propaganda of pets, projecting them as having positive attributes. With more people turning to digital platforms as sources of information, they are exposed to positive content posted about pets, leading to validation of affection for pets in existing pet lovers and arousal of curiosity and fondness in non-pet owners. News coverage reporting instances of animal heroism, people willing entire estates to their pets, surveys and studies proving that pets have positive influences on children and adults alike, etc, have gained pets respect and admiration amongst Indians. Local

television shows, such as NDTV Good Times’ Heavy Petting, further supplement positive media attention for pets. Local animal welfare organisations further aid the humanisation of pets, sensitising the public to their needs and emotions. Further, news coverage of international and national celebrities expressing their devotion to their pets, have been noticed by the Indian populace. Amongst the rave reviews of pet keeping, and empathy provided by the media to the plight of stray animals, the nominal instances of animal aggression (mostly by stray dogs) get lost in the sea of positive coverage and the cases that are reported, blame local civic bodies for not controlling the situation, and not the animals themselves, who are depicted as victims. Pet-owners to Pet-Parents: Owing to the general atmosphere of sensitisation towards pets in the country, more Indian consumers have come to regard them as thinking, feeling, human-like parts of the family and unlike earlier, pet owners do not mind spending on what they perceive as being necessary or beneficial for their pets, be it on pet food, treats, toys, medicines, resort stays or air fare. In particular, urban consumers have begun to humanise their pets to a great extent

“The major developments in the past few years are that the big multinationals in the dog/cat food segment have monopolised the pet food industry and it is getting tougher for entrepreneurs and new pet stores to run their business, which I think is bad for the growth of the industry. The cat market along with bird and small animals are growing faster than dog. I think the pet industry will keep growing @20% per annum for next few years as a lot of segments are still untapped.” Bharat Pittie, Director, Bharat International Pet Foods Pvt Ltd.

Creature Companion | International Edition

and want to buy them alternatives of what they buy for themselves in every category. For example, if a consumer buys a cake, they would want to purchase baked goodies for their dog as well. Similarly, as humans gear for the winter season with woollens, they purchase dog beds and coats and sweaters for their pets to ensure they will not feel cold either. If they go for a vacation, they will either take their pet with them or will leave it at a pet resort. Therefore, urban consumers are willing to spend on almost all spheres of pet care. “I think of my dog as my child. Honestly, I do not discriminate between the two. I buy whatever I think my dog needs, as well as, whatever makes her happy,” says Shivani Malik, New Delhi, who has a female Beagle. As non pet owners meet each other and interact with pet owning families, they become aware of how pets are being treated and learn the norms of pet care. Birthdays are celebrated for pets. The trend of humanisation of pets is expected to spread further, with pet owners becoming more interested in understanding their pets and meeting their needs, including their dietary habits, and nutritional and entertainment needs. Delayed Parenthood: Delayed parenthood is a much underestimated but a potent contributing factor to the growth of the industry. Every year, hundreds of young married couples without children adopt pets as a means to simulating family life before they have children. These couples, mostly in their early to mid-30s, typically tend to be from major cities and fall under the middle to upper middle class segment.

Creature Companion | International Edition

Whereas 10 years ago, the average age for marriage in the Indian community was 24 years for girls and 28 for men, nowadays, due to career and educational aspirations, people are putting off marriage for later. As a result, urban, career-minded couples are putting off parenthood for their mid to late 30s because they either marry late or want to first secure themselves financially before starting a family. However, these couples find adopting pets the next best thing to having children in the interim. “I have observed a major increase in young working couples without children coming in with their pets,” says Dr S Kumar, a veterinarian from New Delhi. “More couples are temporarily substituting children for pets as their working conditions do not accommodate children currently,” he adds. The fact that the conventional Indian joint family system is fast becoming defunct, especially in metropolitan cities, has increased instances of pet adoption amongst couples without children, as many of them miss the hustle bustle of family life. Also, nuclear families provide freedom to young couples to do as they

PET PATTERNS Who let the Dogs Out: Dogs are the most popular pet species in India, followed by cats. In 2013, the population of dogs is set to remain over nine times that of cats and 14 times that of other pets. In terms of pet ownership, 2011 saw four percent of Indian households owning dogs, compared to 0.3 percent for cats. Most popular dog breeds in India include the Labrador Retriever, Pug, Lhasa Apso, Golden Retriever, Beagle, Dachshund and Cocker Spaniel. Pet Parent Trends: People more likely to adopt pets are likely to be families with young children or young couples without children. They tend to belong to the middle or upper middle class and comprise more non vegetarian eaters than vegetarians. More pets are adopted by nuclear families than joint families. Pet Pampering Options: Pet care products catering to the health and wellness needs of pets (especially cats and dogs) have emerged. With modern society’s growing focus on health, pet owners increasingly project their own health and wellness needs on to their pets. Global Brands in India: International players hold a strong presence in pet care in India, with the top three players (Mars International Pvt Ltd, Royal Canin India Pvt Ltd and Provimi Animal Nutrition India Pvt Ltd) all being multinationals and accounting for a combined value share of 52 percent in 2010. Compared with local players, international players have more resources to invest in new product development and prolific marketing. Gourmet Pet-Food: Pet food in India has seen increasing specialisation. Although the specialised brands are more expensive than standard variants, they are gaining popularity in urban areas. People are increasingly turning to supermarkets to buy pet food. They find it convenient to buy their pets’ food, along with their own groceries. Also, pet food and pet care items are increasingly being bought through e-commerce websites. Woman Power: In most pet-owning households, female consumers decide which brands to buy and which products are required for their pets. Social Media Impact: Social media has emerged as the most powerful tool of marketing, as it has the power to reach millions with little expense. Pet-Working: Pet-specific events are becoming more popular, as small outfits like Anvis Inc and Party Barky Hai, arrange for petand-owner meets, where people with pets meet, socialise and spend the day together. Pet Resorts & Homestays: As more Indians discover the joys of travelling, they seek secure homes or resorts for their pets while they are on vacation. To cater to this need, a host of pet resorts have emerged, and many pet lovers have established pets-only homestays. Pet–friendly Hotels & Eateries: Acknowledging the need of their customers to be accompanied by their pets, some hotels and restaurants have taken the initiative to go pet-friendly, allowing pets to check in with their owners, as well as, dine with them. Pet Dietary Supplements: Besides pet food, pet dietary supplements are also a significant category, growing gradually. In fact, it is expected to grow at a constant value CAGR of 11 percent. As demand for health and wellness products grows, leading manufacturers are expanding a wide variety of functional products like dog food products that claim to clean teeth and freshen breath (Oral Care Adult), maintain healthy skin (Sensitive Skin Adult) and are easily digestible (Sensitive Stomach Adult).

