The petcare industry in India is growing fast at present. Now, more people are adopting pets than ever in the past which has led to a lot of demand for great pet products and services. Local businesses in the industry are bringing out new ideas and solutions for today’s pet parents. The most important news? Now, Drools is officially India’s first unicorn startup in the pet care industry.
Drools Becomes India’s First Petcare Unicorn
In a game-changing development, Bengaluru-based Drools hit unicorn status last month when Nestlé S.A. bought a minority stake in the company. While the exact numbers weren’t revealed, this deal pushed Drools’ valuation beyond the coveted $1 billion mark. The fact that Nestlé is just providing financial help is the most interesting element in its involvement. Drools will have full control over what it does, and its management won’t involve the corporation.
Since its launch in 2010, Drools has transformed from a scrappy startup into a household name that pet owners trust. Their products now fill shelves in more than 30,000 stores across India. They’ve also gone global, with products selling in 23 countries worldwide. To keep up with skyrocketing demand, they’re building a fourth manufacturing facility scheduled to open before year’s end.
Startups Reshaping India’s Petcare Landscape
Drools isn’t the only success story in this space. Several other startups are making serious moves, offering everything from premium kibble to video vet consultations:
1. Supertails
Supertails, another Bengaluru outfit, has quickly become a go-to digital platform for pet owners. Beyond just selling products, they offer virtual vet consultations and training help. Founded just a few years ago in 2021, they’ve already pulled in over $28 million in funding, including a hefty $15.5 million Series B round earlier this year.
2. Wiggles
Pune-based Wiggles hit the ground running in 2019 with a holistic approach to pet health. Their menu of services covers all the bases: nutrition, grooming, temporary housing, and veterinary care. Back in 2021, they secured $5.5 million in early funding, much of which went toward developing new products.
3. Heads Up For Tails (HUFT)
The veteran of the bunch, HUFT opened its doors in 2008 and now runs 90+ retail locations nationwide. They sell practically everything a pet might need: food, toys, clothes, grooming supplies, and more. To date, they’ve attracted around $50 million from investors.
Also read: These 7 Startups Made It Big in 2025 – Is Your Favorite on the List?
Why Petcare is Booming in India
- Urbanisation and lifestyle changes have made pet ownership mainstream in modern Indian households.
- Increased disposable income across urban India has opened wallets for pet spending – families now splurge on everything from imported treats to designer accessories without thinking twice.
- The humanisation of pets has completely changed the game – today’s pet owners don’t just have dogs and cats, they have fur babies who deserve organic meals, birthday parties, and sometimes better healthcare than their human counterparts.
- Technology-driven services like app-based vet consultations and subscription deliveries have made quality pet care accessible even in smaller cities.
The Road Ahead
India is just beginning to experience the rise of pet care. Expert predictions indicate a yearly growth of 20%, and in 2025, the market will reach impressive levels of $2.5 billion. Expect fresh ideas, a bigger range of products and strong partnerships because of investment from both domestic and international investors. Drools’ entry into the unicorn group reveals that India’s petcare market is progressing towards a more structured, advanced and beneficial place for pet parents across the nation.
Written by Promita Ghosal
