Fortunately, a growing number of pet consultants in the city are available to give Peng some advice on how to pick out just the right puppy.

At the Jinlin Pet Co Ltd in Minhang District, consultants told Shanghai Daily that they can help people find a pet that fits their house, choose the proper food for a new four-legged family member and teach pet owners how to care for sick animals.

"Like stock analysts, pet consultants offer professional advice and suggestions to help pet owners raise their beloved animals and create a better relationship with them," said Yuan Pengnian, manager of Jinlin.

With 10 years of experience in the pet industry, Yuan founded his own company Jinlin and set up a pet-dog farm in suburban Songjiang District in February 2002.

In addition to offering baths and beauty services for pets, the company also offers a veterinary clinic as well as telephone and face-to-face consultations for pet owners.

Consultants frequently answer questions about what food dogs should be given and how various diseases should be treated, said Yuan.

"I spent several hundred yuan to treat my dog's diarrhea, but it wasn't effective. After checking with the pet-tender, I found he had just eaten too many vegetables," said a pet owner surnamed Zhang.

Pet consultants don't work cheap. A complete bath and haircut for a dog can cost 1,000 yuan (US$120), while local kennels usually charge 60 to 80 yuan a day to look after animals.

"We are confident our new business has a bright future," said Yuan.

There are 980,000 licensed dogs in the city, but only licensed 30 companies engage in pet-care services. Pet care business in the city needs to have a special license from Shanghai Public Security Bureau in addition to the general business license from the Industrial and Commercial Administration Bureau.

(eastday.com March 20, 2003)