Pet care in India: trends, spending, and opportunities

Pet parents are spending around Rs 50,000 annually, or 5-8% of household income on pet care, according to Redseer’s report, indicating an expanding market. Major expenses include healthcare and grooming, but preventive care is insufficient, with only 10% of pets receiving regular vaccinations. The post-pandemic focus on pet health, especially among millennials and Gen Z, is driving demand for premium products and services. As businesses aim for the US$5 billion market, they are increasingly targeting tier-2 and tier-3 cities and improving online accessibility to meet consumer needs.

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Indian pet parents now spend about Rs 50,000 (US$ 595) each year on pet care, making up 5-8% of household income, according to Redseer’s report. Healthcare takes the largest share, with around Rs 14,000 dedicated annually to services like vaccinations and consultations—making up nearly 30% of the overall pet care budget. Grooming services have also grown in demand, now comprising 25% of service-related expenses as more pet owners seek specialized, professional care outside the home.

Preventive healthcare remains limited, however, with over 70% of pets lacking regular veterinary visits and only 10% receiving essential preventive measures like vaccinations and deworming. Food expenses account for approximately 16% of the pet care budget, with packaged products becoming a preferred choice. Miscellaneous costs, including accessories, daycare, and walking services, total about Rs 15,000 (US$ 178), indicating an increased focus on holistic pet care.

The pandemic has redefined pet ownership in India. Before, pet care followed a functional approach, with home-cooked meals and occasional vet visits sufficing for most owners. But the post-pandemic period has brought in a new wave of pet parents, especially among millennials and Gen Z, who prioritize their pets’ health and well-being on par with their own. This shift has sparked demand for premium products and services such as grooming spas, packaged foods, and routine check-ups, creating new market opportunities for pet businesses.

The Redseer report segments Indian pet parents into four primary profiles: value buyers in smaller cities who focus on affordability and basic grooming; brand-loyal discount seekers in metros who prefer trusted brands and look for deals at local stores; convenience-first buyers who are young and busy, opting for diet-specific, branded food and shopping mainly online; and experience-oriented shoppers, often high-income families or couples, who seek wellness-focused products and blend online and offline shopping.

Targeting India’s US$5 billion pet care market, businesses are expanding their reach into tier-2 and tier-3 cities, offering subscription models for pet food and grooming products, and strengthening their online presence alongside a robust offline network.