Along with the famed dabbawalas of Mumbai, runs a parallel tiffin service for the pampered pooches of high society. Doggie Dabbawala, may be the popular name for Wasiff Khan’s catering service for man’s best friend. However, the five-year-old dog food delivery company does have a distinguished name — Homecare Dog Food — quite like the brand and elite clientele it’s built. Supplying nutritious, home cooked, specially customised meals to close to 500 homes in Mumbai, Homecare Dog Food was born when Wasiff, a Commerce graduate, got tired of trying his hand at odd jobs and experienced a ‘eureka moment’ when he saw the number of dogs being walked near his home in the up market Bandra neighbourhood.
“I used to be afraid of dogs. So it came as a surprise to friends when I told them about my business idea,” laughs Wasiff. Despite the stroke of luck, Wasiff believes that Homecare was started due to a lack of fresh dog food in the market. “There are a lot of options when it comes to packaged dog food in super markets and pet stores. But we came up with the idea of providing dog owners with that cooked dog meal that is not only delivered to them daily, but is also fresh and made with natural ingredients. Much like their own meals,” says Wasiff.
He started working out of his mother’s kitchen with a delivery boy on a cycle and eventually progressed to a work force of 20 plus employees, including pizza style delivery boys. The meals, specifically customised in accordance to each dog’s age, breed, history, likes and dislikes, are priced between `50 and `100. Says Wasiff, “We offer a range of options divided into two categories: regular and premium. The regular category is priced affordably and is very popular. The premium range is for the ‘price conscious’ clientele.”
Wasiff’s VIP clientele consists of top industrialists, politicians and Bollywood glitterati, including Shahrukh Khan. But Wasiff is not forthcoming with the names. With his brand and name firmly established in Mumbai, the 30 plus Wasiff is considering expanding to other cities in the country. “We take pride in the effort we make to provide quality, healthy and tasty dog food. And as long as all our dogs are happy, I’m happy,” he smirks.