With spending on pet care nearly doubling in recent years, affluent and middle-class Indians are embracing pet ownership, reshaping social norms and consumer trends.
**India's Pet Care Boom: A New Era of Pet Parenting**
**India's Pet Care Boom: A New Era of Pet Parenting**
The pet care industry in India is experiencing unprecedented growth as urban dwellers increasingly treat their pets like family.
In a bustling metropolis like Mumbai, Neha Bapna treats her four-year-old Shih Tzu, Muffin, as her own child, sparing no expense to ensure his comfort and well-being. Whether traveling by train in first class or investing heavily in hypoallergenic food, Bapna represents a new wave of Indian pet owners who prioritize their "fur babies." Traditionally a luxury for the affluent, pampering pets is now a part of the everyday life of many urban middle-class households.
The pandemic has significantly boosted this trend, with companionship during lockdowns leading to a surge in pet adoption, according to Ankur Bisen from Technopak retail consultancy. From 2019 to 2024, the number of pets in Indian homes has surged from 26 million to a staggering 32 million. Changing family structures and social norms have made pets more akin to children for many couples opting for smaller families or delaying parenthood.
Nikhil Bhushan and Lakshna Gulati, a young couple from Delhi, have two rescued animals, Mowgli and Marmalade. They cherish their pets as surrogate children, sharing experiences that bring joy and fulfillment to their lives. "Our house truly became a home with them," reflects Bhushan.
The financial implications are also significant. A recent report indicates that Indians spent around $3.6 billion in 2024 alone on various pet-related products and services—an increase from $1.6 billion in 2019. The shift from basic veterinary care to more luxurious offerings, such as specialized services and pet vacations, exemplifies this surge.
Pet care companies are responding to these trends, as seen with Zigly, whose CEO reveals a monthly growth of between 7% and 10% driven by increasing consumer demand. While some seek premium experiences, others prioritize value, opting for affordable grooming services over lavish expenditures.
Despite the industry's rapid expansion, challenges remain. Economic disparities, stagnant wages, and insufficient pet-friendly public spaces present obstacles to pet ownership across urban India. Traveling with pets can sometimes pose difficulties with limited options for dining or accommodations, as echoed by Bhushan and Gulati.
Yet, optimism prevails as more pet-friendly establishments emerge. Ms. Bapna celebrates the increasing availability of events and businesses that welcome pets, signaling a bright future for pet owners in urban India. "It gives me hope," she shares, embodying the excitement of a nation redefining pet companionship.
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The pandemic has significantly boosted this trend, with companionship during lockdowns leading to a surge in pet adoption, according to Ankur Bisen from Technopak retail consultancy. From 2019 to 2024, the number of pets in Indian homes has surged from 26 million to a staggering 32 million. Changing family structures and social norms have made pets more akin to children for many couples opting for smaller families or delaying parenthood.
Nikhil Bhushan and Lakshna Gulati, a young couple from Delhi, have two rescued animals, Mowgli and Marmalade. They cherish their pets as surrogate children, sharing experiences that bring joy and fulfillment to their lives. "Our house truly became a home with them," reflects Bhushan.
The financial implications are also significant. A recent report indicates that Indians spent around $3.6 billion in 2024 alone on various pet-related products and services—an increase from $1.6 billion in 2019. The shift from basic veterinary care to more luxurious offerings, such as specialized services and pet vacations, exemplifies this surge.
Pet care companies are responding to these trends, as seen with Zigly, whose CEO reveals a monthly growth of between 7% and 10% driven by increasing consumer demand. While some seek premium experiences, others prioritize value, opting for affordable grooming services over lavish expenditures.
Despite the industry's rapid expansion, challenges remain. Economic disparities, stagnant wages, and insufficient pet-friendly public spaces present obstacles to pet ownership across urban India. Traveling with pets can sometimes pose difficulties with limited options for dining or accommodations, as echoed by Bhushan and Gulati.
Yet, optimism prevails as more pet-friendly establishments emerge. Ms. Bapna celebrates the increasing availability of events and businesses that welcome pets, signaling a bright future for pet owners in urban India. "It gives me hope," she shares, embodying the excitement of a nation redefining pet companionship.
### Follow our journey at Echosphere.News as we explore sustainable futures for climate and community.
