India’s pet care market is projected to reach ₹11,167 crore (≈$1.34B) by 2031, growing at an 8% CAGR, according to a Euromonitor International report unveiled at the CII India Petcare Summit 2026. Despite the strong headline, speakers emphasized that the next phase of growth depends on science-based regulation, veterinary capacity and industry collaboration rather than demand alone.
Penetration remains low: only 9% of dogs and 27% of cats in India are fed packaged pet food, even though pet food accounts for 86% of pet care retail value. Millennial and Gen Z owners are driving a shift toward premium, health-focused nutrition.
Government officials from the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and the Bureau of Indian Standards called for stronger pet food standards, improved labelling, expanded veterinary infrastructure and ethical breeding. The summit drew Mars Pet Nutrition India, Royal Canin, Nestlé Purina South Asia and Supertails, all of which framed regulatory alignment as a prerequisite for scaling investment.
