Pet shop owner unpacks the trade

Bongani Ndlovu, Chronicle Reporter
Where in Bulawayo can one get a pet?
In days gone by, there were numerous places where people could get pets, be it parrots, dogs, cats, rabbits and even fish.

One pet shop that was popular in Bulawayo was along Robert Mugabe Way, between 8th and 9th Avenue.

It offered an array of pets, such as dogs, cats, parrots, rabbits, and even peacocks.

Some households had tanks where the popular goldfish, baby sharks and guppies’ fish, among other species, would be kept.

A search around Bulawayo’s city centre, took a Chronicle news crew to Pet Man along Fife Street, between 11th and 12th Avenue.

Mr Lovemore Sithole has been running Pet Man for the past 20 years, something that started as a hobby.

“It’s not a very lucrative business. I opened it because of the love of these pets and the like. Initially when I opened it was just a hobby then I said let me try and sell so that I get money for the upkeep of the pets that I had. It’s all above and passion for the animals. I try to pass that to the youngsters and the like,” said Mr Sithole.

He said it has not been easy for him as Covid-19 disturbed operations.

“Now the challenge is all these things were run down by two years of corona. Most of our products are imported from South Africa. Right now, especially for me, I intend to open in May this year. I’m reorganising and starting afresh,” said Mr Sithole.

“The problem is most of the breeders went away. Most of them were white and the challenge is that nobody is breeding and if they are there, they are exporting. They don’t sell locally.”

Mr Sithole said it was important that people should have pets especially children as it teaches them a sense of responsibility.

“It teaches our young people to be very responsible in life actually. Owning a thing that you will keep and the like. Feeding and cleaning its environment teaches our young people to be animal lovers,” said Mr Sithole.

He said it was very expensive to import pets as the licence fees are very high.

“The amount for licence fees you are supposed to pay is too high. Fish are perishable. Sometimes we rely on some local boys that breed, but they can only breed one type or a limited type of fish. This limits your stock variety. That is why you stick to goldfish and guppies,” said Mr Sithole.

He said those who want to own a pet shop should have a breeder’s licence from the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and a shop licence.

According to research, pets are important in people’s lives because they bring unconditional love to their owners, which in these harsh worldly times become avenues for the owners to feel loved and appreciated.

People who spend time watching aquariums and fish tanks could see improvements in their physical and mental well-being, according to research published in the journal Environment and Behaviour.

That is why one often finds fish tanks in doctors’ surgeries, which is meant to calm patients down before going in for an appointment.

A pet breeder and seller who preferred anonymity said they are hoping to expand and grow the market for pets in Bulawayo.

“This will thereby allow people to keep pets they have always wanted to and with the advance of technology it has helped improve both the pets and owners’ life. The popular pets still happen to be dogs with a growing market and demand for the big bred pedigree dogs which now play the roles of a friend, pet and a protector,” said the pet breeder.

He said the challenges of running a pet shop in Bulawayo are unreliable water treatment as well as unpredictable electricity supply.

“Keeping the aquarium water clean for your fish is also important, but if you follow the necessary maintenance routines you will have no worries with your fish. Sourcing the stock (fish, dogs and the like) is also a challenge as you must know the quality and health of your products as they are living creatures so we must stay more vigilant in our caring of them,” said the owner.

He concurred with Mr Sithole that the business is not lucrative.

“Also, for a pet shop unfortunately your money/capital is constantly being rolled over and in the business. Keeping fish has taught me patience and that my actions are solely responsible for the fish’s health,” said the shop owner.

He advised people to keep pets as they bring calm and peace at home.

“The house inhabitants will be calmer, less arguing or fighting and so generally more quality family time. Please remember that all pets are living creatures and require care, love and respect and believe me your pets will give you back double love and care,” said the shop owner.

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