Future of Animal Care - Honouring the Women who are shaping the Pet Industry

The landscape of India’s pet industry is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by women entrepreneurs who blend purpose with innovation. These are the architects of compassion who are leading India’s Pet Revolution. 

Several Pune based entrepreneurs, such as Suprabha, Shreya, Abha, Vedika, Suheena and Shreyasi who have established specialised facilities for canine boarding, dog sitting and neonatal feline rescue to address gaps in the market. 

These leaders emphasize that responsible pet ownership requires more than just affection. It demands expert guidance in nutrition, behavior, and medical hygiene. By moving away from casual care methods, these women are setting new benchmarks for safety, trust and leadership within the service sector. They have been serving as specialized caretakers, medical experts, community advocates and contingent leaders.

Elevating Dog Care in the Pet Industry: "Tails of the City"

After finding a 9-5 job too monotonous, Suprabha, a 41-year-old former civil engineer, established "Tails of the City" following the 2020 lockdown. Alongside her partners Shreya and Abha, she focuses on the physical and mental well-being of pets, treating them as integral family members of the pet parents. Tails of the City is a multipurpose facility that offers pet boarding, pet grooming, huge play area for pets, Spa and swimming pool, along with a pet human merchandise store. 

Being well prepared is the most important thing.

Suprabha emphasizes that while buying a pet is easy, but "becoming a good parent is a task in itself". Her facility thrives on a foundation of responsibility and trust, as she notes that "customers return to our place because it is difficult to confide in anyone else". She advises prospective owners to "be well prepared before having a pet," noting that specialized care is a service industry where high standards of hygiene and alertness are non-negotiable.

Professionalizing the Personal Touch: Vedika’s Doorstep Services Through Waggology 

At just 24 years old, Vedika, a commerce graduate from Sindhudurg, has already provided doorstep care for nearly 300 pets. Every service at Waggology is guided by a deep understanding of each pet’s unique needs. Her services range from vacation sitting to handling pets at wedding events to preparing dogs for a photoshoot. It essentially fills a vital gap for owners who cannot use traditional boarding facilities for very young or aged dogs.

Having a process is paramount to my working.

Vedika is a vocal critic of the "casual approach" many take toward pet care, such as paying a watchman a small fee for walks. She explains that this "temporary arrangement" lacks standards and relies on strangers who are merely "easily available". Instead, she insists on professional standards, including consent, medical history, and strict adherence to routines. Her core philosophy is a powerful reminder for all pet lovers: "understand their (dogs) language to express your love. Avoid imposing your language".

Specialized Advocacy: Suheena and the "Cat Care Chronicle"

Suheena, an assistant professor with a background in 3D animation and journalism, identified a critical niche in neonatal and medical cat fostering in Pune. Through her venture, "Cheetos Pet Boarding," she raises funds for cat nutrition and health. Till date she and her partner Shreyasi have successfully handled over 112 neonatal cases, with 98 kittens being adopted last year. 

Caring for cats is a fulfilling task.

Suheena works tirelessly to dismantle cultural misconceptions, such as the idea that cats possess "negative energy". She operates a self-sufficient cat care unit using DIY incubators and nebulization systems, emphasizing that "maintaining hygiene for these tiny fragile creatures... is of utmost importance". Her message to society is clear and inclusive: "I insist that one should try adopting a cat before inferring anything. If not adopt then foster. If not foster then donate. If not donate at least spread the word about adoption but don’t harm them".

A Growing Legacy

Despite initial challenges - such as Suheena facing backlash from her family who originally viewed her venture as "subordinate" - these women have proven the value of their work. Today, they represent the backbone of grassroots efforts, motivated by a sense of "pet-loving joy" and the emotional reward of seeing a rescued animal find a forever home. 

Captain Harshita Raghav with horses and Arjun - an Eagle Raptor.

This year, during India’s 77th Republic Day celebrations, Captain Harshita Raghav led the Remount and Veterinary Corps (RVC) animal contingent, marking the first time a woman officer commanded this formation. She is a second-generation defence officer, who has combined her passion for animals with military service. Reinforcing the partnership between humans and animals in military service, the parade underscored that defence strength relies not only on soldiers and machines but also on trained animals guided by skilled officers.  

On this women’s day let us give a tribute to the women who have turned their passion into a noble calling. For they are not just building brands; they are shaping the future of the pet industry. We honor these pioneers for their unwavering dedication. Their leadership ensures that as the ecosystem expands, it remains rooted in a profound respect for the animals who share our lives.