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As India’s pet culture grows up, this much is certain: High-quality pet care is no longer merely about Reactive Treatment it’s about Proactive Well-being
From routine behavioural assessments and balanced nutrition to emotional stimulation and mental wellness care, the new-gen pet parent is redefining the playbook.
As increasing numbers of Indian homes invite four legged friends into the fold, pet parenting is undergoing a rapid change. No more is pet parenting limited to vaccines and biannual check-ups. These days, more and more pet parents are looking for holistic wellness solutions from behavioural therapy and mental well-being services to physiotherapy and nutrition advice.
A Shift in Pet Parenting
In a post-pandemic world, when pets were emotional anchors for many, the focus on their mental and emotional wellbeing is stronger than ever. “Pet parenting these days is much more intuitive,” opines Nandita Sikka, Head Psychiatrist, Heal Your Paws, a pet wellness and behaviour centre in Delhi NCR. “We now observe people consciously seeking anxiety management tools, socialisation support, and even grief therapy for pets.”
As per industry publications, India’s pet care industry is projected to surpass INR 10,000 crore by 2025, where a major portion is being driven by pet wellness and services that go beyond mere food or grooming. What is powering this change is a stronger emotional relationship, pets are no longer animals in the home, but beloved family members.
The Emergence of Pet Mental Health Services
Similar to humans, pets also suffer from anxiety, depression, and behavioural problems. Noises, separation from owners, moving, or even the introduction of a new pet can be triggers. At Heal Your Paws (HYP), sessions are usually tailored to assist pets in overcoming past trauma, aggression, or merely stress.
“Empathy and observation form the basis of our approach. A dog’s barking may not be mischief sometimes, it is distress. Recognizing that difference is the beginning,” adds Nandita. HYP blends animal psychology with home-based wellness routines and frequently works in conjunction with veterinarians, trainers, and even herbal wellness practitioners.
Vets as Wellness Champions
Veterinarians also are stretching their role beyond mere clinical care. Now, vets work together with therapists and pet nutritionists to provide coordinated care plans. These days, many urban vet clinics have add-on treatments such as laser pain relief, acupressure for joint problems, and obesity management for overweight pets.
Dr. Ranjan, a Delhi based practicing vet says, “Since pets can significantly impact our mental health, reducing stress, anxiety and depression while promoting calmness & relaxation. Awareness among pet parents now recognises importance of mental health in their pets as well as. Nowadays pet parents seeks help from vets, therapist, and pet wellness experts on this topic. It helps pet parents strengthen their relationships with their pets. Pet’s mental well being leads to their overall health, leading to happier & healthier life”
Therapists for Pets and Humans Too
One of the interesting trends that have arisen is therapy not only for pets—but even for pet parents. The passing away of a cherished pet can be emotionally traumatic. A number of wellness centres, including HYP, now conduct grief counselling sessions and healing circles for individuals who are grappling with pet loss.
“Bonding with a pet is unconditional. When that bond is broken, the grief is just as intense as losing a family member,” Nandita Sikka says. “We help people process that loss in healthy, respectful ways.”
Wellness Events, Workshops And More
To celebrate Pet Day, Heal Your Paws is organizing a series of mini wellness video bites with vets, therapists, and pet parents. The concept there is to regularize discussions pertaining to pet behaviour, highlight recovery stories from everyday life, and raise awareness towards mental health of pets.
The Road Ahead
As India’s pet culture grows up, this much is certain: High-quality pet care is no longer merely about Reactive Treatment it’s about Proactive Well-being. From routine behavioural assessments and balanced nutrition to emotional stimulation and mental wellness care, the new-gen pet parent is redefining the playbook.
And rightly so because each wag, purr, and nuzzle merits not only love, but the healing touch of care, compassion, and empathy.
