The pet industry in India

As the Indian pet industry rapidly expands, pet owners are placing greater emphasis on sustainability and health, with a growing market for vegetarian pet food and eco-friendly products. Yet, 30% of pet parents still face barriers to accessing affordable veterinary care, illustrating a significant area for improvement in the sector.

The pet population in India: A Surge in ownership and demand

India is listed among the top pet-friendly nations. Once primarily seen as guard animals, pets are now valued as family members, fueling demand for higher-quality products and services.

The country’s pet population has seen significant growth over the past decade, rising from 26 million in 2019 to 42 million in 2024.

According to Euromonitor International, dogs comprise the majority, surpassing 36.8 million in 2024, and are projected to exceed 51 million by 2028.

Cats, while a smaller segment, accounted for nearly 4 million pets in 2024. This steady rise in pet ownership has increased demand for pet-related products, including pet food, across the country.

India’s pet industry size and sales numbers

India’s pet industry is experiencing rapid and significant growth. The market is expected to reach $7 billion (€6.68B) by 2028, up from $3.6 billion (€3.43B) in 2024.

This growth is driven by a shift in pet ownership toward treating pets as family members, leading to increased spending on products and services. Key segments like grooming, accessories and specialized pet diets are expanding rapidly, with a growing focus on premium products.

The rise of online platforms and greater consumer education on pet nutrition have further fueled this trend. State governments are also actively supporting the sector with initiatives like Mars India’s investment in Telangana’s Siddipet manufacturing facility and Karnataka’s focus on pet care research.

The pet industry in India is also supported by a booming start-up ecosystem. Companies like Wiggles, Sploot and Vetic offer services ranging from pet health to behavior management, capitalizing on the increasing demand for high-quality care.

Import and export: India’s pet industry trade dynamics

India’s pet food industry has seen remarkable growth in both imports and exports over the past decade. Imports of dog and cat food have surged by 500%, reaching $69.8 million (€62.8M) in H1 2024, with key suppliers like Thailand, South Africa and Italy.

Pet food imports have increased in volume from 6 million kilograms in 2015 to 29 million kilograms in 2024, with the total import value reaching $126.4 million (€113.7M). On the other hand, India’s pet food exports also grew, reaching $36.4 million (€32.7M) in H1 2024.

The US tariff proposals could impact both imports and exports, with potential challenges such as retaliatory tariffs. However, India has opportunities to renegotiate trade agreements and reduce non-tariff barriers, further strengthening its role in the global pet supply chain.

The pet retail landscape in India

Heads Up For Tails (HUFT), a New Delhi-based pet retailer, is expanding domestically and internationally. It has a new store in Singapore and plans to expand further in Southeast Asia and the UAE. HUFT offers over 13,000 pet products and continues to strengthen its market position.

Other notable retailers include PetSutra, Zigly Pet Warehouse and PawsIndia.

Tier-2 cities expansion: Pet ownership is growing in smaller Tier-2 cities in India, where the pet food market is expanding by over 40% annually, compared to 22% growth nationwide. Companies like Growel Group and Zigly are targeting these cities and plan to open new stores in 2025.

E-commerce & quick commerce: While offline retail still makes up 70% of sales, quick commerce platforms like Swiggy Instamart, Zomato’s Blinkit and Zepto are experiencing rapid growth, catering to pet owners seeking convenience.

Trends in the Indian pet industry

• Pet Tech: There has been increased focus on smart pet devices, GPS trackers and AI-based pet health solutions.
• Sustainability: Demand for vegetarian and insect-based pet food is increasing.
  Indian start-ups Loopworm and Arthro Biotech have both secured EU TRACES certification to enter the European pet food market. Loopworm will supply silkworm pupae for pet health, while Arthro Biotech plans to scale black soldier fly production to 100,000 tons by 2030 for global pet food and aquafeed.
• Pet Travel: Airlines and railways, such as Akasa Air and Rani Chennamma Express, are introducing pet-friendly services.

With a rapidly expanding market, increased investments and evolving consumer preferences, India’s pet industry is poised for sustained growth in the coming years.