India’s Pet Care Sector Targets Rs. 11,000 Crore Valuation by 2031

What Happened

The Indian pet care industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation, with market projections indicating a valuation of Rs. 11,167 crore by 2031. This forecast was unveiled at the CII India Petcare Summit 2026 in New Delhi, where industry leaders, policymakers, and regulators gathered to discuss the structural requirements for sustained growth. The summit, organized by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), focused on the theme “Reimagining the Future of Companion Care,” highlighting the urgent need to transition from a fragmented market to a structured, science-led ecosystem.

According to the Euromonitor International report titled Pet Care in India: Shaping a Resilient and Inclusive Companion Care Landscape, the sector is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8% between 2026 and 2031. However, the report explicitly notes that market demand alone will not be the sole driver of this expansion. Instead, long-term success depends on three pillars: stronger regulatory foundations, increased veterinary capacity, and deeper collaboration across the entire pet care value chain.

Key Details

The summit served as a platform for high-level discourse on the regulatory environment. Dr. Naveena Kumar, Animal Husbandry Commissioner at the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, emphasized that the government is looking closely at the evolution of the sector. He called for a comprehensive approach that includes science-based nutrition, sustainable manufacturing processes, ethical breeding practices, and significantly higher investment in research and veterinary infrastructure.

Dr. Sujit Kumar Dutta, Joint Commissioner at the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying and Secretary of the Animal Welfare Board of India, underscored the necessity of skilled manpower. He argued that as the market expands, the domestic manufacturing sector must scale up to meet demand while adhering to rigorous regulatory standards. This sentiment was echoed by Pradeep Sharma, Scientist-C & Deputy Director at the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), who noted that the revision of India’s pet food standards is currently underway. The objective is to align these standards with global best practices, particularly regarding ingredient transparency, labeling, and quality requirements.

The Regulatory Panel: From Labels to Laws

A central highlight of the event was the panel discussion titled “From Labels to Laws – Building India’s Future-Ready Pet Food Regulatory Ecosystem.” Moderated by Manish Syag, Managing Director of Mars Pet Nutrition India, the session addressed the practical challenges of building a framework that fosters consumer trust without stifling innovation.

"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. As more pet parents embrace quality nutrition and access expands across the country, science-based regulation will be a critical enabler of this growth."

Syag highlighted that clear, globally aligned standards are essential for manufacturers to invest in local capabilities with certainty. This perspective was supported by other industry leaders, including Pallavi Anand of Nestle Purina Petcare and Satinder Singh of Royal Canin, who reiterated that a future-ready ecosystem must prioritize the health of the pet above all else.

Context

The growth of the Indian pet care market is being fueled by a profound generational shift. Millennials and Gen Z, who now make up a significant portion of pet owners, increasingly view their pets as integral family members rather than just animals. This shift in perception has led to a surge in demand for premium, health-focused, and specialized nutrition products.

Despite this momentum, the industry faces a significant "penetration gap." Currently, the vast majority of pets in India do not consume commercially prepared pet food. The Euromonitor report identifies this as the primary opportunity for the next decade. As e-commerce and quick-commerce platforms expand their reach beyond the major metropolitan cities, they are effectively bridging the gap between urban supply chains and the growing demand in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Why It Matters

The push for standardized regulation is not merely a bureaucratic exercise; it is a prerequisite for consumer confidence. In a market where pet parents are becoming increasingly discerning about ingredients, nutritional content, and feeding guidelines, the ability to interpret labels accurately is vital.

Speakers at the summit argued that the current regulatory landscape must evolve to provide clarity. When consumers cannot easily verify the quality or safety of pet food, trust erodes, which can hinder market adoption. By aligning Indian standards with international scientific benchmarks, the government and industry aim to create a level playing field. This would not only protect consumers but also encourage manufacturers to innovate, knowing that their investments in research and development will be recognized and protected by a robust regulatory framework.

Furthermore, the focus on veterinary infrastructure is critical. As the number of pets increases, the demand for specialized veterinary care, preventative health services, and nutritional counseling will rise. A collaborative approach between the government and the private sector is seen as the only way to build a sustainable ecosystem that can handle this increased load.

Bottom Line

The road to Rs. 11,000 crore for India’s pet care market is paved with the need for structural reform. While the demand is clearly present—driven by a younger, more health-conscious generation of pet owners—the industry’s ability to capture this potential hinges on its capacity to professionalize. By fostering a collaborative environment where policymakers, standards bodies, and industry leaders work in tandem, India has the opportunity to transform into a global hub for world-class pet nutrition and care. The consensus at the summit was clear: science and trust must be the foundation of the next phase of growth.

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