In recent years, India has witnessed a remarkable transformation in how people view and care for their pets. The concept of " pet parenting " has evolved from simply owning an animal to embracing a more holistic, nurturing approach comparable to raising a child. This paradigm shift has created a booming industry centered around pet care, accessories, and education. Adding to this growing landscape is acclaimed actor and devoted animal lover Sonali Bendre's new venture—"The Happy Pawdcast" by RosePod, which launched on March 28th, 2025. Positioned as India's first of its kind podcast at this scale dedicated entirely to pet parenting and care , it aims to be the ultimate guide for both new and experienced pet parents through their journey of animal companionship.
Table of contents [Show]
- The Evolution of Pet Ownership to Pet Parenting
- The relationship between humans and their animal companions has undergone a significant evolution in the past decade. What was once viewed primarily as ownership has transformed into a more familial bond , with pets being considered full-fledged family members rather than merely household animals.
- The Growing Pet Care Industry in India
- This growth spans multiple segments:
- Specialised Pet Food
- Changing Social Attitudes and Community Building
- Educational Resources for Responsible Pet Parenting
- Sonali Bendre's "The Happy Pawdcast": A Pioneering Initiative
- The Significance of Celebrity Advocacy
- The Role of Media in Shaping Pet Culture
- Addressing India-Specific Challenges and Opportunities
- The Future of Pet Parenting in India
- Paving the Way Forward: A New Era for Pet Parents
The Evolution of Pet Ownership to Pet Parenting
The relationship between humans and their animal companions has undergone a significant evolution in the past decade. What was once viewed primarily as ownership has transformed into a more familial bond , with pets being considered full-fledged family members rather than merely household animals.
"Pet parenting," a term that might have raised eyebrows a generation ago, is now commonplace in urban Indian households. This shift reflects deeper societal changes—delayed marriages, couples choosing to remain child-free, nuclear families becoming more common, and increasing disposable incomes among young professionals who seek companionship in their fast-paced lives.
This transformation is evident in the language we use. Pet "owners" have become pet "parents," "buying" an animal has become "adopting" one, and kennels have evolved into "pet boarding facilities" that promise "home away from home" experiences. Such linguistic shifts represent more than just semantic preferences—they reflect fundamental changes in how we perceive and value our relationships with animals.
The Growing Pet Care Industry in India
The pet care industry in India has experienced exponential growth, mirroring the evolution in attitudes toward pet parenting. According to market research reports, the Indian pet care market was valued at approximately $450 million in 2018 and is projected to grow to over $900 million by 2026, demonstrating a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 14%.
This growth spans multiple segments:
Specialised Pet Food
Gone are the days when table scraps or generic pet food sufficed. Today's pet parents seek nutritionally balanced, age-appropriate, breed-specific foods. Premium and super-premium pet food brands have witnessed substantial growth, with specialised offerings for different life stages, health conditions, and dietary preferences including organic, grain-free, and novel protein options.
2. Veterinary Care and Services
The veterinary landscape has expanded beyond basic care to include specialized treatments, preventive care programs, and advanced medical procedures. Metropolitan cities now boast multi-specialty pet hospitals with facilities for complex surgeries, dental care, physiotherapy, and even psychological counselling for pets with behavioural issues.
3. Grooming and Accessories
The pet grooming industry has flourished with specialized salons offering services ranging from basic grooming to luxurious spa treatments. The accessories market has similarly expanded, with designer collars, customised name tags, fashionable clothing, ergonomic beds, interactive toys, and smart devices that monitor pet health and activity levels.
4. Pet Tech
Technology has permeated the pet care space with innovations like automated feeders, GPS trackers, pet cameras that dispense treats, and apps that connect pet parents with veterinarians, trainers, and other service providers.
Social media has played a pivotal role in normalizing and celebrating pet parenting. Instagram accounts dedicated to pets amass millions of followers, pet-friendly cafes and restaurants have become popular urban fixtures, and pet events—from adoption drives to costume contests—create communities of like-minded individuals.
Housing societies and residential apartments increasingly recognize the importance of pets in residents' lives, with many new developments advertising themselves as "pet-friendly" and incorporating dedicated pet parks and walking areas into their designs.
The pandemic accelerated this trend, with lockdowns prompting many to seek animal companionship to combat isolation. According to animal welfare organizations, pet adoption rates surged during COVID-19, with many shelters reporting empty kennels for the first time in years.
Educational Resources for Responsible Pet Parenting
With increased pet adoption comes the need for education about responsible pet parenting. While numerous online resources exist, there has been a gap in India-specific, culturally relevant content that addresses the unique challenges of raising pets in Indian households and environments.
This is where initiatives like "The Happy Pawdcast" become particularly valuable. By offering expert-backed information tailored to Indian conditions and sensibilities, such platforms help bridge the knowledge gap and promote humane, informed pet care practices.
