The growing trust gap in Malaysia’s petcare scene

 As ownership rises, so do questions around animal welfare, especially during festive seasons when people are away.

From Khairina Ibrahim

According to Standard Insights’ Consumer Report Malaysia 2023, more than half (51.1%) of Malaysian households own pets.

With shifting household structures and the growing treatment of pets as members of the family, the relationship between humans and their animals is evolving, and the market knows it. Over the past five years, new businesses have emerged to meet demand, from basic necessities to luxury items.

In Malaysia, festive seasons are often peak business periods, and the recent Raya celebrations were no exception. For instance, pets were sent to grooming centres to have their nails trimmed and coats brushed, before being dressed in their Raya best for the obligatory morning photos.

Beyond the celebrations, Hari Raya also involves travel. For many Malaysians, it means journeying across states to visit family.

This raises an important question: who takes care of our pets when we are away?

While some pets may be trained to handle long drives, there is a general consensus that travelling during such busy periods is not ideal for companion animals.

As a result, many pet owners turn to informal care providers, either leaving their pets at home with hired “babysitters” or sending them to boarding homes similar to homestays.

On the surface, the job description appears simple: feed the pets, clean their living spaces, play with them and, most importantly, keep them alive.

However, just days into Raya, social media platforms were flooded with posts about petsitters who fell short of expectations.

One user on Threads reported that their sitter had “only stayed for 10 minutes”, sparking wider discussions about what constitutes adequate care, particularly when weighed against pricing and agreed responsibilities.

The risks of choosing the wrong care provider can be significant. Negligence or incompetence may endanger the well-being of pets, sometimes resulting in irreversible consequences.

In such cases, pet owners are often left to deal with their loss and “learn the hard way”, with limited avenues for recourse.

Of course, there are also responsible and dedicated carers who exceed expectations and earn public trust. Positive recommendations, much like food reviews, help these providers secure bookings well in advance, especially ahead of peak periods.

In many ways, the petcare marketplace mirrors the wider care economy, where services are often informal and standards can vary. As the sector grows, there is a need to raise expectations and establish clearer benchmarks for care providers.

At the same time, Malaysia must strike a balance between safeguarding animal welfare and recognising petcare as a legitimate form of labour and income. One possible step forward is the professionalisation of petcare work, supported by clearer training and certification pathways.

Until a more structured ecosystem is in place, the responsibility ultimately lies with pet owners to carefully consider who they entrust with their pets. - FMT

Khairina Ibrahim is the co-founder of Kolektif Kucing and an FMT reader.

The views expressed are those of the writer and do not necessarily reflect those of MMKtT.