Finding quiet refuge for pets amid Diwali blast

Ahmedabad: For many, Diwali is the festival of lights and joy. But for pet parents, the season brings concerns arising from the boom and crackle of firecrackers that can leave dogs anxious and overwhelmed.
To protect their furry companions from the auditory assault, many either head to quieter destinations taking their pets with them or opt for good boarding facilities where the pets can relax while their humans celebrate.Diwali is still around 40 days away, but pet boarding facilities and resorts in Ahmedabad are already beginning to get fully booked.
Suhani Gehlot, who runs a dog resort, has seen how people want their pets to be safe, cared for and away from the cacophonic celebrations and hence prefer facilities located on the city's outskirts, which are quieter. Dog boarders charge between Rs 800 and Rs 1,200 a day per dog, depending on the breed.
"Diwali bookings have already started. After several years of turning down last-minute requests, we planned an expansion at our dog resort to meet the rising demand and can now easily accommodate 80-90 dogs. And we hope we do not have to turn down any request this time around," she said.
"People tend to plan ahead and book their pet's stay when they are arranging their own vacations. But we also get a lot of last-minute calls, especially closer to Diwali. This time, we have made sure we can take in those as well," Gehlot added.
Another space near Mumatpura village in Ahmedabad too is running full around the Diwali holidays. "With our soundproof facility and calming meditation music, we offer a peaceful escape for pets during the festive chaos. We have received 11 bookings already and are filling up fast," said Vaidehi Bhatt, co-founder of a doggy hotel.
"This year, we are accommodating rescued dogs whose adoption we facilitated in the past. Since our hands are full, we will not be taking in more dogs at our facility near Telav Road," said Richa Singh, founder of an organization that rehabilitates senior dogs.
With an increasing number of people in the city adopting pets and more public spaces including hotels, cafes and restaurants becoming pet friendly, the number of boarding spaces too has risen.
Pet owners expect boarding facilities to be much more than just spaces where they can leave their cuddle bugs. They want them to provide their pets with an enriching environment to ease their anxiety during a stressful time.
Most well-equipped facilities have dedicated feeding areas, provide air-conditioned kennels, let dogs play off the leash and give them long walks.
Many have swimming pools and supervised nature trails to ensure the dogs stay engaged, happy and relaxed.
"We have created a comfortable and secure environment with fully air-conditioned kennels, each separated by six-foot walls to give pets their own space. With a dedicated staff of four who live on site and amenities like a garden and a pool for dogs, we ensure a holistic boarding experience," said Dr Pratik Chavelikar, founder of a pet resort in Gandhinagar. "We are nearly 30% booked already and expect to be running at full capacity around Diwali. Our veterinary team of three ensures that every pet's dietary and medication needs are carefully managed throughout their stay."