KOLENCHERRY: There is a high demand for puppies soon after the spread of the deadly pandemic. Many decided to own dogs following pressure from their children to make life at home more enjoyable amidst the COVID blues.

Good quality of puppies are not available with the rise in demand. If available, are demanding exorbitant prices. The Keralites are waiting for the delivery of their popular breeds. They have doubled the price also. Many are in the waiting list to get their popular breeds in Kerala.

Dog sellers and breeders have no stock of puppies. Those wanting it immediately will be delivered from Bengaluru. Rs 2000 should be paid for the expenses till Ernakulam. The demand is for pet dogs.

Breed, price during lockdown, today’s price

Labrador-7000 to 10,000, 25,000

Beagle-20,000, 45,000

Shih-Tzu-18,000, 30,000

Golden Retriever-12,500, 25,000

Rottweiler-20,000, 35,000

German Shepherd-14,000, 23,000

Pit Bull-10,000, 20,000

Dogo Argentino-30,000, 45,000

Great Dane-16,000, 25,000

Pug-15,000, 25,000

Pomeranian-8000, 15,000

Rajapalayam-15,000, 20,000

Many decided to raise puppies as more time was spend at home. As children could not go out to play, they wanted someone to play with them. With this, the demand for puppies increased, said Dr Sunil Kumar, Felican Pet Hospital, Thripunithura.

‘Those in stock during lockdown were sold at a reasonable price. Puppies with kennel club records proving their ethnicity are double the price. A high price is paid to puppies born to winners of dog shows,’ said Unnikrishnan, dog breeder, Perumbavoor, Vengola.