In the $320 billion global pet care industry, India is only catching up

Handcrafted pet beds, luxury pet collars and tags, pet carriers, bejewelled collars and even perfumes – luxury is a matter of personal taste, but true connoisseurs of opulence often extend their love for extravagance to all aspects of their lives—including their pets. After all, why should indulgence be limited to only humans?
This sentiment resonates with luxury brands, who have ventured into the world of pet accessories, crafting high-end products designed exclusively for those who love to pamper their furry companions with something extra special. Some iconic heritage brands have come up with lavish creations to cater to pet parents who believe their pets deserve nothing but the finest.
According to Bloomberg Intelligence’s Pet Economy Report 2023, the global pet industry is on track for significant growth in this decade, fuelled by increased spending from pet owners and longer lifespan of pets.
The report forecasts that the sector, currently valued at $320 billion, could surge to nearly $500 billion by 2030.
The Indian pet care industry is expected to reach Rs 2,10,000 crore by 2032.
This expansion is driven by a rising number of pets worldwide and the trend of premiumising food and services, which is a result of the ongoing humanisation of animal companions.
Rashi Narang, founder of India’s leading pet brand Heads Up For Tails, says, “The pet industry has evolved significantly from its traditional focus on basic products like food, beds, toys, leashes, and grooming supplies. Today, it is transforming into an exciting landscape that includes new categories such as pet supplements and fashionable accessories. Modern pet parents are investing more in their pets’ health and well-being than ever before, seeking the best options that weren’t available just five years ago.”

It’s not just humans who get to enjoy customisation—brands are now catering to furry friends too. For instance, HUFT’s festive collection includes a specially curated box with treats that are safe and perfect for your pets.

A few months ago, there was quite a stir when luxury fashion house Dolce & Gabbana introduced a perfume for pet dogs. While much of the buzz centred around debates over its utility and pet-friendly formulation, what also stood out was the entry of a luxury brand into the pet market.
But Dolce & Gabbana isn’t alone—Dior, Versace, Tiffany, and Gucci have long been setting trends in high-end pet accessories, making the luxe lifestyle fashionable for pets. Other brands like Moncler, Adidas, Heron Preston, Barbour, Temellini, Urban Outfitters, H&M, and Moschino are also going all out to give pets a taste of the good life.

Collection for pets on Tiffany&Co’s website.

It’s no longer just about basic collars or clothes; these brands are offering everything from designer pet beds and bowls to stylish homeware, allowing pets to dine in style, with meals fit for royalty—or even better! Gone are the days of simple pet supplies. Today, pet owners are splurging on bespoke accessories that rival high fashion, with Swarovski-studded collars, handcrafted beds from Gucci, and custom-tailored outfits from Ralph Lauren that would make any fashionista jealous. It’s no longer just about practicality; it’s about making a statement.

Swarovski-studded dog collars by Marc Petite.

And the trend shows no signs of stopping. Just a few days ago, quirky footwear maker Crocs announced the launch of a line of clogs for dogs, bringing its playful design to the pet world. The brand roped in socialite Paris Hilton to endorse their line of Crocs for dogs.
Even fashion shows are embracing this trend.
The second annual CatWalk FurBaby runway event at New York Fashion Week saw dogs strut down the runway for a charitable cause, dressed in chic ensembles from designers like Nicole Miller, Tommy Hilfiger, and D’Marsh Couture, turning heads and stealing hearts in the process.

A picture from the Second Annual CatWalk FurBaby. (Photo: Getty Images)

Flashback to five years ago, and the world of pets was nowhere near as glitzy and glamorous as it is today.
Rakhi Rana, COO of Drools Pet Food, explains, “Gen Z’s strong attachment to pets has played a critical role in driving up spending. This demographic tends to prioritise the well-being of their pets, often opting for higher-quality, specialised products, from organic pet food to luxury accessories. As the younger generation continues to adopt pets, this purchasing behaviour intensifies.”
She adds that the trend is also driven by the humanisation of pets (post-Covid trend), where owners treat their pets as true companions rather than just animals. This shift in perception has led to increased spending on premium products, from gourmet food to wellness services and high-end accessories.
Speaking of pet humanisation, how can we not even mention legendary fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld, who included Choupette, his pet cat, in his will, leaving instructions for a trust fund to benefit her. Choupette is estimated to have inherited $13 million from Lagerfeld’s estate.
Another major factor behind the boom in luxury pet accessories is the influence of celebrity and social media culture. Take Priyanka Chopra, for example. When she introduced her chihuahua-terrier mix, Diana, to the world, fans went wild—not just because of how adorable the pup was, but also because of her stylish, swanky outfits.
Priyanka even created an Instagram page for Diana, regularly sharing charming photos of her furry friend, which only added to the appeal. And imagine, she was just one of the many celebrities promoting the luxe life of her pet!
Of course, you remember Taylor Swift’s Time cover photo with her pet cat Benjamin Button in 2023, don’t you?
Of course, this trend of showcasing fashionable pets was quick to catch on, and it has since gained considerable momentum.
Additionally, pet fashion has seen a surge largely because it mirrors the style choices of pet owners. Fashion-forward individuals enjoy coordinating their outfits with their pets, crafting a cohesive, stylish look that extends to their furry companions.
For many fashion influencers, whose lives revolve around maintaining a polished, picture-perfect image, it’s not just about dressing their pets; it’s about creating a visual aesthetic that reflects their own sense of style. As a result, even a simple walk with their pets can turn into a mini runway moment.
Compared to countries like the UK, US, Germany, Italy, and Japan, India still has a long way to go regarding the pet luxury boom. However, the future looks promising, especially with emerging trends in sustainability and technology, says Rashi Narang.
“At Heads Up For Tails, we are already investing in eco-friendly products, and we’ve noticed a growing interest among pet parents in tech-enhanced products like smart feeders and GPS trackers. These are areas we’re keen to explore further,” she adds.
Satyam Manohar, business head at Dabur, echoed this sentiment in a recent LinkedIn post, highlighting the rapid growth of India’s pet care market.
“The Indian pet care industry is expected to reach Rs 2,10,000 crore by 2032, growing at an annual rate of 19 per cent. Companies like Heads Up For Tails, Drools, and Mars Petcare are leading the charge. What’s even more exciting are the future opportunities in this sector, including pet-friendly travel services, telemedicine and healthcare, pet insurance, grooming and lifestyle services, and even pet holidays and resorts,” he noted.
However, industry experts note that most luxury brands with pet collections do not offer them in stores or online in India. While Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger have stores here, their pet lines aren’t available locally or on the Indian websites—they can only be purchased through global sites. This poses a challenge for prospective buyers, and insiders suggest that demand for luxury pet care products remains limited in India.

Fast fashion giant H&M which offers its pet collection overseas, has yet to make this line available to customers in India.

Deepal Mehta, a Delhi-based entrepreneur, shares her perspective: “My husky, Mickey, is just like my baby, and I’d do anything to spoil him. Of course, the options here aren’t as vast as I’d like, but whenever we shop abroad, we make sure to pick up some outfits for him. The collection outside is just incredible.”
The trend is clear: pet parents who can afford to lavish their furry companions with high-fashion accessories and luxurious grooming products are not holding back—even in India. However, India still has quite a distance to cover in terms of global industry standards.