Founder and managing director Boonchu Thingpoolporn has narrowed down his search for locations for the two new hospitals to just three areas: Sukhaphibal 3, Srinakarin and Phaholyothin roads.

The most suitable locations are in "old residential areas", he said, adding that despite the Bt5-million cost of setting up a practice, the hospital aims to open at least 10 more branches within five years.

Thonglor was the first pet hospital, nationally and regionally, to get the ISO9001:2000 certificate. It has spent about Bt27 million to renovate its Soi Thonglor complex and to open a new pet-care centre, Platinum Place, at Soi Watcharapon, Boonchu said.

Although there are no official figures, Boonchu estimates that the pet-care and pet-shop markets are worth about Bt3 billion each per year, and they will grow by 10-20 per cent this year. There are about 1,400 registered veterinary hospitals and 1,500 pet shops in Thailand.

The pet-food industry has also been growing steadily. It is believed to be worth about Bt5 billion, including exports.

"Thailand still has a relatively small base for pet and pet-related industries," Boonchu said.

Education also plays an important part in the business, because owners need to be trained as well as their animal companions.

Boonchu models his pet services on leading hospitals such as Samitivej and Bumrungrad. He believes that intimate customer care attracts and retains customers. For instance, services at the pet-care centre's Thonglor branch, an area with a large number of Japanese residents, include a Japanese translation service.

The pet hospitals also offer specialist services from a cardio clinic through to canine acupuncture.

Ki Nan Tsui

 The Nation