Sonali Bendre's "The Happy Pawdcast": A Pioneering Initiative
Against this backdrop of evolving pet culture comes "The Happy Pawdcast," hosted by acclaimed actor Sonali Bendre and produced by RosePod. As announced in Mumbai on March 25th, 2025, the podcast is billed as "India's first of its kind podcast at this scale dedicated entirely to pet parenting & pet care." The show aims to be the go-to platform for pet lovers, providing expert insights and practical advice for both prospective and current pet parents.
Bendre, a long-time pet parent herself, brings her warmth, personal experience, and genuine passion to the project. "I have been a pet parent for years and my love for animals has only grown stronger," she shares. "Being part of The Happy Pawdcast is truly special for me because it's a platform where I can connect with fellow pet lovers, share my experiences and most importantly, spread awareness about responsible pet parenting. Taking care of a pet is not just a responsibility but a deeply rewarding journey and this podcast is the perfect first step for anyone looking to embark on it. Through engaging conversations and expert insights, I hope to educate and inspire more people to welcome pets into their lives with love."
The timing of this podcast couldn't be more appropriate. With pet adoption rates on the rise across India, many first-time pet parents find themselves navigating unfamiliar territory without adequate guidance. The Happy Pawdcast aims to address this need by providing accessible, reliable information through engaging conversations with veterinarians, animal behaviorists, trainers, and experienced pet parents.
Topics likely to be covered include choosing the right pet for your lifestyle, nutrition basics, preventive healthcare, training fundamentals, behavioral issues, and creating pet-friendly homes—all crucial aspects of successful pet parenting that can significantly impact both animal welfare and owner satisfaction. Available on RosePod's YouTube channel “ The Happy Pawdcast ” with new episodes out every Friday, the podcast promises to be a game-changer in the pet content space.
The Significance of Celebrity Advocacy
Bendre's involvement brings mainstream visibility to responsible pet parenting principles, leveraging her celebrity status to amplify important messages about animal welfare. Celebrity endorsement of such causes has historically proven effective in shifting public perceptions and behaviors.
By openly sharing her own experiences as a pet parent, Bendre humanizes the subject and makes it more relatable to her audience. Her statement that "taking care of a pet is not just a responsibility but a deeply rewarding journey" resonates with existing pet parents while potentially inspiring others to consider adoption.
The Role of Media in Shaping Pet Culture
"The Happy Pawdcast" represents part of a larger trend where media organizations are recognizing and catering to the growing interest in pet-related content. Produced by RosePod, known for its compelling storytelling across platforms, this podcast is poised to be a game-changer in the pet content space. This launch follows Rose Audio Visuals' recent strategic expansions into branded content with Connect NXT, audio storytelling with RosePod, and the Telugu market through Rose Kanakavalli—strengthening its commitment to delivering compelling content to diverse Indian audiences.
Media plays a crucial role in setting norms and standards, and productions like this can help establish healthy benchmarks for what constitutes good pet parenting. By featuring qualified experts and evidence-based practices, such platforms can counter misinformation and harmful traditions that persist in pet care. With RosePod's expertise in crafting engaging content, "The Happy Pawdcast" is well-positioned to deliver both entertainment value and educational substance.
Addressing India-Specific Challenges and Opportunities
The Indian context presents unique challenges for pet parents that differ from Western countries where much of the existing pet care literature originates. These include:
Navigating monsoon-related health concerns for pets
Managing street dog interactions during walks
Finding pet-friendly housing in crowded urban settings
Addressing cultural attitudes toward certain breeds or species
Sourcing quality pet products in smaller cities and towns
Understanding breed-specific adaptations to Indian climate conditions
A podcast like "The Happy Pawdcast" has the potential to address these India-specific issues, making it particularly valuable for local audiences seeking relevant guidance.
The Future of Pet Parenting in India
As pet adoption continues to increase across demographics, the pet parenting landscape in India is poised for further evolution. Several trends are likely to shape this future:
1. Increased focus on rescue and adoption-rather than purchasing from breeders, with greater awareness of ethical considerations in animal acquisition
2. Growing interest in indigenous breeds adapted to local conditions rather than imported breeds that may struggle with the climate
3. Integration of traditional and modern approaches to pet care, combining ancient wisdom with contemporary veterinary science
4. Development of more inclusive public spaces that accommodate pets and their parents
5. Greater emphasis on end-of-life care and grief support** as the emotional aspects of pet parenting gain recognition
Paving the Way Forward: A New Era for Pet Parents
The launch of "The Happy Pawdcast" with Sonali Bendre marks an important milestone in India's evolving relationship with companion animals. By providing expert guidance, personal insights, and a platform for meaningful conversation about pet care, the podcast has the potential to influence how a new generation approaches pet parenting.
As Bendre herself puts it, the podcast serves as "the perfect first step for anyone looking to embark on" the journey of pet parenthood. In a landscape where reliable information can make the difference between a successful human-animal bond and a challenging one, resources like "The Happy Pawdcast" fulfill a vital need.
The growth of the pet parenting culture in India represents more than just an economic opportunity—it reflects a deeper societal shift toward recognizing the sentience, dignity, and emotional lives of animals. As this awareness continues to spread through initiatives like Bendre's podcast, both humans and their animal companions stand to benefit from more informed, compassionate relationships.
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