The
good people at Petopia have taken pampering your pets to a whole
new level. With spa and healing services such as their
revolutionary Far Infrared therapy (FIR) and unique micro-bubble
baths, pets can now indulge in a truly utopian experience.
Petopia has adopted a truly transparent concept, with floor to
ceiling glass panels that allow pet owners to watch while their pet
is being groomed, bathed, and even when they are in day care.
Webcams are fitted inside each room of their boarding facility, so
pet owners can keep an eye on their pets even when they are
away.
Petopia’s microbubble baths are unique to the region. Fitted to a
special tub that is similar to a jacuzzi, the micro-bubble machine
issues jets of miniscule water molecules that have several lasting
health benefits for your pet. The micro-bubbles are so small that
they are able to penetrate deep into the pores of the skin, thus
removing dirt more effectively than soaps or shampoos. This is
especially so for pets with skin problems; the micro-bubbles also
remove dead keratin, which keep the coat free from irritation and
odours. The ultrasonic speed at which the micro-bubbles are
released massages the muscles and invigorates the body.
Another specialty is their Far Infrared therapy, where healing clay
packs are applied on the coats of the animal while they lie beneath
the infrared machine. The machine gives off radiant heat, which is
akin to sunlight without the harmful ultraviolet rays. The entire
session lasts for 20 minutes and helps to strengthen the immune
system and improve blood circulation.
But
concerned pet owners wonder if their dogs or cats will be
well-behaved when receiving the treatments. Uncooperative pets have
been known to struggle and kick when they are being handled by
strangers. Will this behaviour be compounded in an unfamiliar
setting? Will hyperactive pets be able to sit through the entire
treatment session?
Marketing director, Richard Wee, says that Petopia staff take extra
care to ensure that the pets they put through treatment are
comfortable with the handler in order to avoid stress and anxiety.
They also employ a multi-sensory approach to keep the animals calm.
Calming essential oils are used throughout the premises while
soothing music is played gently in the background. According to
Richard, the animals react well to aromatherapy and music and are
hardly a handful during treatment. Petopia also has mobile cleaning
stations, which are designed to keep the place clean and
comfortable during your pet’s stay.
Still, while the services offered are beneficial to our pets, will
the standard of the services be maintained during peak periods? A
micro-bubble bath takes about 20 minutes to half an hour, depending
on the size of your pet. So it begs the question – will my pet get
the full benefits of the spa on a busy day? And more importantly,
with the prices ranging from $40 to $100, will the effects of the
services last long enough such that consumers will not burst their
budgets?
Another issue is whether different types of animals will be kept
together during their stay. With one boarding area alone will cats
and dogs be put together? If so, will there be any precautions
taken? What about small animals?
Other
concerns include its location – Petopia is situated in the north of
Singapore, along Yio Chu Kang Road, in an estate where many
residents are pet lovers. However, a number of pet owners who live
in the East lament the inaccessibility of the place. Whether their
all-encompassing suite of services will win people over remains to
be seen.