# In March this year, animal hospital ‘Little Tokyo Pet Clinic’ opened at Korean-owned mall Little Tokyo Galleria, which is located near at 3rd and Alameda Street in DTLA. The clinic has moved in because of the recent growth in pet-owning population in the town. The Korean who runs this clinic explained that “Compared to the highly saturated condition of Koreatown, Downtown’s potential is more positively evaluated.”
Downtown LA’s pet industry is rapidly growing. In the past 10 years, there has been the influx of young population in Downtown, and so has the pet-owning population. As a result, there is currently more than 30 pet-related businesses including pet hospitals, grooming services, pet supplies, and pet event businesses.
Only three years ago, animal hospitals were non-existent in Downtown. ‘DTLA Veterinary Services’ first opened two years ago at 3rd and Spring St, and ‘Little Tokyo Pet Clinic’ just opened this year.
The clinic is currently having discount promotions celebrating its opening. There were also only 5 pet supplies stores 5 years ago, but now it has doubled up and more than 10 stores are available. As there are more people owning pets, the pet industry automatically is developed and is experiencing its boom period.
Especially a lot of animal hospitals and pet supplies stores are opening on weekends, targeting office-working pet owners, who cannot make it to them on weekdays
‘Pet Project LA’, a pet supplies store located at 6th and Spring St, runs business all 7 days a week. They sell a variety of products including pet food, pet toys, and even stain removers.
Just like the pharmacy and hospital combination, some animal hospitals also collaborate with pet supplies stores, creating a synergy effect: ‘DTLA Veterinary Services’ and ‘Just Food for Dogs’ is one of them, located at 3rd and Spring St. As they are moved in near each other, it is very convenient for customers.
There are plenty of pet-related events, as well. Every summer, there is ‘Dog Day Afternoon’, an event organized by the Downtown Center Business Improvement District (DCBID). This year, its 10th event will be held on July 13th. There were 1600 participants last year along with 1000 dogs. There are also events for cats, including ‘Cat Art show’ and ‘CatCon’.
Furthermore, many walkways and parks for pets are available in DTLA. You can find walkways for your pet at LA Live, the center of DTLA, and also in front of LAPD’s headquarters. There is also a rest area for pets in Grand Park LA.
“I used to go all the way to Koreatown for my pet’s grooming, and go to Pasadena to buy pet supplies. Nowadays, I can do all within the DTLA area. Downtown is almost experiencing its golden age of the pet industry”, a Korean resident at DTLA said.
Original document available from http://www.koreadaily.com/news/read.asp?page=1&branch=NEWS&source=LA&category=&art_id=4314052
Translated by Audrey Joung
