Lana Paws’ maiden consumer survey, Pet Parents Unleashed 2018, targets pet owners across four
metro cities (primarily), highlights the transitioning relationship between pets and their human
‘parent’
-50% of respondents have traveled outside the city with their pet
– Vets (51%) closely followed by social media (47.7%) are the key sources of information on pet care
and new products
– One in every two pet parents would mix homemade with packaged diet
Delhi, 6 April 2018: Gone are the days when pets were considered an extension of your family, now they
are a part and, in some cases, more than family – discovers a bi-annual survey on pet parents conducted
by LANA Paws (www.lanapaws.com), a pet accessories e-commerce portal. The first-of-its-kind survey
outlines insights and interesting trends in transitioning pet relationship, purchasing behavior and
lifestyle changes!
As per the survey, India is going through a remarkable phase, which is redefining pet (dogs and cats, in
this case) ownership and almost rewriting the rules of pet parenting in the country. Lifestyle trends such
as social media, mainly, Instagram pet accounts, increased sensitivity towards animals, companionship,
increasing purchasing power, delayed marriage, and family planning are some of the key instrumental
factors in fueling this growth in pet ownership and reshaping people’s relationship with their four-legged
friends!
Primary findings of the survey include:
- Pet parents now splurge more and want to create more ‘meaningful’ experiences with their pets, including travel and hikes outside the city
- Experts such as vets followed by social media are the main sources of information for pet parents
- Health and wellbeing of their pet is the most important issue for pet parents
- Homemade, natural and organic food is fast gaining popularity over packaged dog or cat food
- Young Indians want more pet-friendly spaces including cafes and workplaces to hang out with their pets
The survey was conducted over a period of three weeks and included a sample size of more than 500 pet parents largely from four metro cities – Delhi-NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai.
Mumbai-based Mansi Talwar, mom to two beagles, Maynard and Chloe, shares,
“I was going through a very tough time a few years ago and my puppies helped me heal. I call it “puppy therapy”
and it is the best kind of therapy in the world. People who don’t have dogs, don’t know what they are missing in life. I go to work and put in my best because I want to be able to be successful enough to provide whatever my dogs
need. They are my blessing and my inspiration.”
The purpose of this survey titled, Pet Parents Unleashed 2018, was to assess trends around pet
parenting, pet care practices, purchasing behavior of pet-related products and sources of pet-related
goods, services, and information.
Vidha Shukla, the founder of LANA Paws, said, “Young Indians have a very special relationship with their
pets. They see them as their best friends, siblings and in many cases, even as their children and prefer
being called a pet parent, dog/cat mom, dog/cat dad than a pet owner. They shower them with loads of
attention and are splurging on their pets by buying them expensive gifts, celebrating occasions, such as
birthdays, planning trips and hikes with their pets.
However, some people also need to realize that their pets’ needs are different from humans. Over-grooming
, inappropriate dressing and over-pampering may lead to certain behavioral and health issues
in pets, which is harmful to them. Understanding your pet and their real requirements are crucial to
truly love them for who they are and giving them the best possible life!”
Pets now dominate travel plans (for all the right reasons)
Over 60% of respondents would plan shorter holiday trips because they don’t want to be away from
their pet for too long. Close to 50% of respondents have traveled outside the city with their pet, while
over 35% of the respondents would love to plan a travel with their four-legged buddy soon, as per the
survey.
Delhi-based journalist, Divya Dugar, who has been traveling with her two rescued dogs, Marcopolo
and Tigress for the last few years, shares, “I travel with Marcopolo and Tigress as they give me fresh
eyes to see the world, make me enjoy little things and it is great to be experiencing things with them as I
feel complete as a family ( otherwise, I always worry about them) .. Dogs are the best companions even
on your mad travels.”
Experts followed by social media are the most sought-after sources for pet care advice and tips
The survey found that more than half of pet parents turn to experts such as vets (51%) for information
on pet care and new products followed by social media (47.7%). They also actively seek advice from
their peers, friends or family with pets as well as rely on their own experience.
Renowned Delhi-based vet, Dr. S. K. Choudhary from Dr. Choudhary’s Pet Clinic says,
“People come to us seeking all kinds of advice from feeding related queries to recommendations on the right kind of
accessories as well as travel planning and recreational activities for their pets. Open spaces and activities
such as swimming are in high-demand, especially in summer months. We also recommend swimming as
hydro-therapy for certain kinds of conditions. Additionally, cats,small breed of dogs and alternate pets
such as guinea pigs, mice etc are fast gaining popularity among youngsters owing to factors such as
limited space and nuclear family structures.”
“While people are spending a lot more time with their pets now, we would like to highlight the
importance of preventive health check-ups and proper vaccinations on a regular basis to avoid any
serious health implications at a later stage,” he further added.
Health and well-being of the pet is the most important issue!
92% of the respondents admitted that they are most concerned about the health and well-being of their
pet followed by the right diet. Training and grooming were other key issues highlighted by the pet
parents.
Pet parents are investing more time and money into giving their pet a healthier diet
One in every two pet parents would mix homemade and packaged diet to ensure their pet is getting
good nutrition, while one in every three pet parents would prefer feeding only homemade diet to their
pet. Many are now also exploring specialized meal plans and organic options available in the market.
They want to hang out more with their furbabies!
Pet cafes and pet-friendly cafes are the new ‘it’ hang-out joints for not only many pet parents but also
for animal lovers! There’s been a rise in pet cafes and pet-friendly places over the last couple of years in
all major cities allowing pet parents to take their pets out for a puppy-date session, to celebrate their
birthdays or to just spend time with them! The survey found that more than 50% of pet parents would
visit such places with their pet at least once every month.
The methodology of the survey included targeted outreach to pet parents on social media platforms,
emailers, online groups, and WhatsApp push.
According to India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF), the pet population in India has grown from 7
million in 2006 to 10 million in 2011. On an average 600,000 pets are adopted every year. The Indian pet
market is now $800-million-plus industry and is expected to register strong double-digit retail value
growth in the coming years.
About LANA Paws:
Inspired by dogs and cats, we make fun, unique and highest quality accessories for four-legged babies and their
humans! Our carefully researched and design-led collection is certain to make you and your pet stand out, and
earn you loads of compliments!
At LANA, we embrace and celebrate uniqueness in design and philosophy.
Born out of love for animals, we contribute and participate actively in animal welfare causes.
To know more and shop, visit www.lanapaws.com
Contact Us:
Call or WhatsApp: +91 9999131409
Email: [email protected]
Follow us on social media: Instagram & Facebook
Shop with us: www.lanapaws.com
This is a Press Release by Lana Paws’
Feature Image: Mansi Talwar with her Beagles, Maynard and Chloe
