Are Indian pet parents overspending on luxury for dogs?
Aradhana Jha | TimesPets Bureau | Feb 27, 2026, 15:50 IST
Are Indian pet parents overspending on luxury for dogs?
In urban India, pet parenting has come a long way from just providing food and vaccinations to pets. Dog bakeries, birthday parties, spa treatments, and designer clothes are just a few examples of how dogs are being treated like family members or even royalty. But with this rising trend comes one question: Are Indian pet parents overspending on their dogs?
In urban India, pet parenting has come a long way from just providing food and vaccinations to pets. Dog bakeries, birthday parties, spa treatments, and designer clothes are just a few examples of how dogs are being treated like family members or even royalty. But with this rising trend comes one question: Are Indian pet parents overspending on their dogs?
For many young working professionals and nuclear families, pets are more than just companions. They fill a void. Spending on them becomes less of an issue, as they are essentially children in fur.
However, the point that critics make is that the distinction between pet care and pet consumerism is slowly being erased. A dog does not require a ₹10,000 coat or a five-star birthday party to feel loved. What they actually need is proper training, proper diet, exercise, and emotional bonding.
Some people feel that luxury spending is more about the lifestyle of the owner than the needs of the dog. In some instances, the pet becomes an extension of the owner’s personal brand rather than just a companion.
The financial reality
Already, the cost of raising a dog in India can be quite high. The cost of food, grooming, vet visits, vaccinations, and emergency care can quickly escalate. When luxury spending is factored into the equation, the cost can escalate even further.
Families that do not have long-term financial planning for pet healthcare may find themselves in a tight spot if they are overspending on non-essential items.
However, the discussion is not merely about money. Many pet owners feel that their outgoings on their dogs are a source of happiness and an enhancement of their relationship. For those living alone or without children, pets can be the focal point of their emotional lives. To indulge them so lavishly may merely be a manifestation of their love.
On the other hand, animal rights activists point to the other side of the coin. Thousands of indie dogs languish in shelters for basic necessities. The disparity between indulgence and abandonment adds another dimension to the discussion.
The truth is, dogs do not measure love in terms of price tags. They care more about time, love, routine, and security than designer collars or cake. Perhaps the greatest luxury is being a responsible and informed pet parent, and not merely one who indulges in expensive pampering.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!
For many young working professionals and nuclear families, pets are more than just companions. They fill a void. Spending on them becomes less of an issue, as they are essentially children in fur.
However, the point that critics make is that the distinction between pet care and pet consumerism is slowly being erased. A dog does not require a ₹10,000 coat or a five-star birthday party to feel loved. What they actually need is proper training, proper diet, exercise, and emotional bonding.
Some people feel that luxury spending is more about the lifestyle of the owner than the needs of the dog. In some instances, the pet becomes an extension of the owner’s personal brand rather than just a companion.
The financial reality
Already, the cost of raising a dog in India can be quite high. The cost of food, grooming, vet visits, vaccinations, and emergency care can quickly escalate. When luxury spending is factored into the equation, the cost can escalate even further.
Families that do not have long-term financial planning for pet healthcare may find themselves in a tight spot if they are overspending on non-essential items.
However, the discussion is not merely about money. Many pet owners feel that their outgoings on their dogs are a source of happiness and an enhancement of their relationship. For those living alone or without children, pets can be the focal point of their emotional lives. To indulge them so lavishly may merely be a manifestation of their love.
On the other hand, animal rights activists point to the other side of the coin. Thousands of indie dogs languish in shelters for basic necessities. The disparity between indulgence and abandonment adds another dimension to the discussion.
The truth is, dogs do not measure love in terms of price tags. They care more about time, love, routine, and security than designer collars or cake. Perhaps the greatest luxury is being a responsible and informed pet parent, and not merely one who indulges in expensive pampering.
Celebrate the bond with your pets, explore Health & Nutrition, discover Breeds, master Training Tips, Behavior Decoder, and set out on exciting Travel Tails with Times Pets!
