The former safety and health manager with a construction company had harboured that dream since 2013, and for good reason.
“Although there are swimming pools for dogs in Petaling Jaya and Kuala Lumpur, there was none in Klang.
“This meant that dog owners in Klang, or “paw parents”, will have to travel outside of Klang simply to take their dogs for a swim. That was the reason I really wanted to open the first swimming pool for dogs in Klang,” Hiridas, 36, shares with FMT.
PawPool is now up and running, thanks to Hiridas’ The Pet Masters.
Hiridas says swimming is a good form of exercise for dogs because it also helps to regulate their heartbeat and improve blood circulation.
“In fact, swimming is four times better than running,” he says, adding that swimming can also benefit canines that suffer from hip dysplasia.
Hiridas explains that he has a good filter system for the pool because “a pool with bad hygiene can cause flu and skin issues for dogs.”
PawPool, which measures 6.7 metres by 5.4 metres by 0.9 metres, also has a ramp for the dogs so they can enter the pool safely.
“I chose to install a ramp instead of steps as the ramp can help prevent the dogs from slipping and hitting their abdomen,” says Hiridas, who has researched dog pools for six years.
Hiridas says owners can swim together with their dogs in the pool and shower their dogs at a designated area after the swim. Shampoo is provided or they can use their own.
Then, they can dry their dogs at one of the four drying stations, doing so on their own for free or with help for a fee.
At PawPool, training is available for dogs that have never swum before.
The FMT team watched Hiridas conduct a live demonstration with his own four-month-old Golden Retriever, that had never been in the water before.
Although looking uncomfortable and nervous at first, the little pup was happy paddling in the water in less than an hour after some gentle coaxing.
The Pet Masters provides more than just the swimming pool for dogs. It has PawSitter, a home boarding service for canines and PawTaxi, a pet transportation service.
The company also builds, supplies and services fishponds and aquariums, besides selling The Pet Masters Coconut Oil, an odourless oil for dogs that can be consumed orally or applied topically.
“Our oil can help to enhance the immune system, promote better function of the organs, and can help to relieve itchy skin,” says Hiridas, adding that for senior canines, the oil can help improve mental functions.
An animal lover since young, Hiridas operated a photography business in 2009 after an overseas work stint before setting up The Pet Masters.
The business is a family affair. Hiridas is assisted by his wife, Nesamalar Subramanian, 36, and his two brothers-in-law, Satishvaran Subramanian, 24, and Darvin Subramanian, 21.
Hiridas is also the founder of the Retrievers Club of Malaysia, a Facebook group for lovers of Golden and Labrador Retrievers. He also has a Telegram group specifically for owners of Golden and Labrador Retrievers.
Unsurprisingly, Hiridas owns several of his own, with Foxxy, his Golden Retriever, the star of Ramarajan, a Tamil series on Astro Vinmeen.
Hiridas also has a soft spot for stray dogs, and fed as many as he could during the Movement Control Order (MCO). A friend who runs a catering business, prepared the food for them.
While he no longer feeds the strays, he does donate RM5 from every booking of PawTaxi, PawSitter and PawPool as well as every sale of The Pet Masters Coconut Oil towards helping the strays.
He has also helped re-home 80 rescued dogs since 2011 and says, “As animal owners, it is important that we give our pets proper shelter. Don’t leave them outside in the rain or the sun, and don’t abuse them. Just love them.”
PawPool by The Pet Masters
8, Jalan Samarinda 26b
Taman Mesra Fasa 3
41200 Klang
Selangor
Contact: 016-201 7314
Opening Hours: 9.30 am to 6.30 pm daily (Last appointment: 5.30 pm)
Make your bookings for PawPool, PawTaxi, and PawSitter here.
Find The Pet Masters on Facebook and Instagram.
For more information on The Retrievers Club of Malaysia, visit their Facebook and Instagram.