KEY INSIGHTS FROM THE TGM GLOBAL PET CARE REPORT 2024

India's Pet Care Trends and Opportunities in 2025

October 14, 2024

(Updated June 28, 2026)

Explore the booming pet care industry in India, driven by rising pet ownership, changing lifestyles, and increased pet humanization. Discover key trends and opportunities for pet businesses in 2025 with TGM Global Pet Care Report 2024.

Written by

Fion

Fion Lau was the voice behind TGM’s data stories, where raw numbers turn into vivid insights. With an approachable style, she brought consumer behavior to life, making trends are understandable and memorable.

Key Takeaways

71% of Indian respondents own pets, with more than half of pet owners caring for two or more pets, creating growing demand across multiple pet care categories.
56% of pet owners in India consider their pets part of the family, contributing to stronger interest in pet health, nutrition, and wellbeing.
Quality is the most important factor when choosing pet food in India, highlighting growing demand for premium and health focused nutrition.
Specific health concerns and ingredient composition are among the top considerations when purchasing pet food.
Pet daycare, grooming, insurance, and wellness services are becoming more relevant as owners look for support that fits into increasingly busy lifestyles.
13% of Indian pet owners prioritize eco friendly products, almost double the global average, pointing to growing interest in sustainability within the pet care category.

India's pet industry is moving into a period of strong growth. According to the Indian Pet Industry Joint Advisory Council (IPICA), the sector is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 20% over the next five years. Findings from the TGM India Pet Care Report 2024 offer a closer look at the consumer habits behind that growth, and the areas businesses may need to watch as India’s pet care market gains more attention in 2025.

India’s pet care sector now covers much more than basic pet food. Spending is spreading across nutrition, healthcare, accessories, and services as more owners treat pet care as part of everyday household spending. Market Decipher estimates the market was worth around $650 to $700 million in 2024 and could reach $2.4 to $2.5 billion by 2029. Growth at that level gives both newer companies and established brands more room to develop products for specific owner needs, rather than relying only on broad, mass market offers.

Drivers of Growth

Rising Pet Ownership

Because more Indian households are living with pets, demand across the pet care sector is rising. According to TGM India Pet Care Report 2024, 71% of Indian respondents own pets. More than half of these pet owners also have two or more pets (N=715). Compared with last year, when only 18% reported owning multiple pets, the increase is hard to ignore.

More pets in the home usually mean more spending over time. Food runs out faster, healthcare needs appear more often, and everyday purchases become part of a more regular routine. For businesses, larger pet households may create demand for bigger pack sizes, bundled offers, subscription models, and products designed for owners caring for several animals at once.

Changing Lifestyles

Because lifestyles in many Indian cities are changing, pets are taking on a larger role inside the home. Urbanization and the move toward nuclear families have made pets a more important source of companionship for many people, especially in urban centers. Rising disposable incomes also give pet owners more flexibility in how much they spend on comfort, grooming, health, and daily care.

That spending does not only go into food. Busy urban owners are also looking for services that make pet care easier to manage. Grooming, daycare, pet sitting, and home based care options are becoming more relevant as owners balance work, travel, and household responsibilities.

Increased Pet Humanization

Because many owners now see pets as family members, pet care decisions are becoming more emotional and more considered. TGM Pet Humanization Insights 2024 in India shows that 56% of pet owners in India consider their pets part of the family. For these owners, pet care often goes beyond feeding and basic maintenance. Health, comfort, happiness, and long term wellbeing all become part of the purchase decision.

That deeper bond is creating stronger interest in products that feel more personal. Premium pet food, wellness programs, preventive health products, and tailored nutrition are all becoming more meaningful for owners who want better care for their pets. Brands that can offer clear benefits, consistent quality, trustworthy information, and emotional value may be better placed to connect with this group.