“The healthcare industry for pets is evolving in India. The $16 billion animal healthcare market is growing at 5 to 6% annually. Increasing growth in demand has resulted in bringing about a drastic change in size of Indian animal healthcare market. The trend is evolving and growing at a rapid pace.” Dr Mamta Negi

Creature Companion | International Edition

Indian Economic Growth Outlook (April, 2012-March, 2013) Organisation

Estimated GDP Growth Rate

Month of Projection

International Monetary Fund

6.1%

July 2012

World Bank

6.9%

June 2012

Asian Development Bank

6.5%

July 2012

Nomura

5.8%

June 2012

Morgan Stanley

5.8%

June 2012

JP Morgan

6-6.5%

June 2012

Goldman Sachs

6.6%

May 2012

Bank of America- Merrill Lynch

6.5%

May 2012

HSBC

6.2%

June 2012

Standard Chartered

6.2%

June 2012

Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy

7.2%

July 2012 Source: Euromonitor International

â&#x20AC;&#x153;With increasing incomes, and double income households, people have started keeping two pets. This has increased the demand for dog food. We peg our growth at 15 to 20% annually factoring in these changes. Our aim for the next five years is to establish ourselves in the metros and cities where the spending power is high, for example in Chandigarh, NCR, Cochin, and Hyderabad. The dog food industry is on its growth path with a growth percentage of 14% per annum.â&#x20AC;? Wasiff Khan, Home Care Dog Food

Key Demographic & Economic Indicators

2008

2009

2010

2011

2012

Real GDP Growth (% growth)

6.2

5.7

10.3

7.0

5.0

Inflation (% growth)

8.3

10.8

12.1

8.9

9.6

GDP Measured at Purchasing Power Parity ($ million)

3,483,516.9

3,824,991.1

4,142,591.1

4,527,505.1

4,856,958.5

Consumer Expenditure ($ million)

750,837.9

767,989.7

951,060.7

1,065,173.9

1,118,120.5

Annual Gross Income ($ million)

1,080,849.1

1,113,492.5

1,380,700.5

1,540,314.2

1,607,390.6

Annual Disposable Income ($ million)

1,073,243.4

1,095,398.6

1,356,096.4

1,511,001.3

1,576,087.6

Creature Companion | International Edition

Source: Euromonitor International

“While the animal healthcare industry is growing at a rapid pace, emphasis would also be laid on educating the pet owners. Quite often, the human parents are not aware of the right measures to undertake for preventive healthcare. This leads to greater damages. Hence, along with right treatment, knowledge and education go a long way in ensuring the welfare of our animals.” Dr B Nishanth

please without hurting the sentiments of an elder who may not like or tolerate pets. Pet owners are increasingly opting for international brands because of their quest for high quality products for their pets, keeping in mind the common perception that international brands offer the best quality. Currently, the pet food market is being dominated by players like Royal Canin and Pedigree of Mars International. “Our biggest challenge is sourcing products that are readily available in the West but not easily accessible in India,”

says Aishwarya Srikkanth, Vice President of Merchandising and Supply Chain Management, Itspets. Pet products, including pet food, produced by Japan are a big hit among Indian consumers. According to the Euromonitor International report, Japan’s 75 percent of regional value sale, a remarkable figure, has decreased to around 70 percent in 2007. However, developing markets like India saw retail value sales increase in access of 10 percent in 2006, with strong growth in 2013. Besides, in 2005-06, India and Thailand were included in the chart of 10 fastest growing markets in the world. Major Indian players like Venky’s Pet, IB Group (Drools), Intas, Ek Tek Pharma etc are potential boosters of the growing pet care market. Their products, categorised into premium and super premium range, are widely distributed all over India covering the country’s remote regions.

The Last Word According to Pet Food Market Assessment 2013, this sector in India is experiencing double-digit growth, well ahead of the global market. Moreover, there is a wider availability of pet foods and chews as they are sold at pet shops or veterinary clinics, supermarkets, mom-andpop grocery stores and even at e-commerce websites. This is definitely a favourable time to venture into the Indian pet industry, with its multinational as well as domestic players.

Creature Companion | International Edition

Pet Grooming

A Booming Business in India Move over Pet Owners, here come Pet Parents By Vidya Raja and Prachi Guron

he Indian pet care industry is all set to record double digit sales growth even while the economy is chugging along the slow lane given the effects of the global economic meltdown. The pet industry is one of the few sectors that has managed to thrive even under such challenging circumstances and this growth is likely to be driven by several factors, most importantly, a change in the perception of Indians towards pets. The generational shift in the outlook towards pets is evident, from being perceived more as animals that served a purpose, safety, guides

Creature Companion | International Edition

etc, to now being seen as an equal member of the family. This is leading towards pet parents connecting with their pets at an emotional level. This trend manifests in an increased number of pet adoptions, a higher awareness of the dietary needs of pets and the benefits of pet food, and adoption of more professional grooming services and more differentiated service offerings for pet care etc.

No Longer a â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Petâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ty Industry According to a report by a global research firm, Euromonitor International, the Indian pet care market is estimated to reach $133 mn by 2015 from $61.2 mn in 2011. The research also states that 'with pet ownership on the rise, there will be a greater demand for pet care products and services. Consumers may move up to premium products or specialised products, as they gain a better understanding of their pets' needs. One of the largest employers in the pet care industry is the pet grooming and training sector. In the past, in India, the industry has been unorganised and fragmented, with a number of single trainers who provided basic disciplining and training for pets on an individual

basis. Their methods were not necessarily scientific, and many trainers did not possess any formal training. Most pet parents resorted to utilising their services more out of a lack of awareness or knowledge of alternative options. Of late, there has been an influx of passionate and trained professionals in this pet care segment, who offer scientific, professional pet behaviour consulting and modification services with a positive orientation towards the physical and mental well-being of the pet.

Pet Food: Growing Demand Indian consumers have been slow in embracing commercial pet foods. Traditionally, the staple diet of our pets included roti (Indian bread) and milk. But with changing times, increasingly hectic lifestyles and doubleincome families, demands and necessities have changed drastically. Many pet owners now prefer the convenience of commercial food. Also, there has been an increase in the level of awareness. The realisation that roti and milk cannot meet the dietary requirements of pets has finally made them accept pet food. According to Mr Dulichand, Kennel Kitchen,

Creature Companion | International Edition

Forecast Sales of Pet Care by Category: % Value Growth 2011-2016 % Constant value growth

2011-16 CAGR

2011/16 TOTAL

Dog and Cat Food

14.6

98.0

Other Pet Food

13.0

84.2

Pet Food

14.6

98.0

Cat Litter

Pet Healthcare

7.8

45.5

Pet Dietary Supplements

11.0

68.4

Other Pet Products

10.0

61.0

Pet Products

9.2

55.0

Pet Care

13.5

88.1

Source: Euromonitor International from trade associations, trade press, company research, trade interviews, trade sources Note: Pet Care volume sales not calculable at total market level

“Pet owners do not have the time to obtain all the ingredients that are required for a complete meal for their pet. There are ingredients such as fish oil, vitamins and different kinds of meat which are necessary for them. They find it convenient to purchase pet food because these are scientifically prepared and provide their pets with a complete and nutritious meal.” Leading pet food brands such as Pedigree and Whiskas from Mars International India Pvt Ltd and Royal Canin (Royal Canin India Pvt Ltd) offer a growing range of pet food lines segmented by breed, weight and life stages, as well as those with added health benefits. These are gaining popularity in urban areas. Apart from Royal Canine, Pedigree and other companies, the market has many pet food manufacturers and suppliers such as Drools by IB Group, Scoobee Pet food Pvt Ltd, Glenand India, Venky’s pet food, Farmina pet foods, Whiskerlickins, Me-O Cat Food, Eukanuba by Procter and Gamble, Agro Food Industries, Balthazar Pets Product Pvt. Ltd, Ideal Pet Products, Choostix, Shree Pet Products, Ruskin Pet Products. “The challenge is to provide the best quality food at a reasonable price, since the Indian market is price sensitive,” says Mr Dulichand, pointing out the biggest challenge in the Indian pet food industry.

