Business booms for pet shelters

Suherdjoko ,  The Jakarta Post ,  Semarang   |  Tue, 09/30/2008 10:18 AM  |  The Archipelago

Pet shelters in Semarang are enjoying large profits this Idul Fitri as a large number of customers store their pets during the annual hometown exodus.

"Some customers book a month in advance. They call and tell us when to pick up and return their pets," Anna Ekawati, veterinarian and owner of Griya Satwa Lestari pet shelter in Semarang, said Sunday.

"We also provide on-call and delivery services."

Pets are given a hotel-like environment that costs around Rp 40,000 (US$4.27) per day for a cat or a small dog, such as a Pomeranian, Anna said.

Medium-sized dogs are charged Rp 50,000 per day with larger dogs, such as golden terriers, costing Rp 60,000.

"Some owners want their beloved pets to have air-conditioned rooms. That's available for an additional Rp 20,000 per pet," Anna added.

Her facility has 60 wards, some of whose inhabitants have recently given birth or are expecting.

Most owners leave their pets for between seven to 10 days. For a large dog, that's Rp 800,000 for ten days in a "room" with air conditioning.

"Our job is to spend time with these pets during the holiday," said Anna, who has a staff of 12 employees.

Over at the 20-ward Von Eldorado pet shelter, similar services were on display.

"We only have 20 cages. If we run out, customers bring their own," said owner Agus Taruna Jaya.

At the Von Eldorado, pet owners can expect to pay Rp 35,000 per day for a small dog or a cat, Rp 50,000 per day for a large dog and Rp 10,000 per day for a rabbit.

Air-conditioned rooms cost an extra Rp 15,000 per day.

"We're always overbooked during holiday seasons, such as Idul Fitri, Christmas and New Year's and during school breaks," added Agus, who has been in business for 10 years.

Pet shelters in Semarang:

* Griya Satwa Lestari, Jl. Kumudasmoro 17, Pamularsih, Phone: 024-7600896
* Harley Brahmana, Jl. Guntur 11, Phone: 024-8312816
* Von Eldorado, Jl. Pusponjolo Barat 29, Phone: 024-70232666
* Karsano, Jl. MT Haryono, Phone: 024-8416300
* Kasih Satwa in Pamularsih, Phone: 024-761-7153
* Pet Paradise, Jl. Dr Wahidin, Phone: 024-8448187

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