In brief
The pet care industry in India is booming, driven by affluent and middle-class pet owners who are treating their animals like family. With the pet market expected to grow from $3.6 billion to over $7 billion by 2028, pets are enjoying luxury products and services once reserved for the elite.
Many urban Indians are lavishing attention and resources on their pets, transforming them into cherished "fur babies." Take Neha Bapna, for example, who sees her four-year-old Shih Tzu, Muffin, as a part of her family. Despite the hefty costs, including first-class train travel and gourmet hypoallergenic dog food, Neha remains committed to providing Muffin with the best. The pandemic ignited a pet ownership surge, making companionship with pets essential during lockdowns. Now, the number of pets in Indian homes has jumped from 26 million in 2019 to a whopping 32 million in 2024, as reported by consulting firm Redseer. This trend of treating pets like children is reshaping family dynamics in urban India, particularly among couples opting for smaller households or avoiding parenthood altogether.Nikhil Bhushan and Lakshna Gulati, residents of Delhi, enjoy the joys of parenthood through their rescue pets, a dog named Mowgli and a cat named Marmalade. They consider their lives fuller with their furry companions, often splurging on toys and treats without hesitation.Financially, pet care is booming in India with spending escalating from $1.6 billion in 2019 to an anticipated $3.6 billion in 2024. Services like pet boarding and specialized veterinary care have flourished, catering to new consumer expectations. According to Pankaj Poddar, CEO of Zigly, the expectation for quality pet care has evolved from basic veterinary services to customized luxury products.Ms. Bapna, for example, spends roughly 25,000 to 40,000 rupees a month on Muffin, highlighting the commitment many pet owners are willing to make. This includes traveling to pet-friendly accommodations, where she happily pays a premium for better experiences for Muffin.Despite this growth, challenges persist, including unequal economic conditions and a lack of pet-friendly amenities in urban areas. However, there is optimism in the air. Bloomberg Intelligence predicts that the global pet care market will balloon to over $500 billion by 2030, with India's market projected to double by 2028. As more cities welcome pet-friendly venues, Ms. Bapna is hopeful about the positive trajectory of pet culture in India, noting the increasing availability of events and activities for pets. The bustling pet landscape showcases India's blossoming relationship with 'fur babies'—and the future looks bright!
