Pet Industry Dialogue 2026 Convenes in New Delhi to Discuss Regulatory Frameworks and Tier 2 and 3 Market Growth
Industry executives, policymakers, and veterinary professionals assembled in New Delhi for the sixth edition of Pet Industry Dialogue (PID) 2026 to discuss the expansion, regulatory frameworks, and shifting consumer dynamics of India’s petcare sector. The event centered on building science-based standards, expanding pet healthcare infrastructure into smaller cities, and supporting modern pet owners with accessible, reliable information.
What Happened
The conference convened multiple stakeholder groups, including veterinary specialists, entrepreneurs, and government officials, to explore strategies for sustainable growth within India’s pet ecosystem. Deliberations focused heavily on establishing institutional support, strengthening safety standards, and expanding veterinary and nutritional services beyond major metropolitan centres.
Key sessions examined the regulatory environment, emerging regional markets, and the transition of pet ownership in India over the past decade. In addition, Royal Canin received the Petcare Industry Thought Leadership Award during the India International Pet Trade Fair (IIPTF) in recognition of its work in veterinary upskilling, category development, and science-backed advocacy.
Key Highlights
- Regulatory and Policy Focus: A dedicated panel titled ‘Government Initiative for Pet Industry – Policies and Regulations’ addressed policy frameworks necessary to safeguard animal health and establish consumer confidence. The panel included Dr. Naveena B. Maheswarappa, Animal Husbandry Commissioner from the Department of Animal Husbandry Dairying and Fisheries, alongside Debasish Mahalik, Scientist-C and Deputy Director at the Bureau of Indian Standards’ Food & Agriculture Department, moderated by Royal Canin Corporate Affairs Director Govind Suryawanshi.
- Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities as Growth Drivers: During the session on regional landscape trends, Satinder Singh, General Manager at Royal Canin, highlighted that Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities have transitioned into primary engines of industry expansion, driven by rising pet adoption and increasing expenditure per pet.
- Evolving Pet Parent Dynamics: In a session titled ‘Cracking the Code of Growing Pet Parents in India,’ Srikanth Ramaswamy, PSR Sales & Marketing Director at Royal Canin, noted that the domestic sector has transformed from an informal network of breeders and shops into a diversified ecosystem featuring specialised services, digital resources, and informed pet parents seeking educational guidance.
- Call for Cross-Sector Collaboration: Participants across panels emphasised that long-term momentum requires joint efforts between industry, academia, research institutions, and regulatory bodies, supported by parallel investments in distribution reach, professional training, and quality standards.
Why This Matters
As pet adoption rates and spending continue to climb across India, the industry faces an increasing need for structured policy oversight and quality assurance. Direct engagement between regulatory bodies such as the Bureau of Indian Standards, the Department of Animal Husbandry, and commercial stakeholders highlights an ongoing move toward formalized standards for nutrition and care. Furthermore, the commercial shift toward smaller cities underscores the necessity of building veterinary infrastructure and reliable supply chains beyond Tier 1 urban markets so that pet healthcare remains accessible and consistent nationwide.
What to Watch Next
Following the discussions at PID 2026, the sector’s next phase will depend on the progression of science-based regulations and the strengthening of public-private partnerships. Observers and participants will monitor how regulatory bodies and industry players align on safety frameworks, as well as the pace at which veterinary infrastructure, educational resources, and distribution networks scale into Tier 2 and Tier 3 locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the focus of the Pet Industry Dialogue (PID) 2026?
The conference focused on establishing science-based regulatory frameworks, improving pet health and safety standards, scaling petcare infrastructure into Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, and responding to the changing needs of Indian pet owners.
Which regulatory agencies participated in the policy discussions?
The policy discussions included participation from Dr. Naveena B. Maheswarappa, Animal Husbandry Commissioner from the Department of Animal Husbandry Dairying and Fisheries, and Debasish Mahalik from the Food & Agriculture Department of the Bureau of Indian Standards.
Why are Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities significant for India’s petcare sector?
According to forum speakers, Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities have emerged as primary growth engines for the sector due to increasing pet ownership and higher spending per pet, requiring expanded access to quality nutrition and veterinary care outside metropolitan areas.
Source: Information in this report is based on details provided in an industry release from VMPL and Royal Canin.