In 2019, there are 6 million dogs and 5 million cats in Malaysia, however, the ownership of dogs are at 398,000 and cats are at 658,000, this shows that owning cats is more popular in the country.
In 2020, according to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the number of Malaysia’s working age (15-64 years) is about 69.7% of the total population have adopted pets, especially cats and dogs. According to a study in 2021, on the impact of pets on the mental health of the Malaysian working-class population, it was observed that in comparison with people without animals, pet owners had significantly higher levels of mental wellbeing, and they felt they could cope better with adverse situations and experienced significantly more positive emotions during the lockdown.
Krishna Rao had this exact thought in mind when discussing with his wife whether he should venture into the pet cremation business.
Growing up not being fan of dogs, Krishna Rao, who was a writer for 30 years, fell in love with them when he had to get a dog for his daughter to help with her health.
In January 2022, Krishna started Leo’s Pets Cremation and Memorial located in Rawang in honour of his pet beagle, Leo, who passed away of cancer.
Krishna Rao confessed it wasn’t easy in the beginning. He is the owner and operator of Leo’s Pets Cremation and Memorial.
“I launched my business in January last year, but the arrangements to get it up and running were made more than a year earlier.
“The incinerator arrived in seven huge pieces, which means we had to get manpower to assemble it. The incinerator mentioned is noiseless and smokeless hence it is environmental-friendly as well.”
“It wasn’t a circumstance where you could just form a corporation and start working the next day. It’s a time-consuming and paperwork-intensive industry.”
“First and foremost, you must locate the appropriate site. Finding one is difficult because no one wants to lease out their land for such a business. Many people still avoid dealing with the deceased, especially if they are animals.”
Plans of expansion and business opportunities
Krishna has plans of expanding the business but still plans on keeping the business in Rawang as it makes it easier for pet owners from other neighbouring states to bring their deceased pets over.
“With having my business in Rawang, this makes the costings lower and I get to offer my services to pet owners at a much lower price.
“As of now, our cremation services are the lowest in the region,” added Krishna.
According to Krishna, Leo’s Pets Cremation and Memorial is heavily advertised and recommended by veterinarians around the Klang Valley and that is how business comes to him as well.
Going above and beyond for pets
“We do not only cremate the pets. We go the extra mile. We clean the pet, place it in a prayer room, and perform the final rites according to the owner’s faith.”
Krishna went on to say that pet owners from large cities who live in high-rise buildings or within a gated community frequently sought such services.
“While space is a concern, most pet owners in the Klang Valley understand that cremating their dogs is the correct thing to do.
“There are still regions outside the Klang Valley, perhaps in smaller towns, where pet owners bury their pets because room is available, and it doesn’t cost a dime. But it’s not the appropriate way to go about it.”
Krishna hoped that more pet owners would realise that their obligation as owners does not end when their pet dies.
