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It won’t be Desa ParkCity if you don’t see four-legged companions everywhere – strolling, shopping, dining, and now, even banking.
Integrating the lifestyle of the community into its services,
the Standard Chartered Bank in Plaza Arkadia has become the first pet-friendly branch in the country.
The bank’s managing director and head of consumer, private and business banking, Sammeer says the bank has decided to adopt a pet-friendly banking concept, knowing that one of Desa ParkCity’s standout features is the inclusivity of the residents’ pets.
Opened in September 2022, the branch officially became pet-friendly in November 2022, and celebrated the initiative with an open-house event where customers were invited to
come with their pets. Also, banking hours have been revised to cater to the community’s convenience (see box).
Customers can just walk in with their pets to a designated pet-zone. To protect the pets, other customers and the bank staff, a list of regulations are posted at the branch entrance, along with the reminder that only pet owners are allowed to attend to their own pets.
Sammeer says the initiative has been very well received by customers as they are delighted with the convenience of being able to bring their fur-kids along when they do their banking.
Standard Chartered Plaza Arkadia
G-G-9, Block G, Plaza Arkadia, 3, Jalan Intisari, Desa ParkCity, 52200 KL
Contact: 1-300-88-8888
Opening hours:
Monday–Saturday, 11am–7pm
The next time you pop by the ever-popular Kenny Hills Baker, you can order a yummy treat for your fur-kid too!
Priced at just RM5, the pup-a-latte (which you can give cats too) is just straight-up whipped cream served in a takeaway cup – so there are no hygiene issues.
Whilst dogs should usually stick to dog food and treats, the pup-a-latte could be considered a special treat. To be on the safe side, just one cup is enough – yes, you’ll have to ignore their beseeching eyes! And if you know your pooch has digestive issues, it’s best to skip it. The same applies for cats.
Note: If you’re not sure your fur-kid should be taking whipped cream, then it’s best to check with your vet first.
Kenny Hills Bakers
@ GF33, GF33A & GF35, The Waterfront @ ParkCity, Persiaran Residen 5, Desa ParkCity, 52200 KL
Contact: +603 6419 5990
Opening hours: Daily, 8am–10pm
At Vitruvio Gym, you can bring your beloved pets for your workouts. The double-storey boutique gym offers a full range of small group classes and personal training.
“We became pet-friendly when a regular client requested to bring along her dog for her workout sessions. We emphasise building good relationships with our clients, and we agreed as Riley (the dog) is well trained and not prone to barking, so it does not disturb other clients,” says co-owner Lim Kean Chong, or KC.
“We are happy if our personal training clients want to bring their pets, as long as they are responsible, i.e. a diaper should be worn if the pets are not potty-trained. They should preferably be leashed so that there are no incidents like weights dropping on them.
“So far, we’ve only had dogs and not other types of animals here. But we are open to it – as we’ve said – we work on a trust basis with our clients.”
Vitruvio Gym
F-1-19, Plaza Arkadia, 3, Jalan Intisari Perdana, Desa ParkCity, 52200 KL
Contact: +6010 284 6606
Opening hours: Monday–Friday, 7am–12pm & 5pm–8.30pm, Saturday & Sunday, 9am–12pm
Public holidays and private training by appointment only