Besides pet food, pet dietary supplements are also a significant category, growing gradually. In fact, it is expected to grow at a constant value CAGR of 11 percent. As demand for health and wellness products grow, leading manufacturers are expanding a wide variety of functional products like dog food products that claim to clean teeth and freshen breath (Oral Care Adult), maintain healthy skin (Sensitive Skin Adult) and are easily digestible (Sensitive Stomach Adult).

Creature Companion | International Edition

On Their Best Behaviour While everyone adores a well groomed dog; hair shampooed, nails clipped, hair trimmed, fresh breath, what is also equally, if not more, important is that the dog is obedient and disciplined. This is where behavioural consultants play a role. These consultants or dog whisperers as they are fondly referred to, study the dog and offer the pet parents with valuable feedback. Nivedita Kumar, is one such behavioural consultant, who runs her pet training outfit Confident Dogs in Chennai with utmost passion and commitment. “I grew up with dogs and what came naturally to me was so difficult for my fellow dog lovers. I saw so many people struggling to figure out why their dogs did not understand or cooperate with them. Most pet owners love their dogs to bits but never really understand them. This creates a huge communication gap. This is the root cause of all behaviour issues. This is where I step in, and explain to the parents why the problems arose and how they can solve them.” Nivedita started by counselling her pet parent friends and the word spread among their friends. She saw great progress with the dogs and got a very positive feedback from pet parents. It

“More and more people are willing to jump into this industry and offer their services. I see a lot of people quitting their white collared jobs to become vets, professional groomers, trainers, behaviourists, and breeders. Increased awareness and change of attitude towards animals is the main reason,” says Nivedita Kumar

led her to quit a high flying career in business analytics and take the plunge, to help as many dogs as she could.

Evolution With time, tools like the choke chains and prong collars are getting extinct and the use of these to train dogs are being rendered ineffective. Studies have proved that these techniques instil fear in the dog's mind. Until a few years ago professional pet grooming was a luxury. Mostly pets that belonged to pet professionals and show dogs were groomed. Nowadays, due to increased awareness and also an improved attitude towards pet ownership, pet owners are more open to provide an all round holistic growth environment for their dogs. Attitudes have changed and people are now pet parents as opposed to owners. Unlike our previous generations, dogs are now considered a

member of the family and hence the growth in spending on pet products and services has increased substantially. Pet parents do intense research to choose a vet, trainer, groomer or even a pet food brand. Husband-wife duo, Delano and Tracy, who offer dog training in Mumbai, said that given the fast paced life that most people in Mumbai are accustomed to, many leading groomers are now providing mobile spa services for the pets. “When we began in 2010 these services were unheard of, today 80 percent of the clients who come to us for behavioural training want to get massages and nails clipped of their pets. Even better if the same can happen at the comfort of their own homes,” says Tracy. Professional grooming services are now not only restricted to wash, trim, and clipping, but also include aroma therapy massages, hydrotherapy for arthritic dogs, etc. Many groomers travel abroad to study and get trained before opening up a boutique. This is a very healthy trend as it brings in professionalism in the industry and also raises the bar for quality of services being offered. Another factor that is responsible for growth is the parental attitude towards animals and increased need to take care of the pet to provide a more fulfilled life. This intangible need, gives rise to the need for a lot of services like advanced veterinary care, grooming, training, behaviour consults, and even professional photoshoots. More and more people want to provide better care for geriatric dogs or dogs with genetic health issues like thyroid imbalance, hip dysplasia, etc, thanks to inbreeding and bad breeding practices in India. Historically, there has been resistance towards pet ownership from the housing societies in India. Responsible pet ownership, where the dogs are trained and easily manageable, is the only solution to counter the pet bans that some societies enforce. No apartment committee will oppose if a dog is well behaved. Although this would be a slow process which would take time, yet it is definitely possible. Ashita Mathew, the brainchild behind Wags and Wiggles, in Bangalore, says, “All dogs love two things - to get pampered and water.”

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India is also becoming a force to reckon with in the pet trade show arena. Pet shows like India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF), South Asia’s only pet trade fair and the only pet event in India, has grown steadily since its 2007 debut. Pet industry professionals, domestic as well as international, showcase their products and services to the public, industry and pet lovers. Pet shows are also gaining popularity in India, with more and more pet owners participating with their companions to spend quality time and have a blast playing games. Though limited to major cities as of now, the trend is catching on. With pet owners willing to spend on imported and expensive toys and other exclusive accessories, such as fancy collars, chews and other products to pamper their pets; there is bound to be an increase in the number of pet shows as well. The pet spas and grooming centres offer a spacious, friendly environment where pets are encouraged to browse merchandise, along with their owners. One of the earliest birds in pet grooming services, Scoopy Scrub, a sub-brand of Pet Bytes, envisions this business to be the next big thing in franchising. Started by Sanjeev Kumar and his wife Preeti, the brand now has three subsidiary brands: Pet Handlers, Scoopy Weekends & Pet Bytes-Petclicks and more. Sharing his thoughts, Kumar says: “At Pet Bytes, we are into all kinds of activities/services that one can think of in relation to pets, right from offering home grooming service, pick-up and drop facility, dog walkers, dog trainers, handlers, pet boarding and lodging, aquarium servicing, pet transportation, and many more. We have organised the biggest dog shows in India, along with pet talks and pet educational programmes for schools across Delhi. We now offer veterinary services at a couple of our outlets, as well.”

Scoopy Scrub is also looking for aggressive expansion. Currently, the brand has seven self -owned outlets in Delhi/NCR and 12 franchise outlets in Jaipur, Hyderabad, Pune, Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Dehradun, Vijayawada, Secunderabad, Bangalore, and Kolkata. The company also has plans of going international with outlets in Nepal, Thailand, and Colombo.