Trends and Opportunities

Digitalization

The rise of technology in India is reshaping the way pet owners make purchasing decisions. TGM India Pet Care Report 2024 highlights that internet searches and social media are among the top three ways Indian pet owners learn about the best care for their pets (N=715). Digital channels are becoming especially important when owners compare products, check advice, read reviews, and look for guidance from other pet owners.

Pet technology is also gaining ground. Wearable pet tech, including fitness trackers and smart feeders, has reached adoption levels in India that are nearly twice the global average (TGM India Pet Care Report 2024, N=715). That interest suggests that some Indian pet owners are open to tools that help them monitor feeding, activity, and daily routines more closely.

Premiumization

Premium pet products are attracting more attention as owners place greater emphasis on quality and health. In India, quality has become the most important factor when pet owners choose pet food, even ahead of price (TGM India Pet Care Report 2024, N=715). The pattern is also visible across APAC pet care markets, where many consumers are willing to spend more on products that offer better nutrition and clearer health benefits.

Premiumization in pet care does not always mean luxury. In many cases, it means owners want products that feel safer, healthier, and more suitable for their pets’ specific needs.

For pet businesses, trust becomes especially important in this space. Brands that offer high-end, health-focused pet food and supplements that cater to specific health concerns will create loyalty among health-conscious pet owners who prioritize their pets’ well-being.

Specialized Pet Food

Specialized pet food is becoming a more important part of the conversation around pet nutrition. According to TGM India Pet Care Report 2024, specific health concerns and ingredient composition are among the top priorities when Indian pet owners buy pet food (N=715). Skin and digestive issues are common concerns, which makes diet a more serious decision for many owners.

Products that address these concerns can meet a practical need. Specialized diets for sensitive digestion, skin support, weight control, and breed related needs may appeal to owners who want food that does more than fill a bowl. Clear communication also matters here. Pet owners may not always understand the difference between standard food and specialized diets. Brands that explain ingredients, benefits, usage guidance, and health relevance in a simple way can build stronger trust over time.

Eco-Friendly Products

Sustainability is another growing pet care trend. 13% of Indian pet owners prioritize eco friendly products (TGM India Pet Care Report 2024, N=715). That figure is nearly double the global average, suggesting stronger interest in products that feel better aligned with environmental concerns.

Pet care brands may find room to develop products with recyclable packaging, biodegradable materials, cleaner production practices, and lower waste formats. The opportunity is not only about branding. Pet owners who already care about sustainability in other parts of life may begin applying similar expectations to the products they buy for their pets.

For brands, credibility will matter. Sustainability claims need to be clear and easy to understand. Overstated messaging can create doubt, especially in categories where trust already plays a major role.

Innovative Pet Services

Pet care is extending beyond products as owners look for additional support throughout their pets' lives. TGM India Pet Care Report 2024 points to growing interest in services linked to pet health and convenience. Pet daycare, grooming, insurance, and wellness support are becoming more relevant as owners look for ways to care for pets beyond products alone.

Indian pet parents may still be price conscious, but many are willing to spend when the service solves a real problem. A working owner may need daycare. A first time pet parent may need nutrition advice. Another owner may want insurance because veterinary costs can be unpredictable.

Services such as mobile grooming, pet dietitian consultations, wellness subscriptions, and home based care can help meet both practical and emotional needs. The strongest opportunities may come from services that make pet care easier while also giving owners confidence that their pets are being properly looked after.

In a Nutshell

India’s pet care market is growing as pet ownership becomes more common and pet owners become more involved in their pets’ daily wellbeing. Spending is no longer limited to basic necessities, with greater interest in nutrition, health products, digital tools, sustainability, and specialized services. As the market expands, companies that understand how Indian pet owners live, shop, and care for their pets may be better placed to meet changing expectations and build lasting relationships with consumers.

Want a broader view of what’s happening in the pet care world? Check out our full series of TGM Global Pet Care Insights 2026 reports, covering: Pet Nutrition, Pet Health, Pet Services & Accessories, Pet Owners & Lifestyle, and Pet Care Technology.