Evolving pet ecosystem in India

The Indian Pet Industry is one of the fastest-growing markets in the world. It is witnessing steady growth across established segments, the emergence of new categories, and the rapid adoption of innovative retail models such as quick commerce. The industry is expanding not only domestically but also gaining visibility on the international stage, explains guest author Priyasha Mohanty.

However, an industry’s growth cannot be sustained in isolation. The pet sector requires wider acknowledgment from adjacent industries, markets, and society at large in order to secure the recognition necessary for long-term success. Breakthroughs in growth therefore, lie in broader visibility, which in turn enhances collaboration opportunities and lowers entry barriers for pet parents, which ultimately aids the growth of the Industry. In India, these structural shifts have reshaped the landscape of the pet market and positioned it as a stronger force within the corporate ecosystem.

In FY 2025, Indian FMCG giant Godrej Pet Care entered the market with a USD 60 million investment in its pet food line, Godrej Ninja Pet Food. Around the same time, 1990s Bollywood actress Sonali Bendre launched ‘The Happy Pawdcast’, highlighting the sector’s rising cultural relevance.

These strategic moves from established players highlight both the profitability and scalability of the Indian pet market. The industry has evolved considerably, and its growth can be attributed to the following key drivers.

Once considered niche, the Indian pet industry is now commanding mainstream attention. In the post-COVID era, as pets have become increasingly integrated into households, media coverage of the sector has expanded significantly. Between FY 2024 and FY 2025 alone, there were 31 instances of coverage in major outlets such as The Hindu, BBC, The Economic Times, and The Times of India, in addition to national television channels.

Such visibility demonstrates that pet care has entered the everyday public conversation, even among non-pet parents. Mainstream outlets are not obligated to cover this sector in the way specialist magazines are, which makes their choice to do so a strong indicator of shifting perceptions. This wider coverage not only creates awareness but also presents fresh opportunities for industry stakeholders.

Celebrity associations have further amplified the trend. What began with Drools Pet Food has now moved into the mainstream, with Kareena Kapoor endorsing Drools, Kriti…