India’s Pet Care 2025: Premiumisation, Innovation, and the Race to Lead a $Billion Opportunity

India’s pet care market is riding a wave of transformation. According to data from Euromonitor International, retail current value continued to grow robustly in 2024—and this momentum shows no signs of slowing in 2025. Changing consumer behaviours, rising urbanisation, and heightened focus on pet health and wellness are driving this growth. Euromonitor’s Socio data highlights a 5% increase in India’s pet population in 2024, with projections placing the total at 39 million pets by the end of 2025. While the unprecedented boom during the COVID-19 years has moderated, the upward trend in pet ownership continues as families integrate pets more deeply into their lives.

A standout shift in 2025 is the growing appetite for premium and specialised products. Wet pet food, functional diets, and personalised pet care services are capturing the attention of discerning pet parents. In the cat food segment, species-appropriate, nutritionally dense, and palatable wet diets are surging in popularity. Brands like Me-O are seeing strong traction, while Drools is actively expanding its wet cat food portfolio to meet evolving demands.

Within the dog food category, demographic shifts are shaping consumption patterns. Small dog breeds—set to account for over 50% of India’s dog population in 2025—are fuelling innovation in diets tailored for urban, indoor lifestyles and specific health needs.

Meanwhile, “other pets” such as birds, fish, reptiles, and small mammals remain underpenetrated, with niche offerings yet to achieve significant market presence.

Sustainability has emerged as a defining consumer expectation. Eco-friendly packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and planet-conscious practices are increasingly influencing purchase decisions. Additionally, growing awareness around veterinary expenses is prompting a surge in interest for pet insurance, signalling a shift towards more financially responsible and future-ready pet ownership in India.

For India’s pet care industry leaders, the roadmap is clear: innovate, localise, and lead with purpose. Whether it’s premium nutrition, sustainable solutions, or wellness services, the opportunity to shape India’s next decade of pet care is now.

📊 2025 By the Numbers