India is a nation that accepts all kind of animals. Although many of us are pet loving individuals and would have loved to own some pet or the other, we have been forced to brush aside such desires, since we have no idea how to maintain them and groom them correctly. Yashodhara (Founder, Yashbans Kennels one of India’s most reputed & successful kennels that manages the entire life cycle of a pet from birth, grooming, maintenance, boarding and relocation along with introduction of innovative and safe pet products) however never thought twice before bringing home abandoned, injured, abused and homeless animals that she used to find on the streets ever since she was a child. Unfortunately, being a middle class family, Yashodhara’s parents found it increasingly difficult to take care of so many pets due to the lack of finances as well as space. They would admonish her, and when this did not work, would punish her too.

"This is one way of taking India’s belief in ahimsa to reach the world. My products have been tested on humans for the safety of animals"

At school, when her friends used to boast of having pedigreed dogs bought for a huge price, the idea of breeding pedigreed dogs instantaneously became her life goal. She aspired to earn a reputation in this field and then take care of the strays & injured animals with the money she earned from selling the pedigreed pups. “I knew it was the perfect job for me, since breeding dogs would also satisfy the creative side in me looking for perfection, by moulding the pups, both in form and temperament, by selecting the correct bloodlines, and by rearing them carefully and properly,” reminisces Yashodhara. “This way I would also be able to conserve some of the beautiful breeds of dogs, and prevent them from becoming extinct”.

Her journey to start a profession out of a passion began when she bought herself two pedigreed dogs with the money Yashodhara received as her ‘wedding gift’ from friends. She made it official in 1980 with the inception of Yashbans Kennels. Thanks to her unswerving passion & love for animals, she started winning prestigious awards very soon, and almost all the pups she bred, became top winners. The demand for Yashbans’ pups started growing, as they were conformationally correct and true to type with excellent temperaments. With the money she earned, she provided a safe haven to many strays and homeless animals, besides taking care of her daughters and herself, being a single parent.

Fast forward to forty years, Yashodhara is today celebrated as one of India’s most reputed breeders and the most successful woman in a unique field, who has bred over 500 Best of Breed winners with prestigious awards like ‘Breeder of the Year’ to speak for her. She has showcased her determination for perfection by breeding two ‘Dog of the Year,’ and a ‘Reserve Puppy of the Year,’ besides breeding and owning innumerable champions and line-up winners. However, the accomplishment that she takes a lot of pride in is the success of her two daughters, Rishya and Radhiya who follow her passion and assist in her work, besides being entrepreneurs themselves.

Overarching Offerings
“Having many pedigreed dogs which were being exhibited regularly at Dog Shows meant grooming them to perfection. My daughters, Rishya and Radhiya were raised amongst animals and developed a natural instinct to take care of pets and groom them too. I would teach them about clipping, shaping and scissoring various breeds of pedigreed show dogs,” remarks Yashodhara. Yashbans’ impeccably groomed dogs at shows turned fellow exhibitors into clients, who were willing to pay a good price to groom their dogs as well.

Meanwhile, her friend, Prithvi Jayakaran (Owner, Glenands a chain of familyrun Pet Stores), suggested that Yashbans and Glenands should join forces to establish India’s first professional Pet Grooming Parlour in a centralized, commercial area. This Pet Grooming parlour named Fuzzy Wuzzy Pet Styling Studio & Spa by her younger daughter Radhiya came into existence. Word of mouth brought-in clients from all walks of life and from different parts of India from busy working pet parents to Show homes. Radhiya is a trained Master Groomer and now trains students who also aspire to become professional groomers.

Then arose the demand for a place where people could leave their beloved pets safely,

without them getting sold in their absence, dying or running away, when they had functions or holiday plans. The information that the dogs looked & behaved even better when they were boarded at Yashbans spread like wildfire and thus was born Yashbans Boarding and Quarantine Kennels. “Pets that needed extra care after any mishap or surgery as a recuperation, found my Kennels the safest bet. My involvement for over four decades of owning and breeding dogs gave me the experience and knowledge to handle any sort of emergency and treat accordingly,” adjoins Yashodhara.

