Urban India's pet care sector is booming as more affluent and middle-class individuals embrace their pets as family, spending sizeable amounts on their care and well-being. The pandemic spurred pet ownership, with a significant surge in spending on products and services reflecting this societal change.
The Rise of Pet Parenthood: India's Pet Care Industry Thrives amid Changing Familial Norms
The Rise of Pet Parenthood: India's Pet Care Industry Thrives amid Changing Familial Norms
Affluent urban Indians are investing significantly in pet care, reflecting shifting societal values and the emotional bond with their pets as family members.
As affluent urban Indians increasingly adopt pets, a marked cultural shift is occurring in how they view these animals - not merely as companions, but as integral family members. Pet care spending has soared, nearly doubling to $3.6 billion in 2024 from $1.6 billion just five years earlier, according to industry insights from Redseer. The pandemic has played a critical role in this trend, providing companionship during lockdowns and leading to a rise in pet ownership across diverse demographics, with a growing number of households welcoming animals into their lives.
Neha Bapna, a Mumbai entrepreneur, epitomizes this new pet parenthood. Her dog Muffin, a four-year-old Shih Tzu, is lavished with the highest quality hypoallergenic food and is often part of her travel plans, occupying first-class seats on trains at a premium rate. For Neha, investing in Muffin's comfort and health is a top priority; she believes her dog deserves the best care possible, underscoring the deep emotional investment many pet owners now make.
As societal norms evolve with later marriages and smaller family units, pets increasingly fulfill nurturing desires for couples like Nikhil Bhushan and Lakshna Gulati, who share their home with a rescued dog and cat. The couple, child-free by choice, enjoys the joy and companionship their pets provide, indulging them with toys and treats that enhance their daily lives.
The pet care market is not only experiencing growth due to affluent individuals but also due to the rise of middle-class pet owners seeking value-for-money options. Companies like Zigly, which supply a wide range of pet products and services, report substantial sales increases, while chains like The Pet Point cater to more budget-conscious consumers seeking routine grooming or affordable supplies.
Despite the robust growth potential, experts warn that challenges remain. Issues such as unequal economic growth, limited pet-friendly public spaces, and transportation options pose restrictions for pet owners like Bhushan and Gulati, who often travel with portable pet beds and face limitations at dining venues. However, as public acceptance and availability of pet-friendly venues steadily improve, there are bright prospects ahead.
Industry analysts suggest the Indian pet care market could double by 2028, possibly exceeding $7 billion. This growth reflects a shift in consumer values, where spending on pets is seen as an investment in companionship and overall well-being. More affordable services introduced through quick commerce platforms can only enhance accessibility, catering to a growing demand among aspiring pet parents across urban India.
With a hopeful outlook on the evolving landscape, pet owners like Ms. Bapna find joy in the expanding opportunities for social interactions and specialized experiences for their beloved animals. Tapping into the potential of the pet care market reflects more than just a financial trend; it embodies the changing dynamics of family and affection in modern Indian society.
