India: Brisk growth in a pet care hotspot
The industry is a hive of activity as analysts report increases in cat and dog households, plus a steadily rising demand for quality products and services.
Pet food manufacturers, healthcare providers and retail players are expanding capacity and distribution as the Indian market continues to mature. Consumers are increasingly benefiting from innovations ranging from new product formats to enhanced wellness offerings and upgraded digital platforms.
Retail sales projections
The ongoing changes in both consumer lifestyles and the retail sector in India, as well as the vast size of the country’s market, explain the differences in the sales data recorded in recent years and a marked divergence in forecasts and projections for the future.
The India Brand Equity Foundation (IBEF), a trust established by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, reports a total pet care market value of $3.6 billion (€3.2B) for 2024, estimating a CAGR of 20% up to 2032. However, management consulting firm IMARC Group data gives a figure of $2.4 billion (€2.1B) for 2024, and forecasts a market worth $4.6 billion (€4.1B) by 2033. Cognitive Market Research is even more optimistic for the future, predicting $8.4 billion (€7.4B) for 2034.
IBEF attributes the growth to accelerated urbanization, rising concerns about pet health, and increased consumer spending on veterinary and grooming services as well as on quality pet food.
Data from market research firm Euromonitor International ranks India as the 29th largest market for retail pet food sales. Its market size reached $759.8 million (€675.0M) in 2025 and is expected to increase to $850.3 million (€755.9M) this year.
Trends in nutrition
Historically, India’s pet food segment was dominated by home-cooked food and table scraps. But the country’s Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) reports in its most recent pet food sector profile that “increasing health consciousness among pet owners, the rise of vet-prescribed diets, and growing awareness of nutritional needs have led to greater demand for scientifically developed, processed pet foods”.
The market is also expanding due to rising pet adoption, especially in urban households, according to IMARC Group. In a report on the pet food market in India, published in September 2026, it says: “Inflating disposable incomes allow pet parents to spend more on specialized, premium food products. Wider product availability through online and offline channels is further encouraging demand.”
Supportive government policies have created a conducive environment for growth. Although there are no pet food specific schemes at present, broader initiatives under the MoFPI are contributing significantly to infrastructural improvements and entrepreneurial growth in the sector.
Sustained investment
Investment has continued to flow into the country’s pet care market this year, funding nutrition, health, services, retail and technology. Both startups and established firms are benefiting from these capital injections. Several of them are in the pet food sector.
Mumbai-based pet food company Lickicious, for example, recently secured $2 million (€1.7M) through a combination of equity and institutional debt. The capital will support production capacity, product development, staffing and systems, plus expansion into new categories, formats and sales channels.
Earlier this year, pet food startup Zoomies raised $521,000 (€459,000) in pre-seed funding to strengthen its manufacturing and supply chain capabilities, scale brand-building initiatives and expand distribution through q-commerce platforms. Pet nutrition company Benny’s Bowl, meanwhile, closed a $1.4 million (€1.2M) funding round to invest in product innovation and research and development. It plans to launch new product lines and build its online and offline distribution across Delhi, Bengaluru and Mumbai.
In April, pet food brand Drools injected $19.5 million (€17.2M) into expanding into the fresh pet food category. The move includes the launch of Tetra Pak retort packaging (a multi-layered metal-plastic laminate) to appeal to modern retail sensibilities. Drools CEO Shashank Sinha tells PETS International that fresh food is expected to account for 8-10% of the company’s total sales within the next one to two years.
Securing funds to expand
Healthcare has also been given a boost. Delhi-based pet health startup Vetic raised $40 million (€35.2M) to expand its clinic network and veterinary team, with the aim of doubling its current capacity. The company says the funding will also support vet-at-home services, pet insurance and wellness plans, alongside investments in AI and other technology.
Additionally, pet care firm Supertails received $30 million (€26.4M) to strengthen its physical services, digital platforms and fulfillment infrastructure.
Scooby’s Club, a pet care company focused on premium neighborhood dog-care hubs, secured $250,000 (€217,500) in pre-seed funding led by TDV Partners to build a network of hubs, starting in Bengaluru.
In retail and commerce, Indian pet retailer Heads Up For Tails closed a $25 million (€22M) Series B round, bringing its total capital raised to $40 million (€35.2M). The proceeds will support its expansion across Asia, with a particular focus on the Middle East.
Q-commerce platform FirstClub secured $55 million (€48.6M) in Series B funding to expand into new cities, add categories including pet care, beauty and home, and strengthen its technology and supply chain capabilities.
And pet-tech platform Swoofi closed an angel funding round to develop its pet care and stray rescue platform.
Latest market entries
India’s pet market is also attracting new players. One of these is Wipro Consumer Care & Lighting, a Bengaluru-based fast-moving consumer goods company, which entered the pet food sector in August with the launch of its own brand Snuggles.
The initial range features a kibble and freeze-dried chicken format made with ingredients formulated with veterinary input. Its portfolio currently comprises three variants, targeting different life stages and breed sizes. These will be sold through specialty pet retailers, veterinary clinics, physical retail stores, e-commerce and q-commerce platforms.
Mumbai-based Fredun Pharmaceuticals has entered the pet wellness sector with the acquisition of Furlicks, which offers oral-strip solutions for pets. Fredun Medhora, the company’s Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer, says that Furlicks’ innovation and consumer-first approach will complement Fredun’s manufacturing and scale capabilities.
Positive financial outlook
In 2025, imports of pet food into the country amounted to $135.9 million (€119.8M), up 16.2% annually from $64 million (€56.4M) in 2020, according to data from the Global Trade Tracker. Exports last year totaled $77.6 million (€68.4M), resulting in a trade deficit of $58.3 million (€51.4M) as domestic demand continues to outpace local production capacity, particularly in premium and expanding segments.
The country is, in general, on a positive financial course. Between 2022 and 2025, India’s real GDP growth reached a historical high of 7.7%, outpacing other major economies, including China, according to the International Monetary Fund’s World Economic Outlook.
Economic expansion is expected to continue. The World Bank Group, an international intergovernmental financial organization, still forecasts 6.6% growth in India’s economy in 2027 – despite higher energy prices resulting from the Middle East conflict and supply chain disruptions weighing on economic activity. The result is that India remains among the fastest-growing major economies in the world.
Relaxed trade rules
The Indian government has taken significant trade measures to support the internationalization and modernization of its economy. Earlier this year, India and the EU concluded a free trade agreement, which significantly expands market access between the two economies.
Under the agreement, tariffs on 96.6% of EU exports to India will be eliminated or reduced over a six-year period, with the measures expected to double EU goods exports to the country. Pet food tariffs, which currently reach as high as 50%, will be phased out under the deal.
Routes to global success
Another boost to business is that the Indian government has relaxed its foreign direct investment rules. This will allow foreign-funded e-commerce companies to use an inventory-based model when they export any goods manufactured or produced in the country. Under the revised framework, these companies can procure and hold Indian-made products against confirmed orders from overseas customers.
Issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade on 5 August 2026, the change is aimed at helping Indian manufacturers, traders and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises to access global e-commerce markets.
With investment and growth spreading across various segments, India’s pet care market remains a key hub for both domestic and international companies looking to establish or scale their presence.
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