Walk into any pet shop today, and you’ll notice something different. It’s no longer just about collars, chew toys, or dog shampoo. The new age customers are asking deeper questions:
“Can I track my pet’s movement while I’m at work?”
“Is there an app that reminds me about my pet’s walk or vet visit?”
“Do you sell something smart, not just cute?”

The pet care industry is undergoing a visible shift—not only in what is being sold, but also in what’s being expected.

In India, pet ownership has grown dramatically in the past decade. A younger generation of pet parents, especially in cities, is fueling this growth. These owners are digitally connected, busy, and deeply attached to their pets. They’re not looking for contentment—they’re looking for control, convenience, and care.

Globally, the pet tech market is estimated to reach over $20 billion by 2028, and India is poised to ride that wave. From GPS trackers to smart feeding systems, digital tools are no longer optional—they’re becoming part of modern pet care.

But this change isn’t just for tech companies. It’s a direct call for pet shops, grooming services, walkers, and startups to adapt—and lead.

What digitisation in pet care really means

Let’s move beyond the buzzword. Digitisation doesn’t mean turning your pet shop into a tech lab. It means using tools that make everyday care smarter—for both pet owners and pet service providers.

Here’s what’s becoming more common in the digital pet care space:

  • GPS-based tracking for real-time location updates
  • Geofencing to define safe zones and get notified when a pet steps out
  • Pet activity monitoring and health monitoring
  • Online bookings for grooming or walking services
  • Digital health records and reminders for vaccinations and feeding

For the everyday pet owner, these tools reduce worry and build trust in the products and services they choose. For businesses, it means new revenue streams, stronger relationships, and higher customer retention.

Why local pet shops can’t stay offline anymore

Pet shops have always been about familiarity and service. But now, being helpful also means being relevant.

When a pet parent walks in, they don’t just want to buy a leash. They want guidance. And when you recommend a GPS tracker along with that leash, you’re not upselling—you’re addressing a real concern.

Let’s say a dog recently got lost in the area, or a cat ran out during Diwali. Your customer is already anxious. Suggesting a pet tracker positions you as a problem-solver, not just a product seller.

And here’s the advantage: most local competitors still haven’t adopted tech-based solutions. That makes even a simple offering like pet tracking a market differentiator.

You don’t need to install complex systems. You just need:

  • A reliable GPS tracker
  • A simple explanation of how it works
  • The confidence to suggest it when the moment is right

Service providers: From transactions to experience

If you’re a groomer, walker, or trainer—you’re not just offering a service, you’re handling someone’s family member. And today’s pet parents want to feel involved, even when they’re not physically present.

Imagine a grooming center that sends a live location alert when a pet is picked up. Or a walker who uses an app that allows the pet parent to track the walk route in real time.

These aren’t “nice-to-haves” anymore. They’re what build long-term trust.

Digitisation allows you to:

  • Offer better communication
  • Improve transparency
  • Set yourself apart from informal, untrackable competitors
  • Charge premium pricing for smarter services

Even a simple app dashboard can turn a one-time booking into a lifelong customer.

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Start-ups and system integrators: The time to build is now

If you’re in the business of developing pet tech solutions or integrating GPS platforms, the Indian market is wide open.

Why?

System integrators and pet-tech startups can:

  • White-label pet tracking solutions for pet shops or brands
  • Build bundled products (GPS + wellness + services)
  • Integrate pet tracking with other IoT tools (health sensors, feeders, etc.)
  • Offer back-end dashboards for groomers, walkers, and pet service providers

It’s no longer about building for early adopters—it’s about catching up with what everyday users already want.

The benefits of going digital for pet businesses

Here’s what digitisation brings to the table for all pet-related businesses:

  • Better customer retention: Tech-supported services build trust and lead to repeat visits.
  • Upselling made natural: Pet safety tools pair well with collars, services, or training.
  • Increased referrals: Pet parents recommend businesses that offer more than just the basics.
  • Brand perception: Being seen as a forward-thinking pet business earns customer loyalty.
  • Data insights: For service providers, knowing how often a pet visits or what services are preferred helps tailor offerings.

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Final thoughts: Smarter care is shared care

Pet care has always been about love, time, and responsibility. Digitisation doesn’t replace any of that—it simply supports it.

For pet shops, it’s a chance to recommend something beyond treats and toys. For services, it’s a way to make the customer feel present even when they’re away. And for startups, it’s the moment to build what’s missing in the Indian pet ecosystem.

Pet care is going digital—not in the future, but right now. And the businesses that understand this shift early will be the ones leading tomorrow’s pet industry.