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Sakshi Sondhi, Red Pet Spa and Salon, Delhi, says, “The pet industry in general is at a very nascent stage and is set to grow by leaps and bounds by the information provided by data company Euromonitor. This spells good news for groomers across the country as it means more dogs that come through the door! Dog owners now understand that grooming is not just a special treat for the dog but it is something of a necessity for their beloved pooches. Dog owners are now spending more money on their dogs and are in general become more aware about the different needs of their dogs. They buy expensive long lasting toys e.g. Kong brand merchandise to keep their pooches busy, spend on high end accessories to help groom their dogs and buy super premium dog food to feed them! The new services we have incorporated in our spa are coat and skin treatments along with signature oil massages for dogs.”

The Bottom-line The industry is at its inflection point in India. Though highly specialised and niche, it also has characteristics of being unorganised and highly fragmented, with very few institutionalised players. The industry is very nascent, and as the industry matures, along with the growth in pet parents and awareness levels, increasing infusion of global best practices and trained professionals entering the sector, we are poised for interesting times in India.

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Niche Pet Businesses in India Wide Reach By Vidya Raja

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he Indian pet grooming industry is a burgeoning industry. Within the domain of grooming, specialised and niche services are gaining momentum, slowly and steadily. With the pet grooming industry all set to rake in close to `800 crore by the year 2015, it can safely be said that this is one industry that is on the right growth path. While US has earned the title of being the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Canine Capital, India is being recognised among the top five fastest growing dog population countries in the world. Big cities and towns both boast of high-end dog trainers, salons, pet hotels, groomers, bakers, and even restaurants catering to the needs of the pets. Through a series of interviews, this article presents a cross section of niche pet care industry players to give you an insight into how the pet care market in India and

pet parent preferences and requirements have evolved and matured over the last few years.

Home Away from Home One among the many concerns that most pet parents face is how their pets will cope when they leave on their holiday. The numerous boarding facilities that have sprung up ease this concern to a large extent. Emphasising the importance of a good boarding facility, Rishika Kothari, a qualified canine trainer who started We’re Mad About Dogs in Indore says, “The unique feature of We’re Mad About Dogs is that I take care personally of all the boarders. I do have help but he only takes them for a walk. From cooking to serving food, everything is done by me so that proper care is undertaken. Since the pooches are away from their families, it is very important to have a thorough knowledge of each pooch's history, food habits, behaviour etc. That is the reason I pay individual attention.” The hygiene of the boarding place plays a very important role. Pet parents don’t want their pets coming back with infections, ticks, fleas, kennel cough, etc. “We don’t want Ekda to be coming back with any of these symptoms,” says pet parent and designer Manika Anand Thilakan. It is for this reason that most

boarding facilities ensure they maintain utmost care in ensuring that their boarding facilities meet the highest standards of hygiene and quality control. Another trend worth mentioning is that of dog-friendly restaurants and resorts. Delhi-based Mamta Sharma, proprietor of 32nd Milestone, a restaurant on the outskirts of the city, has recently launched ‘Bow Wow The Barking Buddies Club’, a garden restaurant for barking buddies and their owners. Apsan Canine, a resort in Bhavale village, on the MumbaiAgra highway (25 km from Thane) is offering luxurious hospitality for pets. This 44,000 sq ft resort boasts of 24 spacious kennels, with each kennel offering a fan, a room heater and an insect repellent.

Retail Therapy With dog ownership in India on the rise, Euromonitor International has projected India to be the fastest growing global pet market. The rise in pet ownership rates are driving demand for pet food, health products, and pet accessories. Tapping into the digital era companies selling products targeted at pets, Itspets, a company based out of Chennai feels that there is still a long way to go for the industry to become organised. “Our biggest challenge is sourcing products that are readily available in the West but not easily accessible in India,” says Aishwarya Srikkanth, Vice President of Merchandising and Supply Chain Management, Itspets.

Yummy Yummy – A Full Tummy Just as good food is the way to a man’s heart, good nutritious food can go a long way in earning you the loyalty of the four-legged furry friends. The market today is inundated with options ranging from take out to fine dining to bakers whipping out treats for the pets. Home Care Dog Food, established in Mumbai, is a dog tiffin service started way back in 2009 by Wasiff Khan. “The dog food industry is on its growth path with a growth percentage of 14 percent per annum,” says Khan. He attributes the figures to not only pet owners but also those who regularly buy food to feed stray dogs. Many NGOs who work for animal welfare have contributed to this industry immensely.

"The unique feature of We’re Mad About Dogs is that I take care personally of all the boarders. I do have help but he only takes them for a walk. From cooking to serving food, everything is done by me so that proper care is undertaken. Since the pooches are away from their families, it is very important to have a thorough knowledge of each pooch's history, food habits, behaviour etc. That is the reason I pay individual attention" Rishika Kothari, Canine Trainer, We’re Mad About Dogs

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Bayiravi, Founder, Bee The Baker, a Gurgaon-based home baker who started baking for pets in the year 2012 has seen a steady increase in her clientele. From a few sporadic orders a month, she now has a regular stream of orders coming in. Bayiravi says, “The demand for cakes and other treats for birthdays and gatherings of pets are on the rise. I have catered to almost 30 such events. Besides the cakes being customised, I also put together goodie bags of cookies for each pet to take home.” Dog-friendly pop-up cafe Mutt Hut, in Mumbai, lays out lavish brunch spreads every once in a while for our four-legged buddies. With a trainer, photographer, some games and prizes thrown in these brunches are much sought after. Brainchild of sisters Trupti Zaveri and Bhakti Bhukhanwala, Mutt Hutt is the result of wanting to create a space that would be a “fun and safe place for pet owners to hang out with their dogs."

Craigslist for Pets Pet care and related services have moved beyond the brick-andmortar world to the online realm. Niche services are now available at the comfort of your fingertips. Waggle was born out of a necessity; as pet parents Samira and Arjun needed to travel and the thought of leaving Zoe at a kennel was depressing. What began as a personal journey in February 2013 has now grown and is benefitting pet parents all over Bangalore, Chennai, Mumbai, and Delhi. While pet sitting as a concept is not new, what Waggle brings to the table is an innovative concept. Samira, co-founder of Waggle says, “Waggle is an online community of dog lovers that helps connect pet parents with dog lovers, to look after their dogs for the duration of the pet parent’s travel. So dogs are in loving homes, getting individual care and attention, instead of being in a kennel. Waggle also provides a platform for dog lovers to sign up as hosts and enjoy the company of ‘Man’s Best Friend’ while their family travel. Hosts are verified by Waggle to ensure that they are competent to take care of dogs and have had prior experience in taking care of dogs. We have over 60 Waggle Hosts in Bangalore. We are in the process of opening up the platform to other cities.”

Going Social With Facebook and Twitter gaining popularity in the human world, sites like mysocialpetwork, and dosgter are popular in the pet world. The entire day is about pampering them. Having tied up with a behaviour consultant, pet photographer, pet baker, and restaurants, Petcialize ensures that the day is complete.

Socialised pets are typically happier, friendlier, more predictable, and able to handle stress better. Under-socialised pets often grow to become fearful, shy, anxious, and sometimes even fearfullyaggressive to other pets because they lack the skills to cope with new situations.

