Trends & influences of the Indian Pet Market – by Rakesh Shukla,  VOSD™ Corporation
                     Trends & influences of the Indian 
Pet Market
– by Rakesh Shukla, VOSD™ 
Corporation
Overview
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years, driven  by increasing pet ownership, urbanization, rising disposable 
incomes, and changing  social attitudes towards pets. This report provides a 
comprehensive analysis of the  companion animal market in India, with 
particular focus on dogs, detailing the primary  segments, market size, trends, 
key drivers, and influencing phenomena.
Market Segments
The Indian pet market can be divided into several primary segments:
1. Pet Food
2. Veterinary Care
3. Grooming and Accessories
4. Pet Pharmaceuticals
5. Pet Services
Pet Food
The pet food segment is the largest in the Indian pet market. 
According to the  “Euromonitor International Report,” the pet food 
market in India was valued at
approximately INR 2,500 crore in 2020, with an annual growth rate of 
around 13%. The  segment includes dry food, wet food, and treats, with 
premium and specialized diets  becoming increasingly popular.
Veterinary Care
The veterinary care segment includes routine check-ups, vaccinations, 
surgeries, and
preventive care. The “IMARC Group Report” estimates this segment to be 
valued at INR  1,000 crore in 2021, with a growth rate of 10% per annum. The 
rise of pet insurance and  digital veterinary services has also contributed to 
this growth.
Grooming and Accessories
This segment covers grooming products, toys, clothing, and accessories. It 
was valued  at INR 800 crore in 2021, growing at an 11% annual rate 
according to the “TechSci
Research Report”. Increased humanization of pets has driven demand for 
premium  grooming products and accessories.
Pet Pharmaceuticals
Pet pharmaceuticals include medicines, supplements, and vaccines. The 
“Mordor
Intelligence Report” indicates this market segment was valued at INR 700 
crore in 2020  and is growing at a rate of 9% annually. Increasing awareness 
about pet health and  wellness has spurred growth in this segment.
Pet Services
This segment includes boarding, training, pet sitting, and pet transportation. 
According  to “Research and Markets,” the pet services market was valued at 
INR 500 crore in 2021,  growing at a 12% annual rate. The increasing number 
of dual-income households has
fueled demand for these services.
Market Size and Trends
The overall companion animal market in India, focusing on dogs, has 
shown robust  growth. The total market size in 2021 was estimated to be 
INR 5,500 crore, with a  compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 
12% over the past five years.
1. Rising Premiumization: There is a noticeable trend towards 
premium products,
especially in pet food and grooming segments. Owners are willing to 
spend more  on high-quality, nutritious food and premium grooming 
products.
2. Increasing Pet Adoption: Adoption rates have surged, driven by greater
awareness and changing societal norms. This has led to increased 
demand for  veterinary services and pet pharmaceuticals.
3. Growth of E-commerce: Online platforms like Amazon, Flipkart, and 
specialized  pet stores like Heads Up For Tails have seen significant 
growth, offering
convenience and a wide range of products.
4. Digital Veterinary Services: Telehealth services for pets have become 
popular,
especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing for remote 
consultations and  care.
5. Humanization of Pets: Pets are increasingly seen as family members, 
driving  demand for higher quality food, better healthcare, and 
luxury accessories.
Key Drivers
Several key drivers have influenced the growth of the Indian pet market:
1. Rising Disposable Income: Higher disposable incomes have 
enabled more  households to afford pets and spend on premium 
products and services.
2. Urbanization: Urban living conditions and smaller family units have 
contributed to  increased pet adoption.
3. Awareness and Education: Greater awareness about pet health, 
nutrition, and  wellness has led to higher spending on veterinary 
care and pharmaceuticals.
4. Social Media Influence: Pet owners are increasingly influenced by 
social media,  leading to trends in pet fashion, grooming, and unique 
pet services.
5. COVID-19 Impact: The pandemic saw a rise in pet adoption as 
people sought  companionship during lockdowns. It also accelerated 
the adoption of digital  services and e-commerce for pet products.
Influencing Phenomena
Several phenomena have influenced the Indian pet market:
6. Regulatory Changes: Policies regarding pet importation, breeding 
standards, and  veterinary practices have shaped the market dynamics.
7. Technological Advancements: Innovations in pet care products, 
telehealth, and  e-commerce platforms have transformed how pet 
services are delivered and  consumed.
8. Environmental Concerns: There is a growing trend towards 
sustainable and  eco-friendly pet products as consumers become 
more environmentally  conscious.
9. Cultural Shifts: Changing cultural attitudes towards pets as part of the 
family unit  have driven market growth across all segments.
Conclusion
The Indian pet market, particularly for dogs, is poised for continued 
growth, driven by  rising incomes, urbanization, and the increasing 
humanization of pets. With robust
growth across all segments, from pet food to veterinary care and services, 
the market  offers substantial opportunities for businesses and investors. 
The impact of digital
transformation and changing consumer behavior will further shape the 
future of this  dynamic market.
About the Author: Rakesh Shukla, a BTech & MBA, has spent 30 years 
creating many  multimillion-dollar world-class software products & 
businesses. Rakesh manages a
portfolio of successful startups – in IT, PetTech, and RetailTech including 
VOSD™ Vet &  Pet Corporation, TWBcx™, The Better Company™ & inStore™ 
Retail. VOSD™ Corporation  includes Vet2Trade™, VOSD AI™, VOSD Advance 
Vet Care™, and VOSD-on-Wheels™  which together fund VOSD Foundation™ 
— the world’s largest dog rescue.