Saudi Gazette report

MANY young men and women in the country love to keep cats, dogs and all types of birds at home. Lately, the number of pet lovers has increased in the country and so has the number of pet shops, which sell all types of pets, Al-Riyadh daily reported.

In fact, most of the shops sell and display a vast range of pets like rabbits, dogs, turtles, parrots, cats, birds, fish and snakes. Also, they offer specialized pet services and products like veterinarian services, regular medical checkups, to mention but a few.

Prices

The prices of ornamental or aquarium fish range between SR5-SR300 a fish, while marine fish cost SR200-SR1,000 a fish. Many pet shop owners told Al-Riyadh daily that they had seen an increase in marine fish sales lately and people do not hesitate to pay up SR1,000 for a fish.

Hotel-like facility

Some pet shops have special facilities where a pet owner can leave the pet while traveling on work or on a holiday and pay for the looking-after services. It costs SR100 per night where the pet will get a luxurious room, maximum care, good food, warm bath excluding medical care, which cost more.

One of the supervisors at a pet shop offering such services told Al-Riyadh daily that most people bring cats and dogs at the hotel-like facility. In rare cases, some people bring ferocious animals like a tiger or big animals like a monkey.

Rare species

The price of a bird ranges between SR150-SR450 while the price of a rare parrot can reach SR9,500. As for rabbits, their price can range between SR50-SR300. Rabbits and turtles are the favorite pets for children and there is much demand on them. Pet shops state that to keep up with the demand we keep a regular supply.

Animal vaccination

Anyone who buys a pet like a cat or a dog would be offered free services like free pet checkup including a free vaccine for the first time. The pet shop supervisor will remind each pet owner of the date of vaccines in order for them to bring over the pet to the shop to get the vaccine.

The owner will have to pay for each vaccine separately and will be given a vaccine schedule. All shops follow strict procedures to protect the health and safety of all animals.

Some shops offer breeding services for cats and dogs and the prices range between SR1600-SR6,500.

Accessories and toys

All pet shops have high-quality air-conditioning, comfortable places, high-quality food for all pets. Food is served on plates and small bowls.

There are also accessories and toys for each pet animal as each animal loves certain toys.

There are special clinics that work all week around and are run by professional vets and staff who are highly trained to respond to any emergency case and even carry out surgeries, fix broken bones, operate on cancers and treat indigestion or urinary problems.

Some facilities have recovery and recuperation rooms. These clinics are busy all the time. But not all veterinary clinics boast of such facilities as these offer the basic cure.