India’s pet care industry is undergoing a fundamental shift, moving well beyond basic food and accessories into a more comprehensive ecosystem built around nutrition, services and preventive wellness. What was once a functional category is now being shaped by urban consumers who increasingly view pets as family members rather than possessions.
Industry estimates peg India’s pet care spending at about USD 3.6 billion in 2024, nearly double the size recorded five years ago. Growth projections vary, but the direction is clear. The market is widely expected to cross USD 7 billion by 2028, with long-term estimates placing it as high as USD 25 billion by the early 2030s. Analysts broadly agree on a sustained growth trajectory of around 20 percent annually, driven by rising adoption, premium consumption and the gradual formalisation of retail.
This expansion is rooted in changing household behaviour. Redseer data suggests nearly 32 million Indian households owned pets in 2024, up from 26 million in 2019. While overall penetration remains low at about 10 percent, urban centres are witnessing a sharp shift toward higher spending per pet. Smaller dog breeds, growing cat adoption and an increase in multi-pet households are influencing demand patterns, particularly among young professionals and women.
Pet food continues to account for the bulk of industry value, estimated at 70 to 80 percent, but growth is increasingly led by premium and specialised diets. Clean-label products, functional nutrition and subscription-based buying are becoming common, with monthly spends rising steadily across metros.
Beyond food, services are emerging as a key growth engine. Grooming, boarding and veterinary services are seeing faster expansion than product categories, supported by mobile formats and organised chains. Preventive healthcare, including supplements and clinical nutrition, remains nascent but is gaining traction as awareness improves.
As the market matures, industry players believe the next phase of scale will be driven by trust, education and integrated offerings, signalling a shift from price-led growth to credibility-led expansion.
