Gen-Z leads the surge in pet parenting in India

Pet ownership in India is evolving into “pet parenting,” with Gen Z leading the shift. While dogs remain favorites, cats are gaining popularity for their stress-relief benefits. The Mars Petcare survey reveals that 70% of Indian pet parents are first-time owners, compared to a global average of 47%.

Pet ownership is undergoing a significant transformation globally and in India, evolving from basic care to “pet parenting,” where pets are treated as integral family members. Leading this shift is Gen Z, a generation heavily influenced by social media, solo living, and a focus on emotional well-being.

Globally, 47% of Gen Z and millennial pet parents consider their pets the most important part of their lives, with the figure rising to 66% in India. This reflects a deep emotional bond, especially as first-time pet ownership in India reaches 70%, compared to the global average of 47%.

While dogs remain the most popular pets in India, cats are rapidly gaining favor due to their low-maintenance nature and stress-relieving qualities. A survey by Mars Petcare revealed that 44% of global pet owners value the emotional comfort cats provide, a trend that resonates in urban India, where stress levels are high.

Salil Murthy, Managing Director, Mars Petcare India, said, “A couple of key factors are driving Gen Z’s interest in pet adoption. First, the data reveals that they seek unconditional love and companionship from pets, particularly dogs. Cats enjoy the entertainment and stress relief they provide. For instance, about 48% of pet parents globally say they like spending time with their cats as they are quite entertaining and 44% agreed that cats help in relieving stress. “

He further stated that as nuclear families become more common and more young people live independently, the demand for companionship is rising—and pets are meeting that need. This makes Gen Z a crucial demographic driving the growth of India’s pet care industry.

However, living with pets in Indian metros, presents unique challenges. According to Murthy, limited living space, lack of pet-friendly infrastructure, and restrictive housing policies pose difficulties for pet parents. Although 56% of Indian pet owners find their neighborhoods accommodating, the remaining 44% face significant hurdles, such as restricted access to parks and pet bans in residential complexes.

These challenges, however, have spurred innovation in the pet care industry. Startups and established companies are stepping up to offer solutions tailored to urban pet needs. Products such as indoor potty systems, pet-friendly travel gear, and specialized pet services are addressing the constraints of city life, making pet parenting more accessible and enjoyable.