3 weeks ago
India Pet Care Market Eyes Rs 11,000 Crore by 2031
Many families in India have pet dogs and cats.
A new report says the money people spend on caring for pets in India could grow to more than Rs.
11,000 crore by 2031.
But right now, most pets eat homemade food instead of food bought from shops.
The report found that only about 9 in 100 dogs and 27 in 100 cats eat packaged pet food.
Business leaders, government officials and animal experts met in New Delhi to talk about the future of pet care.
They want clear rules so pet food is safe and labels are easy for pet parents to understand.
They also want more veterinarians and better support for animal care.
Young people in India, called Millennials and Gen Z, treat their pets like family members and want healthy food for them.
The leaders agreed that good science and trust should guide the rules.
That way, pets, families and companies all benefit.
India's pet care market is projected to surpass Rs. 11,000 crore by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8% between 2026 and 2031, per a Euromonitor International report.
The report was unveiled at the CII India Petcare Summit 2026 in New Delhi, themed 'Reimagining the Future of Companion Care.'
Only 9% of dogs and 27% of cats in India currently eat packaged pet food, which accounts for nearly 86% of the category's retail value.
Government officials including the Bureau of Indian Standards and industry leaders urged science-based regulation, clearer labelling and stronger veterinary infrastructure.
Pet ownership is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5%, led by Millennials and Gen Z who treat pets as family and drive demand for premium, health-focused nutrition.
- Who
- Policymakers, regulators, veterinarians and industry leaders, including Mars Pet Nutrition India, Royal Canin and Nestle Purina Petcare, convened by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
- What
- Discussions on science-based regulation, veterinary capacity and collaboration to grow India's pet care market, which is projected to surpass Rs. 11,000 crore by 2031.
- Where
- New Delhi, India.
- When
- August 10, at the CII India Petcare Summit 2026.
- Why
- Because the next phase of growth depends on stronger regulatory foundations, veterinary infrastructure and ecosystem collaboration, driven by Millennials and Gen Z who treat pets as family.
Key facts
- Projected market size by 2031
- Rs. 11,167 crore (surpassing Rs. 11,000 crore)
- Market CAGR (2026-2031)
- 8%
- Pet ownership CAGR
- 5%
- Dogs fed packaged pet food
- 9%
- Cats fed packaged pet food
- 27%
- Pet food share of retail value
- ~86%
- Event
- CII India Petcare Summit 2026, New Delhi
- Key report
- Pet Care in India: Shaping a Resilient and Inclusive Companion Care Landscape (Euromonitor International)
Quotes
Pradeep Sharma
Scientist‑C & Deputy Director, Bureau of Indian Standards
“India’s pet care industry has tremendous headroom for growth. Today, only 9% of dogs and 27% of cats are fed packaged pet food, even though pet food contributes 86% of the category’s retail value. Science‑based regulation will be a critical enabler of this growth.”
theprint.in
“A future‑ready pet care ecosystem must be built on three pillars, pets first, science and trust. Science‑based regulations can improve transparency, encourage innovation and help build consumer confidence while enabling the industry to grow responsibly.”
theprint.in
Sources
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