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Rohit Koliyot, a Chennai based entrepreneur started Petcialize, a ‘pet’working event whose sole intent was to ensure that the pets have a good time when they come out. “People do it on a small scale – taking their dogs to a friends’ house. But I decided to organise events for pets and owners on a larger scale,” he says Socialisation is important to the overall well-being of your dog because it will provide him with the ability to develop skills to cope with new experiences in a positive way, thereby reducing your dog’s stress.

Spoilt For Choice: The Future Scope From quality pet hotels, to specialised food and treat services, online platforms for social networking to pet classifieds, the pet care sector has come a long way in India. It is an evolving industry in a growing market, and pet parents can rest assured that this trend is here to stay and the choices for pampering your furry friend are only going to increase.

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Veterinary Practices

in India: Coming of Age

By Roopa Somasundaran and Prachi Guron

O 40

ne of the most noteworthy changes in the business landscape of veterinary science is that there has been a significant shift in the way animals are treated. With a growing awareness and humanisation towards animals adopted as pets, there is an urgent need to build medical clinics, disease investigation centres, primary veterinary centres, and diagnostics for pets just like those for their human counterparts.

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In India, the animal health industry is worth $997 million, and canine healthcare enjoys a share of a mere six percent. The fastest growing segment within the diagnostic market for common domestic pets like dogs and cats is due to the high demand for facilities

for pets with age-related problems such as arthritis. Today, there are various independent corporate practices and partnerships that are driving towards creating new opportunities for entrepreneurial veterinarians to run establishments and buy equipment on their own. Because of the incorporation of business, management and science in the veterinary field, there is immense potential for foreign firms to invest in India. Factors responsible for this new trend include the introduction of latest diagnostic equipment, continuous education programmes conducted by qualified international speakers and organised by vet associations and pet food companies; creating better awareness among pet owners.

Veterinary Practice Trends: An Overview In the last couple of years, vet practice trends have progressed from moderate to advanced stage. “This is indeed a very positive scenario and definitely has a promising future,” says Mumbaibased Dr Makarand Chavan, who has been successfully running his clinic for 15 years. He is also the Secretary, Pet Practitioners Association of Mumbai (PPAM) and Federation of Small Animal Practitioners of India (FSAPAI). It is no longer about just a cat or dog falling sick and a complete lack of action on the part of the pet parent. “There is greater awareness and education among pet owners. The new generation has brought with it a change in the mindset. Since a pet is treated as an integral part of the family, their health is of utmost importance. It is this basic factor that has led to greater demand for better and evolved medical facilities for pets,” says Delhi-based Dr Vinod Sharma. With over 20 years of experience, he has been the Head of NGO Jeevashram and has now started his private practice in Gurgaon. Dr Sharma has organised many conferences for development of veterinary medicine and pet surgeries, addressing issues such as animal birth control.

Growth factors There are various factors which contribute to the growth of this field. Here are some of them: • Owners Awareness • Nutritionally balanced commercial pet food for every age, size, breed • Veterinary prescription diets for various clinical disease conditions • Pharmaceutical corporate deriving newer and better drug molecules and vaccines after advanced R&D • Nuclear families having improved financial resources • Super specialty faculties developing gradually in vet practice such as Ophthalmology, Acupuncture etc. • Regular CE events, hands on trainings organised by organisations all over India involving top international speakers • Vet institutes offering valuable information and solutions to practicing vets

Growing Market for Products For Small Animals Another development is the growth of the market for products for small animals. “Food companies are now offering products for birds and small animals such as rabbits and hamsters. This is something we have not witnessed before,” Dr Sharma tells us.

Latest Diagnostic Equipment Modern age diagnostics tools and labs have a great impact in vet practice since it has increased accuracy of diagnosis to a great extent. “It is fast,

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instant and precise. It has helped in best possible treatment and quicker recovery of patients,” says Dr Chavan. “I set up a blood bank where complete grouping and typing was done. Also, new machines for x-ray, radiography and endoscopy have made diagnosis far more effective today,” Dr Sharma said. The global animal healthcare market is forecasted to witness positive growth in the coming years and the biological segment is expected to be the fastest growing segment. The growing bonding between humans and animals is driving growth in the animal healthcare market. With dwindling arable land, the livestock animals have emerged as important source of maintaining food security. Accordingly, animal healthcare segment is becoming an important segment of growth for most of the pharmaceutical companies operating in global environment. The veterinary market in India is gaining importance as a result of an increased focus on the production of products with specialised formulations and specialised manufacturing processes. The recent developments in the Indian animal health market show an increasing focus towards development of herbal products at reasonable prices. The animal healthcare segment of the pharmaceutical industry of India has huge growth prospects in the coming years. The strategic decisions of manufacturers in Indian environment are expected to positively impact growth in the animal healthcare segment. The importance of livestock animals is generating growth in the animal healthcare market of India, as the awareness regarding economic impact of diseases in livestock improves. On the other hand, the companion animals segment is also witnessing improvements as a result of growing focus on protecting human health by prevention of disease pathogens from animals. “The healthcare industry for pets is evolving in India. The $16 billion animal healthcare market is growing at five to six percent annually. Increasing growth in demand has resulted in bringing about a drastic change in size of Indian animal healthcare market. The trend is evolving and growing at a rapid pace,” opined Dr Negi based in Himachal Pradesh. Chennai-based Dr B Nishanth says “While the animal healthcare industry is growing at a rapid pace, emphasis would also be laid on educating the pet owners. Quite often, the human parents are not aware of the right measures to undertake for preventive healthcare. This leads to greater damages. Hence, along with right treatment, knowledge and education goes a long way in ensuring the welfare of our animals.”

Animal Vaccines Market

The animal vaccines market is segmented by products, animal diseases, and technologies that are involved in developing vaccines for veterinary administration. The global market, by products, is further segmented into seven segments, namely, companion

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“Future is bright and it will attract a lot of young, dynamic and dedicated individuals as vets to study and apply best of the knowledge and skills for welfare and treatment of all companion animals.” Dr Makrand Chavan

animal vaccines, livestock, poultry, porcine, equine, aquaculture, and other veterinary vaccines. Livestock vaccines and porcine vaccines were two of the largest segments, accounting for 63 percent of the market share globally. The livestock vaccines market is further segmented into bovine vaccines and small ruminant vaccines, whereas the companion animal vaccines market is further segmented into canine vaccines and feline vaccines. By technology, the market has segments like live attenuated vaccines, inactivated vaccines, subunit vaccines, toxoid vaccines, conjugate vaccines, recombinant vaccines, and DNA vaccines. DNA vaccines demonstrate tremendous growth opportunities due to factors such as added thermo-stability, cost effectiveness and easy production, and rapid development against emerging diseases. The global market is valued at $5.8 billion in 2013 and is expected to reach

$8.6 billion by 2018, growing at a healthy CAGR of 8.1 percent from 2013 to 2018. Increasing investment opportunities in emerging and immature markets, growing prevalence of animal diseases, and increasing incidences of zoonotic diseases in humans are the key factors driving the growth of the market globally. Subsequently, rising maintenance costs incurred for storage of vaccines, major economies turning to vegetarian diets due to increasing obesity and other chronic disorders, as well as the persistent economic slowdown in major markets will prove to be restraining factors for this market. The major players in this market are Bayer HealthCare (Germany), Pfizer (Zoetis) (US), Merck (US), SanofiAventis (France), Virbac (France),

Novartis (Switzerland), Boehringer Ingelheim (Germany), Heska Corporation (US), Bioniche Animal Health Canada, Inc (Canada), and Ceva (France).