Yashodhara is today celebrated as one of India’s most reputed breeders & the most successful woman in a unique field

Being a trained Veterinary Assistant from the US, her older daughter Rishya understands the specific needs of each pet, ensures that they are in the best health, and meticulously maintains complete records of every pet, including the boarded pets. Rishya completed her course on International Pet Travel and soon started Fuzzy Wuzzy Pet Transportation to help and assist people to relocate with their pets safely across the world. Rishya also manages the day-to-day running of the kennels.

The necessity for products for pets both for inhome and at the show ring propelled Yashodhara to launch a line of niche show accessories, specialized grooming tools and other pet products. A proud Indian aspiring to go global in her thoughts and traditions, Yashodhara introduced an exclusive range of pet products Ayurveda For Animals, which offers safe & cruelty free pet products, researched & developed from India’s ancient Science of wellbeing. “This is one way of taking India’s belief in ahimsa to reach the world. My products have been tested on humans for the safety of animals,” proclaims a proud Yashodhara. Already covering almost the entire lifecycle of a pet, Yashodhara also hopes to complete the circle by introducing a Pet Cemetery shortly. This year, she also aims to launch her first novel ‘The World Through My Golden Eyes’, where the story is narrated by Tara, a Golden Retriever Dog.

A Noble Endeavour

Yashbans has imported, bred, owned and handled some of India’s finest German Shepherds, Dobermanns, Boxers, Rottweilers, St.Bernards, Chow Chows, Cocker Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Great Danes, Pomeranians, Siberian Huskies, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Miniature Pinschers and the Standard Dachshunds. Yashbans has air-conditioned and mosquito-proofed, spacious indoor kennels & indoor cattery. There are also outdoor kennels which have living quarters with a run, with fans in both areas. Her kennels are kept impeccably clean. “Our stray and rescued dogs love living in this area. We also have an outdoor cattery with many large partitions, with fans and perching areas for our stray and rescued cats,” adjoins Yashodhara.

Yashodhara has dedicated a portion of all her earnings to the welfare and care of injured, homeless and stray animals. Despite being a non NGO that has no support from any external contributions, Yashbans houses over 68 street dogs, injured & homeless, acid & burn victims and incapable dogs as well as 36 injured/hurt cats. “I believe in giving them a good life filled with love, care and happiness. I find my peace, my happiness and my goal in life in doing so,” remarks Yashodhara. She also organizes free vaccination camps and knowledge workshops. Acknowledging her noble philanthropic work for animals, people in her area have even named a road as Yashbans Road an honour that Yashodhara richly deserves.

Key Management

Yashodhara, Founder

Yashodhara is an All Breeds International Judge for conformation dog shows & grooming shows, a pedigreed dog breeder, mother, environmentalist, conservationist and an entrepreneur. Over the past 40 years, she has garnered immense knowledge and experience in breeding, maintaining, handling and grooming pets. Interested in all forms of art & culture, Yashodhara paints, travels & writes.

She is also a popular Junior Handler Dog Show Judge and encourages children in this sport for pedigreed, show dogs. She campaigns for ethical breeding of pedigreed dogs. Passionate about animals & nature since her childhood, she educates people about the value of pets in their lives, encouraging youngsters to show love & compassion towards all animals.

Location:Bangalore

Quick Facts
•Yashbans Kennels is one of India’s most reputed & successful kennels that manages the entire life cycle of a pet from birth, grooming, maintenance, boarding and relocation, along with introduction of numerous pet products that are safe and non toxic.
•Yashodhara is celebrated as one of India’s most reputed breeders & the most successful woman in a unique field, who has bred over 500 Best of Breed winners with prestigious awards like ‘Breeder of the Year’ to speak for her
•She has showcased her determination for perfection by breeding two ‘Dog of the Year,’ and a ‘Reserve Puppy of the Year,’ besides breeding and owning innumerable champions and line-up winners
•Yashodhara’s involvement for over four decades of owning and breeding dogs gave her the experience and knowledge to handle any sort of emergency and treat pets accordingly
•Despite being a non-NGO that has no support from any external contributions, Yashbans houses over 68 street dogs, injured & homeless, acid & burn victims and incapable dogs as well as 36 injured/hurt cats