India’s pet care market is undergoing an extraordinary expansion, fueled by a rapid increase in pet ownership among city-based families. The amount of pets has skyrocketed from 26 million in 2019 to 32 million in 2024. Consequently, the industry has more than doubled in value over recent years. This remarkable growth is part of a global trend. The global pet care industry is already worth $320 billion and is projected to exceed $500 billion by the end of this decade.
The growth of India’s pet care market is fueled by affluent and middle-class urban Indians increasingly investing in their pets’ well-being. That market is forecast to double in the next three years and could easily surpass $7 billion by 2028. Sales of pet products, from toys to snacks, have exploded. This growth is further sparking the development of quick commerce platforms like Zepto and Blinkit, which cater to the growing demand.
With the market doubling every 2 years the opportunity is enormous. Today’s pet owners are willing to spend a significant percentage of their disposable income on their furry family members. As a rule of thumb, Indian pet parents spend almost 10% of their income on their pets. They’re happy to drop big dollars on products and services that enhance the quality of the pets’ lives.
“This is one area where I make no concessions.” – Neha Bapna
Pet care companies such as The Pet Point are already taking advantage of this trend. They expand their product and service lines to meet the growing demands of a booming, more middle-class customer base. That means, as the company’s co-founder Akshay Mahendru explains, value for money comes before premiumisation—at least for the majority of Indian pet parents.
“A customer is more likely to get grooming services for their pet every week for 600 rupees, rather than somewhere above 1,500 rupees.” – Akshay Mahendru
Pet culture is on the rise. Pet parents are pulling out all the stops, throwing their furry best friends colorful parties and raucous shindigs. From pet-friendly cafes to resorts and even adventures, the trend for everything Pet is urging retailers to take notice. Pet industry demand for pet-friendly services and products is soaring!
“When I first got him in 2021, there were very few pet-friendly places and activities. But now in Mumbai there are special events, resorts and cafes that welcome pets,” – Neha Bapna
The pet care industry in India has taken off! It has had strong month-on-month growth rates of 7-10% over the past eight-nine months. Zigly is doing quite well financially, too, with a monthly gross merchandise value of close to 46 million rupees. Industry insiders forecast that the startup will hit profit over 1 billion rupees (US $13 million) within a year.
To say that the COVID-19 pandemic contributed heavily to the increase in pet ownership would be an understatement. As folks spent more time isolating at home, the demand for companionship increased exponentially.
“Covid created a need for companionship when people were staying at home. So you could see young mothers, people in their first jobs, people who by choice decided not to have kids… All these people started going for pet ownership,” – Ankur Bisen
In part due to pandemic isolation, for many households caring for pets has become a pillar of emotional satisfaction and a source of joy.
“When we got married five years ago, we weren’t ready to have children, but soon after rescuing the pets, our house truly became a home – there was something missing which is now complete. They bring us joy and seeing them every day brightens our lives,” – Nikhil Bhushan
As the industry landscape changes, pet care services go well beyond dogs and cats getting vaccinated at a veterinarian.
“Twenty years ago, pet care was limited to basic services like vaccination and veterinary care,” – Pankaj Poddar