Veterinary Training Centres in India Veterinary training centres are poised to grow in India. Humane Society International’s (HSI) commitment to teaching vets how to do easy-toperform, low-risk spay and neuter surgery as part of a method called Catch-Neuter-Vaccinate-Release (CNVR) has grown over the years, particularly in India, where there is an urgent need for ways to humanely control street dog populations. A full-fledged training centre in Jaipur, where veterinarians from various countries can participate in focussed training sessions, was a longcherished dream that has finally come true. Through the commitment of HSI staff in Asia and the US, other partner NGOs and individuals, as well as generous donors, the Jaipur Veterinary Training Centre is now a reality. Kelly O'Meara, Director of Companion Animals and Engagement for HSI, said, “There has been an increase in requests for training in recent years, and while we can’t send our teams everywhere, we can offer an opportunity for veterinarians to come to us. That's why this training centre in India is so

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important—HSI is excited to now be able to share our skills with interested vets from all corners of the globe.” The training centre is located in Jaipur, a city known for its beautiful palaces and royal history; it also has a long tradition of fighting for and successfully implementing humane animal birth control programmes.

Opportunities With India, still an emerging market, there is tremendous scope for setting up business ventures that involve modern facilities such as ultrasound machines, surgery and diagnostic equipment. The Punjab Government, in 2010, sanctioned over `110 crore ($20.7 mn) to set up veterinary hospitals, new polyclinics and mobile veterinary vans to upgrade existing healthcare facilities and make them more accessible to the general public. This also gives room for scientists and industry professionals to bring their wealth of experience into developing modern, high class technology and developing new and improvised products to establish Research and Development cells that are crucial to being able to progress drugs and diagnostics. In general, diagnostic facilities are lacking in most of the independent pet clinics in India. This is another cause of worry for most pet owners in India as proper treatment is barely at hand. It is only in recent times that pet clinics started partnering with practicing veterinarians as tie-ups with external laboratories seem to be a good way of cutting costs of establishing a one-stop facility for all pet care needs. The global diagnostic and therapeutics market for pet care is estimated at around $24 billion and is bound to grow in the coming years as more people who have animal companions are coming forward to seek access to quality services. One of the biggest markets for investors is veterinary immunodiagnostics, a method to detect viruses and bacteria in animals. At present the global market for immunodiagnostics is valued at $735 million, and in an emerging market like India, there is tremendous potential for foreign business ventures.

Modern Multi-Specialty Hospitals for Animals A prime focal point of the fast expanding veterinary landscape is the planning and establishment of modern multi-specialty hospitals for animals. An excellent example of this is the establishment of the Cochin Pet Hospital, India’s first superspecialty hospital for pets that boasts of technological facilities such as ultrasound scanning, a diagnostic lab, a pharmacy, ambulance service and a veterinary clinic.

Rahul Jetley, co-founder of Alphabet, a new vet hospital in Delhi says, “We have spent extensive time and resources in designing an attractive and pleasant environment to provide our services. We have also incorporated smart hospital design solutions to ensure smooth operations.”

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“The new generation of pet owners and students will bring a lot of professionalism and development. The modern diagnostic facilities will benefit all immensely.” Dr Vinod Sharma The hospital claims to offer in-house grooming, with separate dry and wet area, offered by a groomer certified by the California Academy of Animal Aesthetics. In-house blood lab, x-ray, laser assisted surgeries and electronic record keeping are some of the other services on offer.

Way Ahead Animal healthcare in India is gaining importance amongst pet owners and the healthcare industry. Manufacturers and medical practitioners are focussing their efforts on higher production of medicines with innovative formulations and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes. Primary emphasis is being given to affordability of healthcare products and development of improved amenities at reasonable prices. The future holds immense potential for this segment and strategic decisions on empowering individuals through professional training is opening avenues for ensuring growth prospects.

Sources: Research and Markets, Laura Wood, Senior Manager. She may be contacted at press@ researchandmarkets.com Humane Society International (HSI), N.G. Jayasimha - ngjayasimha@hsi.org

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5 Most

Popular Cat Breeds In India

1THE PERSIAN

The Persian is a long-haired breed of cat characterised by its round face and shortened muzzle. Its name refers to Persia, the former name of Iran, where similar cats are found. Recognised by the cat fancy since the late 19th century, it was developed first by the English, and then mainly by American breeders after the World War II. In Britain, it is called the Longhair or Persian Longhair. The first documented ancestors of the Persian were imported from Khorasan, Persia, into Italy in 1620 by Pietro della Valle, and from Angora (now Ankara), Turkey into France by Nicholas-Claude Fabri de Peiresc, at around the same time. Generally described as a quiet cat, the Persian is typically placid in nature and adapts well to apartment life. Pet insurance data from Sweden puts the median lifespan of cats from the Persian group (Persians, Chinchilla, Himalayan and Exotic) at 12.5 years.

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A number of breeders today produce small statured Persians under a variety of names. The generic terms are 'toy' and 'teacup' Persians (terms borrowed from the dog fancy), but the individual lines are often called 'palm sized', 'pocket', 'mini' and 'pixie'.

2 THE HIMALAYAN

The Himalayan cat is a breed of long haired cat identical in type to the Persian, with the exception of its blue eyes and its point colouration, which were derived from the crossing of the Persian with the Siamese. While the Himalayan is considered a breed separate from the Persian by The International Cat Association, it is grouped together with the Persian and Exotic Shorthair (shorthaired version of the Persian) under a "Persian Breed Group standard". The fur on the body of a Himalayan is white or cream, but the points come in many different colours â&#x20AC;&#x201D; seal (or black), blue, lilac, chocolate, red (flame) and cream. The points can also be tabby or tortoiseshell-patterned. These cats are sweet tempered and intelligent. Himmies, as fanciers call them, are perfect indoor cat companions. Himalayans are devoted and dependent upon their humans for companionship and protection. They crave affection and love to be petted and groomed. Like many long haired cats, Himalayans need to be brushed daily to keep their coats looking their best and healthiest. In addition, they may need their face wiped daily. Bathing a Himalayan is also recommended by some breeders to help reduce the amount of oil on the cat's fur and skin.

