Guwahati has emerged as India’s fastest-growing pet care market, recording a staggering 1,473 per cent year-on-year surge in pet care orders, according to data released by Instamart, highlighting the rapid shift from pet ownership to pet parenting across the country. The report, based on Instamart orders between June 2025 and June 2026 across more than 130 cities, found that pet care orders nationwide grew 41 per cent year-on-year, driven by rising demand for premium nutrition, grooming products, wellness supplements and treats. Tier II and smaller cities have become key growth engines, with pet care orders in these markets rising 96 per cent over the past year.
The study highlighted changing consumer preferences, with cat food accounting for nearly 60 per cent of total pet food demand and emerging as the most searched pet-related term on the platform. Demand for bird food rose 178 per cent, while rabbit food orders increased 130 per cent. Grain-free pet food recorded a 152 per cent jump, making it the fastest-growing nutrition segment, while searches for dog shampoo surged 600 per cent, signalling a growing focus on pet grooming. In Guwahati, the city’s exceptional growth reflects rising disposable incomes, increasing awareness of pet health and wellness, and stronger adoption of premium pet products. The trend positions Guwahati as a key growth hub for pet care brands targeting Northeast India, with local demand increasingly mirroring national preferences for specialised nutrition, grooming products and pet treats.
The report also noted that Bengaluru remains India’s most indulgent pet care market, while a pet owner in Delhi spent ₹60,957 on pet care over the past year, highlighting the growing willingness of Indians to invest in their pets’ well-being.