A new era of companionship
Across urban India, a significant shift is underway. Pets are no longer just guard dogs or outdoor companions — they’re becoming full-blown family members. The rise of “pet parenting” is redefining how Indians live, spend and emotionally connect. In this new model, pets are loved, nurtured, and invested in — often with the same consideration previously reserved for children or family members.
What the numbers say
- According to a survey by Mars Petcare, around 70% of Indian pet-owners are first-time pet parents — significantly above the global average of 47%.
- The Indian pet care market is projected to reach INR 2.1 trillion by 2032, driven by rising ownership, premiumisation and tech innovation.
- The pet population in India has grown from approximately 22.1 million in 2018 to 38.5 million in 2023, translating into a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 11.7 %.
- A recent report noted that spending on pets in India reached about US$ 3.6 billion in 2024, placing this segment among the fastest-growing consumer categories.
Why this trend is gaining ground
Several societal shifts are underpinning the pet-parenting wave in India:
- Younger generations (Millennials and Gen Z) are embracing pets for companionship, especially in nuclear-family or single-living contexts.
- Urbanisation and smaller households mean fewer children per family in some cases, and more space (both emotional and physical) for pets.
- Rising disposable incomes allow more sophisticated pet-care spending (premium food, grooming, services).
- Digital-commerce and pet-care startup ecosystems make pet-related products and services more accessible, especially in smaller cities.
- The mental-health angle: many owners see pets as emotional supports and companions, not just animals.
How pet parenting looks today
What separates modern pet-parenting in India from past pet-ownership:
- Premium nutrition & health: Brands and services now offer specialised diets, supplements, wellness check-ups and even ‘spa’ experiences for pets.
- Tech-enabled care: Smart feeders, pet–cameras, tracking devices, tele-vets are gaining traction. For instance, an Indian pet parent used an AI-powered pet camera to monitor their French Bulldog remotely.
- Lifestyle integration: With pets treated as family, many owners invest in photoshoots, travel-friendly pet gear, designer beds, social-media profiles for pets.
- Service and community growth: Grooming salons, pet-boarding, training classes, pet festivals (like Pet Fed India) reflect the maturing ecosystem.
Regional & demographic expansion
While metros like Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru continue to lead, smaller cities are catching up. The pet-care services segment is showing strong growth in Tier-II and Tier-III towns.
Also, the adoption of cats, fish, birds and other companion animals is rising — though dogs remain dominant. In one study, 63% of pet-owners had a dog and 42% had a cat.
Challenges and the road ahead
The pet parenting boom is promising — but not without its caveats:
- Infrastructure & regulation: Housing societies, rental flats and public transport often lack pet-friendly policies, restricting pet-ownership.
- Responsible ownership: More pets means more responsibility — vet care, long-term costs, time investment. A rising number of pets are abandoned when owners underestimate commitment.
- Quality vs. hype: Premiumisation is real, but many services and products remain unregulated or poorly standardised. Consumers need better information.
- Sustainability & welfare: With adoption surging, animal-welfare organisations emphasise ethical breeding, rescue vs purchase, and long-term welfare.
What this means for brands and consumers
- For brands and entrepreneurs: there’s huge opportunity in niche segments — pet wellness, subscription boxes, AI-enabled pet care, small-animal/tropical pet markets.
- For consumers (pet-parents): it’s important to approach pet-parenting with the mindset of “life-long companion”, considering not just the initial joy but years of care.
- For policy and urban planning: better pet-friendly infrastructure (parks, shelter services, housing-policy changes) will become essential as pet-ownership normalises.
Final thought
Pet parenting in India is less a passing fad and more a meaningful lifestyle shift. As pets move from the periphery of households into central roles as companions, community members and emotional allies, the entire pet-care ecosystem is evolving. For many Indian pet-parents, the message is clear: the care we give reflects the family we build.
