India’s Pet Care Economy 2025: Market Trends, Key Players, and Growth Opportunities

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India’s pet care industry is projected to reach INR 2.1 trillion by 2032, driven by rising pet ownership, premiumization, and digital innovation. We explore key trends, market players, and growth opportunities reshaping the sector in the country.

The global pet care industry, valued at US$320 billion in 2023, is projected to reach nearly US$500 billion by 2030, driven by rising pet ownership and the growing trend of pet humanization. This global momentum is clearly reflected in India, where pets have come to occupy an increasingly cherished role in households.

Pet parenting in India has become mainstream among urban middle-class and millennial consumers. Today, pets are seen not just as companions but as integral family members—entitled to dedicated healthcare, curated diets, luxury accessories, and even social outings. This shift is fueling demand for high-quality products and services. According to a market report released on October 17, 2024, India’s pet care market reached US$3.6 billion in 2024 and is expected to double by 2028, marking it as one of the fastest-growing segments in the country’s consumer economy.

India’s pet care market size and growth drivers

India’s pet care industry is projected to reach INR 2.1 trillion (US$25.03 billion) by 2032, with a CAGR of 20 percent. Considered a thriving market by market experts, the domestic pet economy is fueled by rising pet ownership, investment, and evolving consumer behavior. As per reports, in 2025, India is home to an estimated 100 million pets, including 30 million in urban households.

Central to this boom can be seen spending on premium food, wellness, grooming, and pet lifestyle services. Rising disposable incomes, urbanization, and smaller households have also made pet ownership more attainable and desirable, especially among young professionals.

Millennials and Gen Z are shaping the market with their preferences for organic food, health supplements, tech-enabled care, and designer accessories. These dynamics are setting the stage for sustained long-term growth in India’s pet care market, opening up new avenues for brands, investors, and entrepreneurs alike.

Pet food and accessories manufacturing in India

Domestic production and local brands

India’s pet care sector has witnessed rapid growth in homegrown brands like Heads Up For Tails (HUFT), Drools, Fresh for Paws, and Just Dogs, which range from nutritious food and grooming supplies to high-end accessories. Domestic brands are catering to a new wave of health-conscious pet owners. In addition, boutique ventures for pet care further reflect the demand for small-batch, organic products tailored to dietary sensitivities and life-stage needs. The market is also seeing a surge in preventive wellness offerings, including natural supplements, Ayurvedic remedies, and CBD-infused treats—underscoring modern pet parents’ growing focus on informed choice.

Expansion by global players

In parallel, global players are increasingly investing in India’s pet care market, recognizing its  high growth potential. Mars Petcare, which owns popular pet food brands like Pedigree, Royal Canin, Whiskas, and Sheba, has invested INR 5 billion (US$59.6 million) to expand its Telangana facility and aims to transition to full domestic production. Currently, 60 percent of its products sold in India are locally manufactured. The company is also establishing regional research and development and deepening partnerships to boost accessibility and affordability. As pet ownership rises and digital platforms expand reach, other multinational brands are also eyeing India, contributing to a more self-sufficient ecosystem poised for export.

Companies dominating the pet care market in India

Foreign companies like Mars Petcare dominate India’s pet care space with brands such as Pedigree, Royal Canin, and Whiskas. Since entering the market in 2002, Mars has expanded local manufacturing and R&D, aiming to make India one of its top five global markets. Meanwhile, Nestlé is preparing to enter India’s premium pet food segment, signaling strong multinational interest.

On the domestic front, brands like HUFT and Drools are leading with tailored products. HUFT has built a lifestyle brand around pet wellness, while Drools, valued at US$600 million, focuses on affordable nutrition. Other notable brands are diversifying into grooming, insurance, and telemedicine countrywide.

Pet tech—including GPS trackers and smart feeders—is gaining popularity, while subscription boxes offer personalized, convenient care. Additionally, there’s rising demand for organic supplements like CBD-infused and Ayurvedic treatments.

Together, these players and trends illustrate a fast-evolving ecosystem extending far beyond basic pet food into full-spectrum pet care and lifestyle services.

Import and export of pet care products

Despite the rapid expansion of the domestic pet care market, India remains heavily reliant on imported premium pet products, especially in the luxury segment. Several high-end international brands have introduced exclusive pet accessory lines globally—ranging from handcrafted beds to designer collars—however, the collections are not yet available in Indian retail stores or official online platforms. Indian consumers seeking such luxury goods must resort to purchasing from global e-commerce sites or while traveling abroad, raising costs and limiting access.

Indian companies are reportedly serving the mass market and venturing into premium segments, thereby reducing dependence on imported goods. With the rise in awareness, affordability, and customization, these Indian brands are positioning themselves as viable substitutes for international products, especially in pet food, grooming supplies, and lifestyle accessories.

Looking ahead, there is significant potential for India to evolve into an export hub for pet care products. As manufacturing capabilities continue to scale—supported by investments in infrastructure, localized R&D, and innovation in organic and tech-enabled products—India could emerge as a competitive player in global supply chains.

Challenges and opportunities

Despite rapid growth, India’s pet care sector faces challenges such as fragmented regulations, poor infrastructure, and limited awareness of pet health. Many new pet owners rely on generic products due to lack of guidance, while premium goods remain costly and hard to access—highlighting the need for domestic innovation.

Nonetheless, demand continues to grow for grooming, insurance, wellness, travel, and daycare, reflecting a shift toward holistic pet parenting. Pet insurance, though nascent, is gaining ground through tailored pricing and awareness efforts. Affordable, quality services are also thriving in Tier 2 and 3 cities. Industry stakeholders are pushing for policy reforms—including inclusion in the PLI scheme—to spur domestic growth. Meanwhile, a wave of startups in pet tech and sustainable wellness is redefining the market, supported by increasing digital adoption and investor interest. These trends firmly position India as a rising global force in pet care innovation.

(US$1 = INR 83.87)

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