Cakes, cupcakes and candles: why India’s pets are getting real birthday parties now

Celebrating pets’ birthdays has become increasingly popular in India, with many owners opting for customised cakes, treats, decorations and accessories to mark the occasion. The trend has created a niche market for pet bakeries, which are witnessing rising demand for celebration packages tailored to dogs and cats.

According to PoochiesPie Pet Bakery in Pitampura, customers spend around Rs 1,000 on pet birthday celebrations, with many purchasing more than just a cake. ‘Customers usually order cupcakes and donuts as well, depending on their budget. Some also buy accessories along with the cakes,’ says Aanchal Sapra, the bakery’s owner.

The trend is part of a much larger shift in how India treats its pets. Once viewed primarily as companions or watchdogs, pets today are increasingly regarded as family members, with owners embracing the identity of ‘pet parents.’ India’s pet-care industry, valued at Rs 30,434 crore in 2024, is projected to grow nearly sevenfold to Rs 2.1 lakh crore by 2032, according to IBEF data.

Sapra also notes that pedigree breeds still dominate her customer base, with around 60-70% of PoochiesPie’s customers owning Shih Tzus or Retrievers, while the share of Indie (street) dog owners remains comparatively low.