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ANIMAL lovers across the kingdom will be able to give their pooches and kitties the attention and treats they longingly look for ... thanks to a Bahraini with a passion for pets and his beloved Poochi, the two-year-old Doberman.
Bahraini Abdulrahman Salah Al Khan, 26, has traded in his desk job with a leading financial institute to set up the Pet Arabia store offering a unique selection of products and services.
He said: "I used to work in a bank but now I'm finally doing something I love and that is to educate other animal lovers about how to properly care for their pets. I noticed that there was a lack of good quality pet products available locally when I bought Poochi a chew toy - she destroyed it within a few minutes.
"I went back out and bought another. Once again I was faced with a similar predicament so I started searching online and came across a tough brand called Kong which actually survived six months with Poochi.
"I started telling my friends who also had pets and eventually decided to open up a shop to tap into the market. There are so many shops for birds, horses and fish here but few for cats and dogs. Besides, most of the products I sell I have tried on my dog first - so I know what works and what doesn't!
"I also had a cat for seven years and in her last year she was really sick without us understanding why. We took her for treatment everywhere in Bahrain and nothing worked. We eventually found out that we had been unknowingly feeding her the wrong type of food - rich in corn and wheat which is extremely bad for cats. This is why all my pets now eat natural or premium food and we supply that."
Pet Arabia, located in Budaiya's Haj Kadem Busheri Gardens, is filled with an extensive range of animal products including diapers for puppies to help with house training, travel bags, toys, scratching posts, dental care, caviar and even pet cologne. There is also a vet on hand offering free consultations.
Abdulrahman explained: "We have a doctor within the store that provides general consultation to owners. We can give them tips on their animals dietary needs and even if they have rashes or flea problems.
"I want us to be affordable without skimping on quality. My job is to make sure people are more aware of their pets needs.
"There is often a lack of knowledge about pets here in Bahrain. So many owners don't walk their dogs or even feed them properly. You need to know what your pet requires for it to remain healthy and happy."
Pet Arabia is also planning to introduce a grooming service by October. Abdulrahman said: "I want to make sure that we have the best quality services to compliment our high-end products and I on the look-out for a groomer.
"Some visitors have been disappointed that we do not sell pets. Most pet stores here have animals locked up. While we do not sell them directly I do recommend people consider first adopting a pet from the Bahrain Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA), who could use all the help it can get, or we can order pedigrees from top breeders that I have visited personally."
Pet Arabia is open from 9am to 8pm every day except for Friday. For further information call 17592288 or email info@petarabia.com. You can also visit their website www.petarabia.com.
