Affluent Indians Embrace Pet Parenting, Driving Boom in Pet Care Industry

As pet ownership rises, the pet care market in India is expected to double by 2028, driven by urban dwellers investing in their beloved "fur babies."

In India, the affection for pets has evolved into a booming industry, especially among affluent and middle-class families. Neha Bapna, an entrepreneur from Mumbai, treats her dog Muffin like her own child, often spending considerable amounts on his hypoallergenic food and luxurious travel arrangements. Once a privilege of the ultra-rich, pampering pets is now commonplace among urban middle classes, significantly boosting the country’s pet care industry, which has almost doubled in value recently.

The COVID-19 pandemic played a pivotal role in this trend, encouraging people across different demographics, from young professionals to those opting for a pet over children, to adopt pets. According to consulting firm Redseer, the number of pets in Indian households has surged from 26 million in 2019 to an impressive 32 million anticipated by 2024.

Many couples are choosing to care for pets rather than have children, finding joy and companionship in their furry companions. In Delhi, Nikhil Bhushan and Lakshna Gulati, who share their home with a dog named Mowgli and a cat named Marmalade, highlight how adopted pets have brought fulfillment to their lives while allowing them to experience the joys of parenthood without the complexities of raising children.

Pet care spending in India skyrocketed to $3.6 billion in 2024 from $1.6 billion in 2019, with trends shifting toward specialized services such as pet insurance, daycare, and gourmet pet food. In this landscape, entrepreneurs like Pankaj Poddar of Zigly have witnessed how pet parenting has evolved, observing that some individuals spend up to 10% of their income on their pets.

Despite challenges such as limited pet-friendly accommodations and public spaces, the pet care sector continues to flourish. Pet service providers are popping up to cater to demand, with some companies noting a rapid monthly growth rate of 7-10%. Emerging e-commerce platforms further facilitate pet owners’ needs by offering deliveries within minutes.

Experts believe the expansion potential for India's pet care market is significant, with estimates indicating that it could reach over $7 billion in the coming years. However, socio-economic disparities and infrastructure limitations pose ongoing challenges to the industry’s growth.

As consumers demand more accessible options and better amenities for their pets, the industry’s evolution reflects broader trends in society and changing family structures. Pet owners like Bapna remain hopeful that the emerging pet-friendly culture will continue to flourish, enriching their lives with community and companionship.