3 THE SIAMESE

The Siamese is one of the first distinctly recognised breeds of Oriental cat. The breed originated in Thailand (earlier known as Siam). In the 20th century, the Siamese cat became one of the most popular breeds in Europe and North America. In the 1950s-1960s, as the Siamese was gaining popularity, many breeders and cat show judges began to favour a more slender look for the breed. The Thai or traditional Siamese shares some features with the Modern Siamese (eg, the colour pattern and the short single coat, although not so short and "painted on" as the modern) but differs from it in head and body type. The breed standard of the Modern Siamese indicates an elegant, slim, stylish, flexible, and well muscled body. Its head is triangular, with a fine muzzle. Siamese are usually very affectionate and intelligent cats, renowned for their social nature. Many enjoy being with people and are sometimes described as extroverts. Often, they bond strongly with a single person. Some Siamese are extremely vocal, with a loud, low pitched voice, known as "meezerâ&#x20AC;?. Siamese and Siamese-derived breeds have a higher rate of mortality compared to other breeds. The median lifespan of the Siamese group is somewhere between 10 to 12.5 years.

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4 MAINE COON

The Maine Coon is one of the oldest natural breeds in North America, specifically native to the state of Maine, where it is the official State Cat. The breed was popular in cat shows in the late 19th century, but its existence became threatened when long haired breeds from overseas were introduced in the early 20th century. The Maine Coon has since made a comeback and is now one of the most popular cat breeds in the world. One of the largest breeds of domestic cat, it is also known as the ‘Gentle Giant’. Males weigh from 6.8 to 11 kg, with females weighing from 4.5 to 6.8 kg. The Maine Coon is a long-haired or medium haired, cat. Its coat is soft and silky, although the texture may vary with coat colour. Very smart cats, they are known to have ‘dog like’ qualities, as they are loyal and choose one person as their ‘special person’ in the family. They love to climb and mouth surfaces, so heavy based scratching poles are a necessity for this breed. Pet insurance data from Sweden puts the median lifespan of the Maine Coon at 12.5 years.

5 The Bombay Cat A medium sized, muscular cat, which is surprisingly heavy for its size, the Bombay is round all over. It is the blackest cat in the cat fancy. Once the cat is mature, the coat is black to the root, short, tight and extremely shiny. Even the paw pads are black. The Bombay cat was developed in the United States in the mid-1950s by a prominent American cat breeder by the name of Nikki Horner. The Bombay was fully recognised and given championship status by the Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) in 1976. The Bombay has a characteristic walk. Its body appears to almost sway when it walks. This walk is reminiscent of the Indian Black Panther. A relatively active breed, the Bombay is always happy to play. He is a good climber and jumper. The Bombay is a wonderful union of both parent breeds. It loves attention and to be carried around, often on the caregiver’s shoulder. In fact, Bombays are true ‘lap fungus’! They are wonderful with company, children and dogs. They are said to be great cats for apartment owners and people with other pets. They are best kept inside, away from traffic and wildlife.

The Bombay has a characteristic walk. Its body appears to almost sway when it walks. This walk is reminiscent of the Indian Black Panther. A relatively active breed, the Bombay is always happy to play

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5 Most Popular

Dog Breeds In India

Labrador Retriever

The prime reason for the Labrador being the most loved and adopted dog in India is its tolerance of children, earning it the nickname of the ‘perfect family companion’. Ranked the seventh most intelligent dog breed in the world, the Lab is easily trained. The Labrador Retriever is one of several kinds of Retriever, a type of gun dog. Besides being the most popular dog breed in India, a distinct characteristic of the breed is its webbed paws, useful for the breed's original purpose of retrieving fishing nets. The modern Labrador's ancestors originated on the island of Newfoundland, now part of the province of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. Relatively large, males weigh 29 to 41 kg and females, 25 to 32 kg. The Lab's coat is short and dense but not wiry. The coat is described as 'water resistant’ or 'water repellent', so that the dog does not get cold when taking to water in the winter. The Labrador's temperament is kind, pleasant, outgoing and tractable. Its life expectancy is generally 10 to 12 years, and it is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems.

LABRADOR RETRIEVER Desirability Factor:

Owners’ Opinion

• Affinity with children and other pets

I am highly impressed by this breed. It lightens up my mood instantly and I love coming back home to Oliver, my 9 month-old Labrador. I am ecstatic when I see Oliver play throughout the day. I notice how possessive he is for his family. I am fit because of him as he forces me to take him for evening walks! Chanda Gupta (Housewife)

• Ever ready to please

• 7th most intelligent dog breed in the world • Short hair • Undying loyalty • Infectious zest for life • Cuddly appearance • Alert • Friendly with guests

Breeder Corner

Breeders highly recommend this breed because of his loyal nature. This is what they call a 'family dog' since they adjust with everyone. It is a very strong dog and doesn’t have health issues that often. It is easy to manage because of its calm nature and also doesn’t shed a lot. Its coat is extremely beautiful and soft. The Dog House Janakpuri, New Delhi

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Golden Retriever The Golden Retriever’s physical beauty, intelligence; and friendly and eager-to-please demeanour makes it the second most frequently adopted dog in India. The breed personifies everything that is loveable about dogs—loyalty, affection, patience and affinity with children. Perceived to possess all the virtues of a Labrador, this golden beauty only misses the No. 1 spot, owing to its gorgeous but slightly long coat— something the average Indian pet owner tends to be apprehensive of due to the maintenance involved. It is worth noting though, that the breed’s longish golden locks ironically also contribute to its popularity. The Golden Retriever is a medium sized breed of dog. Their intelligence makes them multifaceted, allowing them to fill a variety of roles, including as guide dog for the blind, hearing dog for the deaf, hunting dog, illegal-drug detector, and search and rescue participant.

GOLDEN RETRIEVER Owners’ Opinion This breed personifies everything that is lovable about dogs – loyalty, affection, patience and affinity with children. Once I had injured myself while playing football and tore my muscle in the right knee. The night that I got hurt, I couldn’t move my leg. Dexter, my dog could tell that I was in pain so he jumped on my bed, put his head on my stomach and slept! After I had my surgery, I was recommended bed rest for two months and I remember Dexter staying in my room everyday without fail. He would get a ball and ask me to play fetch with him at least 5-6 times a day. His zest for life, undying loyalty, physical beauty and its eager to please demeanour makes it my most desirable pet! Varun Chandra (Student) Most people are scared of dogs, but some completely adore them. I was very excited for my birthday and had high expectations from my family, hoping to get a brilliant gift! A day before my birthday, I woke up to a pup resting on my bed! I still can’t forget how cute and adorable it looked with its glittery eyes. This was the best birthday gift ever! Ujjwal Vir Khanna (Student)

Breeder Corner

The temperament of the Golden Retriever is a hallmark of the breed, and is described as "kindly, friendly and confident". They are not "one man dogs" and are generally equally amiable with both strangers and those familiar to them. The average life span for a Golden Retriever is approximately 11 years. Golden Retrievers are susceptible to specific ailments. A responsible breeder will proactively minimise the risk of illness by taking the dog to the veterinarian for yearly checkups.

