Lifestyle products for pets

Not satisfied with what local pet stores have to offer? Bangalore-based Swaty Chandel, an engineer, has a solution — www.woofilicious.com, an online dog lifestyle store and forum. Chandel, the owner of a two-year-old pug, realised there were limited options for lifestyle products for her pet and came across several people who shared this problem. Thus the wesbite was launched in March.Ready to buyYou get clothes, shoes, jewellery, body harnesses and more. Chandel informs us that all products purchased from the site are delivered anywhere in the country within four to five working days by DTDC (she choose them for their priority shipping to remote locations as well). And among the brands available are 26 Bars & A Band, Paul Frank Industries and Puppia. “We have stuff you don’t find in a pet store,” says Chandel, who also conducts competitions such as the ‘Woofilicious Fabulous Dog Hunt’ that took place in July on a Facebook page (participants post the best pictures of their dog and the winners are chosen based on the number of likes their picture receives). The winners were announced on July 25.On the sideRegarding the pricing, Chandel says that the government charges 30 per cent import duty on pet products, and this is a major challenge when trying to keep prices to a minimum. While the lifestyle products are imported from the manufacturer, the treats are from The Spoilt Brat Bakery, Mumbai, and are delivered on a next day delivery basis. The site also contains pet related write-ups like ‘the top five iPhone apps for pet lovers’ and ‘how to keep your dog cool in summer’; a trends section with updates on products and fashion; and a ‘do it yourself’ section, featuring pet treat recipes and accessories that can be made at home. Their pet store directory will be launched in a month. Details: www.woofilicious.com