Making much of pets

Kaushik Saha is a Delhi-based businessman who owns a pet-shop chain in and around Delhi, which goes by the name Unique Pet Shop. Nothing unique about the animals he keeps there but it is a one stop shop for all that you could need for your pets.

According to Saha, his dedication and love for animals led him into the world of dogs, cats and exotic birds. “We have dogs, guinea pigs, rabbits and exotic cage birds. People mostly go for pedigree dogs as they respond to your emotions and provide security. Mostly, labradors are the best sellers and their pups are priced at Rs 15,000, followed by German Shepards, Golden Retrievers and Cocker Spaniels.” Kaushik also sells Pugs, Chihuahuas, Beagles and Shih Tzus - which sell less for they are more expensive.

Kaushik’s concept and vision was to provide quality pets at reasonable prices and ensure prompt delivery of pets and their goods to pet owners. In addition, he believes that a lot of pet lovers are uninformed about breeds and so they are given misleading information by the breeders and some pet shops.

This can lead to financial and emotional losses. “People actually do not know animals. They buy them out of passion and often because they are coaxed into it by their children. But it is important that people know about bloodlines too as that affects and reflects in the animal’s behaviour and looks.” According to him people animals should be bought only after research and guidance.

Saha feels that his venture is a step towards helping people choose a healthy and pure breed with its distinct features. Kaushik sells nearly 10 dogs a day on an average. Even Persian and Siamese cats and exotic birds like Macaws and Grey Parrots make for good pets. Pure breeds in cats are also available between Rs 15,000-20,000 while Guinea Pigs can be purchased cheaply between Rs 1,000-1,500. The Macaws are available for a whopping Rs One lakh while Grey Parrots are more modestly priced(!) between Rs 40,000-50,000.

But these expensive pets also come with their set of responsibilities. Apart from the regular needs like bathing, grooming, visits to the vets and vaccinations, they also need proper trainers to groom them into the well-behaved babies that their families want them to be.