The new family member has fur: India’s pet parenting boom goes mainstream

Pets in urban India are no longer just companions; they've become integral family members, akin to children. This profound shift is evident in the burgeoning pet-care industry, offering everything from birthday parties to specialized healthcare. This evolution reflects changing social dynamics, including nuclear families and increased urban loneliness, where pets provide vital emotional support and routine, fostering deep, reciprocal bonds.

By MEGHNA DHULIA