The FINANCIAL -- Pet shops in Georgia are complaining that the economical downturn has affected their business.

Customers are not buying higher quality food and products for their furry friends any more. This has lead most pet shops to stop importing pet clothes, shoes and other luxury accessories. According to unofficial data the number of homeless dogs has dramatically increased.

Natalia, 24, spends around GEL 400 on her 2 year old Poodle. The cost includes food, doggie treats, toys, the pet’s bed and current issue of Modern Dog. “Some people liken me to American socialite Paris Hilton when I walk around with my doggie dressed up in pink togs and collars with Swarovski crystals,” Natalia says.

“Chapy is always in the centre of attention, not only people but also pets,” she says. Although Natalia is among only a small number of people who spend so much on their pet’s care.

Pet shop, Zoo Plaza, offers collars encrusted with Swarovski crystals. Their price varies around 170 GEL.

“We used to offer clothing for Chihuahuas costing around 50 GEL, and shoes costing around 25-30 GEL. However demand is not high and so we do not import those any more. The price for togs and raincoats varies around 35 GEL for Labrador size dogs,” representatives of Zoo Plaza told The FINANCIAL.

“I would not say that the recession reduced the number of our customers as they have remained stable. However most owners have switched to cheaper foods. The sale of super premium food packages has twice reduced. Sale of premium packages has stayed almost the same, but demand for economic packages has doubled,” says Khatuna Nazgaidze, Manager of pet shop Dogwil.

Dogwil offers veterinary and hygiene service and food for pets. The price for food is diversified. It is divided in to three types of packages: economic packages, the price of which is 2 GEL per kg, premium package, which costs 3-5 GEL per kg, and super premium, which costs 8-9 GEL.

Nazgaidze says that only 10% of their customers use super premium food packages, 30% - economic package and the rest buy the premium package. “But if using the economic package customers will need to spend money on special vitamins to compensate,” she adds.

“Our most frequent customers are those visiting the vet for vaccinations. The price for those are generally 5 GEL. We also have Czech vaccinations; the price of which are 8 GEL and American - 15 GEL,” Nazgaidze notes.

“The price for a vet’s service depends on how soon the customer brings their pet to the vet after a problem has set in. Concerning trauma customers need to take an X-Ray and echoscope of their pet. The price for an X-Ray is 15 GEL and 80 GEL for echoscopes. The most common type of operation for pets is neutering. The price for that is 60 GEL,” Nazgaidze says.

Pet shop Dogan serves around 100 customers monthly. Customers spend approximately 26 GEL every month. The company sells about 7-8 tonnes of dog food monthly. Nicka Gakhutishvili, Manager of Dogan, says the global recession has not affected their business as the company does not sell particularly expensive products.

The influence of Hollywood socialites in Georgia is significant. Chihuahuas have become very popular among Georgians. Labrador and Cocker Spaniels are also among the most popular dog breeds in the country. Among cats the most popular breed is the Persian.

Affluent masters spend around 200 GEL every month, others - 50-100 GEL.

“60% of our customers spend about 50 GEL every month,” says Nino Kbilashvili, Manager of Pet Shop.
 
“The most popular dog food is Darling. Its price per kg is 3 GEL. We sell about 150-300 kg every month. The recession reduced our sales by 70%. The reduction of sales was also caused by the fact that the competition in this sector increases every year,” she explains.

“The most common problems among dogs are fungal and stomach problems. To perfectly care for one’s dog, including vet’s consultations, prophylactic examination, massages and other trainings, customers will have to spend about 400 GEL every month. However only 3-5% of our customers afford to provide that level of complex care to their pets. About 60-70% of our customers spend about 50-60 GEL a month on their dogs. The rest spend 100 GEL. Paying a visit to the vet is recommended at least twice a year. As for the cats, the most common operation for them is castration. The price of which is 80 GEL,” Kbilashvili declares.

According to unofficial data the number of homeless dogs has dramatically increased.

The Charity Gala Burns Supper & Ball will take place at the Grand Ballroom of the Sheraton Metechi Palace Hotel here in Tbilisi on 30th January 2010. Funds raised from the event will support worthy causes in Georgia, among them setting up a shelter for sick or injured stray animals, sterilisation, immunisation and adoption programmes.

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