Desirability Factor: • 4th smartest dog breed in the world • Undying loyalty • Eager-to-please demeanour • Physical beauty • Affinity with children & pets • Patient • Zest for life

Breeders are very fond of this dog and recommend it to a family because of its loyalty and playfulness. It easily mingles with children, is very active and plays around the entire day. Prashant Testify Kennels, Dwarka, New Delhi

Creature Companion | International Edition

Cocker Spaniel The Cocker Spaniel sits pretty at the third position due to a host of positive attributes, starting with its beautiful appearance. With a petite frame, silky hair, pendulous ears and soulful eyes, it is easy to see why Indians love their Cockers dearly. The breed’s high intelligence, extreme loyalty and gentle handling of children and seniors alike, adds to its already irresistible charm. There are two modern breeds of Cocker Spaniel, the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel. The major difference between the two varieties is that the American is smaller, with a shorter back, a domed head and a shorter muzzle, while the English variety is taller, with a narrower head and chest. Cocker Spaniel coats come in a variety of colours, including black, liver, red and golden in solids. The English Cocker Spaniel is the most successful breed at the most popular dog show in the UK, Crufts, with seven Best in Show wins since the prize was first awarded in 1928. Smaller in size than its English cousin, the American Cocker Spaniel is simply known as Cocker Spaniel in the United States. Issues common to Cockers include ear infections, and a variety of eye problems. Although Cocker Spaniel ears are beautiful, their pendulous design hinders sufficient air from entering their ear canal. Due to this, Spaniels are prone to ear infection.

Desirability Factor: • Undying loyalty • Eager-to-please demeanour • Physical beauty • Affinity with children • High intelligence • Manageable size • Apt for apartment life

COCKER SPANIEL Owners’ Opinion I and my parents were very anxious about keeping a dog since everyone was out of the house during the first half of the day. But when we got Snuggles home, everything seemed to fit right into place! Snuggles has given us unimaginable joy. I love to take him for vacations and he has made many trips memorable! Tarini Sharma (Student)

Breeder Corner

Breeders recommend this dog because of its calm and composed nature. Known for sweet and affectionate temperament, English cocker spaniels are believed to have more stable and predictable disposition. Early socialisation and obedience training are recommended to bring out the best in this dog's personality. Spaniels enjoy spending time with the members of family, get along well with kids and eagerly participate in indoor and outdoor activities. Thenmozhi Das Avatar Kennel, Tamil Nadu

Creature Companion | International Edition

Pug The Pug’s ugly-funny-hilarious face, buttonlike eyes, stubby nose, short and stout body, curled tail, agreeable and affectionate nature — all make it highly covetable to the Indian pet owner. Pugs were bred to adorn the laps of the Chinese sovereigns during the Shang dynasty (before 400 BCE). They were known as Lo-Chiang-Sze or Foodogs. References to Pug-like dogs have been documented as early as 551 BCE by Confucius, who described a type of "short mouthed dog". Their smooth and glossy coats occur in fawn, apricot fawn, silver fawn and black. Happy-go-lucky and full of energy, the Pug is a vivacious, fun loving breed, with lots of personality packed into a small package. Pugs are often referred to as “shadows,” as they love to glue themselves to their owners’ sides and stay close to the action. Since Pugs lack longer snouts and prominent skeletal brow ridges, they are susceptible to eye injuries such as proptosis, scratched corneas and painful entropion. Pugs that live a sedentary life can be prone to obesity, though this is avoidable with regular exercise and a healthy diet.

Owners’ Opinion

PUG

The pug’s ugly-funny-hilarious face, button like eyes, stubby nose, short and stout body, and curled tail made me fall absolutely in love with this breed. The first time I saw Pixie eagerly waiting for me on the sofa where I generally usually sit, I couldn’t help but cuddle and kiss him! I could have never expected to experience such love from a dog. Harvinder Kaur (Lawyer) Having a pug is the best feeling. I can proudly say that I have the best to! My brother and I often play hide and seek with our pug Patrick. Having a pet is the best feeling ever and all the more so if it is a Pug. They are lazy and they sleep all day but the moment you look at them, they look into your eyes and tell you how much they love you. Patrick has proved to be the best son, best brother and a perfect family member. Varul Goel (Student)

Breeder Corner

Desirability Factor: • Ugly-funny-hilarious appearance found to be amusing • Apt for apartment life • Affectionate &loyal • Short coat • Small appetite (for the budget-conscious) • Affinity with children • Small size

Breeders incur maximum sales by this breed. Because of its small size, it is easily manageable and families opt for this breed as it is a good companion. Prashant Testify Kennels Dwarka, New Delhi

Creature Companion | International Edition

Beagle This Kohl-eyed beauty has landed itself in the position of 5th most popular breed in India, owing to its vivacious personality, affinity with children and other pets, gentle disposition and loving nature. The Beagle is a breed of small to medium-sized dog. A member of the Hound Group, it is similar in appearance to the Foxhound, but smaller. Although Beagle-type dogs have existed for over 2,000 years, the modern breed was developed in Great Britain around the 1830s from several breeds, including the Talbot Hound, the North Country Beagle, the Southern Hound, and possibly the Harrier. Beagles appear in a range of colours. Although the tricolour (white with large black areas and light brown shading) is the most common, Beagles can occur in any Hound colour. The Beagle has an even temper and gentle disposition. Described in several breed standards as "merry", they are amiable and typically neither aggressive nor timid. Their tendency to bark or howl when confronted with the unfamiliar makes them good watch dogs. Beagles are intelligent but, as a result of being bred for the long chase, are single minded and determined, which can make them difficult to train. Alongside the Bloodhound, the Beagle has one of the best developed senses of smell of any dog. The typical longevity of Beagles is 10 to 13 years, a common lifespan for dogs of their size.

Desirability Factor: • Even temper • Easy to win over • Intelligent • Short coat • Manageable size • Affinity with children • Apt for apartment life

BEAGLE Owners’ Opinion Described in several breed standards as 'merry', Beagles are amiable and typically neither aggressive nor timid. My Clouseau is one such Beagle — smart and handsome. He loves biscuits and there is nothing that he won’t do to get them! When he was about a year old, he couldn’t be found anywhere. Everyone panicked and started looking for him and finally, he was found at night in the store behind the biscuit box! The box, of course, was empty and he was snoring away! Beagles are very affectionate and have one of the best developed senses of smell. Shreya Khanna (Student) According to me, the best possible way to make sure everyone is responsible in the house is by owning a dog. Getting a Beagle home has been the best decision to make my son responsible and caring. Shamus, my pet is very calm and quiet the entire day. I eagerly wait for the time when my husband arrives because I get to see Shamus do his war dance—he wants to snatch everything from my husband to be able to find that one candy he gets for him every day! If I had my way, I would make it mandatory for everyone to have a Beagle! Subhadhra Menon (Housewife)

Breeder corner

Breeders highly recommend this breed because of its aptitude for apartment life. It is the best companion for a small family. Its small size makes it manageable and since it doesn’t shed much, it is also not very prone to get diseases easily. The Dog House (Janakpuri, New Delhi)

Creature Companion | International Edition

RNI NO. UPENG/2008/26403