Gen Z, Emotions & the Rise of Pet Parenthood in India

Host: Dr. Abid, Veterinary Gynecologist

Hello every one , yellarigu namskara ,

welcome back to Tails and Talk — the podcast where paws meet purpose. I'm your host Dr. Abid.

Before we dive into the furry world .

Let me congratulate RCB for their maiden IPL title,

Ee saala cup namdu....

In today’s episode, we’re diving into something deeply emotional and powerfully cultural — why pets are more than animals in Indian households today — they’re family.

And leading this shift? Gen Z. Yes, the same generation known for memes, mindfulness, and minimalism — is redefining what it means to be a pet parent in India.

Let’s rewind just a decade ago — pets in India were often seen as security, status symbols, or companions. But something has shifted.

Today, 8 out of 10 Indian pet parents describe their pet as “my child” or “my baby.”

This is not just a lifestyle trend — it’s what we now call the emotional economy.

A study by Euromonitor shows that Indian households are spending nearly 60% more annually on pet care than they did five years ago.

That’s not just food and grooming — we’re talking birthday parties, spa days, custom outfits, and yes, even therapy!

And why not? These pets offer unconditional love, a safe space, and companionship in a world that’s getting faster, lonelier, and more digital.

Born between 1997 and 2012, these young Indians are digital natives, emotionally aware, and fiercely independent.

Unlike previous generations, many in Gen Z are delaying marriage and children — but not love.

They’re adopting pets instead.

📊 According to a 2024 Petfed India survey, over 35% of new pet parents in metro cities are under 30.

e commerce platforms , and pet-friendly cafés are booming — not because of traditional pet owners, but because of young professionals who want more than just a pet — they want connection.

So how is this emotional connection driving India’s pet industry?

Well, when you treat your pet like a child, you don’t compromise.

You go for organic food, supplements, grooming products, insurance, toys, even pet astrologers!

💸 India’s pet industry is expected to touch ₹10,000 crore by 2026 — up from ₹4,000 crore in 2021.

And Gen Z is at the heart of this spending — valuing wellness, ethics, and aesthetic over just convenience.

This emotional shift isn’t just heartwarming — it’s revolutionary.

It means India’s pet care system — including vets, nutrition, training, and pet products — must now evolve to match the expectations of emotionally invested Gen Z pet parents.

This includes:

✅ Accessible telehealth

✅ Behavioural services for pets

✅ Clean-label, science-backed supplements

✅ Inclusive products not just for purebreds

We’re entering an age where caring for a pet isn’t just an act of responsibility — it’s a relationship grounded in love, empathy, and emotional intelligence.

As Gen Z leads this cultural and economic shift, the rest of us — from veterinarians to brands, from policymakers to families — need to catch up. Because pets aren’t just part of the family anymore — for many, they are the family.

And that’s a beautiful thing.

Thank you for joining me today on Tails and Talk. If you found this episode insightful, do follow, share, and leave us a review — it helps more pet lovers discover our growing community.

Until next time,

Give your furry friend an extra treat today —

This is Dr. Abid, signing off with love, licks, and a little tail wag. 🐾