Over the past few years, pet ownership in India has evolved beyond feeding and walking; pets are now considered an integral part of the family. The bond between people and their pets has deepened, resulting in a significant shift in how pet care is viewed and prioritized. India’s pet care industry is growing and is expected to reach USD ~4.5B by 2030. This rise is being fueled by increasing pet adoption, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, along with a growing focus on nutrition, health, wellness, and personalized care. More pet parents are now investing in premium food, grooming, vet services, insurance, and tech-based tools that support daily care and well-being. Young, digitally savvy consumers are at the forefront of this change, reshaping the market with modern expectations and lifestyle-driven choices. The industry stands at a promising point, where emotional connection, convenience, and innovation are all coming together to shape the future of pet care in India
Let’s dive into what’s shaping India’s pet care market today
Key Drivers of India’s Pet Care Growth
India’s pet care market is expanding at a strong 24% CAGR, projected to grow from USD 1.2B in 2024 to USD 4.5B by 2030. This growth is being driven by multiple trends, including the rising demand for breed-specific and organic food, a surge in direct-to-consumer (D2C) and e-commerce pet brands, and increased awareness about pet health and wellness. The country now has over ~13.1K veterinary clinics, and services like tele-vet consultations, pet spas, and physiotherapy are picking up pace. Even pet insurance, while still new, is gaining attention as healthcare costs rise. All of this reflects a deeper shift in how pets are being cared for, more thoughtfully and more personally.
Pet owners today are showing a clear preference for higher-quality food options, including organic, breed-specific, and vet-prescribed diets. This is encouraging both local and global brands to offer more specialized products. At the same time, D2C and online-first platforms are seeing strong traction, especially in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. These platforms offer personalized recommendations, subscription-based deliveries, and even video consultations with vets, making pet care more accessible and customized.
Opportunities and Roadblocks in the Industry
The pet care industry is gaining traction, particularly in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, thanks to growing digital access and lifestyle changes. Consumers are moving beyond basic care to embrace premium, personalized, and tech-enabled services. However, there are still challenges that need to be addressed. The absence of clear regulations and safety standards leads to trust issues. The retail ecosystem remains fragmented, dominated by small, unorganized shops that lack expertise. High treatment costs and a shortage of trained vets, especially outside big cities, also make it difficult for many pet owners to access quality care. The potential is high, but scaling sustainably requires closing these critical gaps.
The Future of Pet Care in India
The future of pet care in India is evolving fast, and it’s all about experience, technology, and emotional connection. Younger generations, especially millennials and Gen Z, are redefining what it means to be a pet parent. Pet ownership is no longer just about basic care; it’s increasingly tied to lifestyle and self-expression. From celebrating birthdays to investing in fashion accessories and grooming, pets are being embraced as family.
Experience-led formats such as luxury grooming salons and vet-backed retail chains are gaining traction, offering not just products but holistic services. Events like Pet Fed are strengthening this emotional bond by building communities and giving brands a vibrant platform to connect with passionate pet lovers. Hosted across major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, Pet Fed brings together 100+ pet care brands, including names like Royal Canin, Drools, Just Dogs, and Himalaya, creating a festival atmosphere filled with interactive zones, play areas, fashion shows, and adoption drives. Meanwhile, the adoption of smart feeders, AI-powered cameras, and health trackers is making daily care more efficient and responsive.
This evolution is also reshaping how pet parents interact with brands and services. Digitally native D2C players with integrated tech features like behavior tracking and real-time health monitoring are seeing increased preference among digitally savvy consumers. Retail is becoming more immersive, with concepts like pet cafés and personalized grooming lounges combining convenience with social engagement. At the ecosystem level, large-scale events such as Pet Fed India are playing a pivotal role in driving awareness, enabling discovery, and amplifying brand reach. By offering both experiential engagement and commercial visibility, these events have become a key platform for emerging and established players alike. Complementing these shifts, pet-tech innovations continue to empower
As India’s pet care market continues to grow, it’s doing more than just creating business opportunities—it’s reshaping the way we love, care for, and live with our pets. The future is being built around emotional connection, thoughtful innovation, and a shared belief that pets deserve the same quality of life as any family member. From smarter solutions to more accessible services, the shift is real and just getting started.