In the past few years, pet adoption in India has increased manyfold. Pets have been a source of comfort and companionship in uncertain times, especially during the coronavirus-induced lockdowns. The adoption of cats, dogs and other furry companions has been on the rise ever since. India has about 32 million pets and this number is growing by 12% every year. This further contributes to the growth of the pet care industry. According to research, the pet care market in India will reach Rs 74,000 crore by 2022. With continued pet adoption, the industry is expected to grow at a CAGR of 19.2% and reach Rs 210,000 crore by 2023.
While pet food accounts for two-thirds of the pet care industry’s revenue, it is followed by grooming, accessories and the healthcare categories. Gradually, more and more people are looking for pet-oriented products and services. This is mainly due to the increased availability of varied pet products and the humanization of animals, with people viewing their pets as members of the family. About 40% of Indians spend somewhere between Rs 500 and Rs 1500 every month on pet supplies. With a greater shift from pet keeping to pet raising in the past year, Aamir Islam, co-founder, Carry My Pet shares some of the pet care trends that may continue into 2023:
Increasing demand for high-quality non-food products for pets
Due to increasing orders for stay-at-home people during self-isolation, increasing consumer spending on pets, the trade in high-quality pet care products has grown rapidly in recent years. New pet parents tend to spend more on first year supplies such as bowls, leashes, pet beds, collars. Pet care products other than food, such as shampoos and toys, are starting to hit the market as more people become pet-friendly. Gradually, the demand for pet couture, nutritional supplements, treats, walking equipment, grooming products and cat litter has grown. According to reports, a certain percentage of Indians spend more than Rs 5,000 on pet products every month. As more strays and abandoned animals are adopted, especially by the Millennial and Gen-Z population, this trend will continue in the coming year.
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Animal shelters are on the rise
As hybrid and on-site work cultures gain momentum, the demand for expert pet care is on the rise. This has led to more wellness and spa facilities, grooming centers and veterinary clinics that provide a premium pet experience and improve the lives of pets. In addition, there is more demand for pet sitters and kennels. More pet parents, especially the younger generation, in metropolitan cities are seeking good daycare or pet sitters to take care of their pets during their absence. This trend is gaining popularity in the country’s urban belts. Currently, pet parents in some regions still rely on close relatives, acquaintances and household help to care for pets in case they have to go away. However, the trend of animal care centers will gradually gain prominence.
More pet parents are seeking help with pet relocation
When it comes to the pet care ecosystem, pet transportation and pet-friendly hotels and cafes have seen a gradual upswing. Some of these are the result of pet parents being aware of the gap in pet care services and taking conscious steps to fill it. Previously, traveling or relocating pets was a disorganized industry. For almost every pet owner, the safety and comfort of their furry friends is a primary concern. However, more and more pet relocation services are emerging that offer transparent, affordable and reliable domestic and international pet transportation. People who like to travel to nearby or exotic places, as well as those who have jobs that require them to be on the go, can now easily take their pets with them without having to worry about commuting. In the near future, the demand for pet travel and relocation services will continue to increase.
Way ahead
As pets adopted in recent years grow in size, their needs for food and grooming will increase. Therefore, we will witness an increase in pet care, be it food, childcare, nutrition, health or transportation. As the number of parents making sure their four-legged companions receive the best care continues to increase, there will be some interesting pet care trends in 2023 that will drive the growth of the industry.
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