The world of social media is going paws-itively wild for pet influencers, and India is no exception.

Pet Influencers in India: The Next Big Thing in Social Media and Marketing in 2025

The world of social media is going paws-itively wild for pet influencers, and India is no exception.

From playful Labradors to charming indie dogs, these furry stars are capturing hearts and reshaping marketing strategies.

In 2025, pet influencers have become a booming trend, carrying forward the momentum of the last couple of years. 

Brands continue to tap into influencer authenticity and niche appeal to connect with pet-loving audiences.

This piece explores the rise of pet influencers in India, their growing impact, and why they’re the next big thing in the digital marketing landscape

The Booming Pet Care Market in India

Before we delve into the world of pet influencers, it’s crucial to understand the context of India’s rapidly growing pet care industry.

The pet care market in India is experiencing steady growth, with projections indicating a surge from $569.4 million in 2022 to a staggering $1,932.6 million by 2030. According to Decipher Market Research Agency, this growth follows a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 16.5%.

This explosive growth is a reflection of the changing dynamics in Indian households, where pets are increasingly seen as integral family members.

Enter the Era of Pet Influencers

As the pet care market expands, so does the influence of our furry friends on social media.

Platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts have become the perfect stage for these charismatic creatures to showcase their personalities and antics.

Pet-influencer-engagement-india-2023

A 2023 survey by Morgan Stanley revealed that a whopping 74% of Instagram users are actively engaging with Reels, highlighting the immense potential for pet influencers to capture audience attention.

Why Reels and Shorts?

The short-form video format of Reels and Shorts is ideally suited for pet content.

These platforms allow pet owners to create engaging, bite-sized videos that perfectly capture those adorable moments that make us all go “aww.”

reels-and-shorts-pet-owners-content

The algorithms of these platforms favor creative and engaging content, giving pet influencers a unique advantage in reaching wider audiences.

The Rise of Pet Influencers in India

According to data from Qoruz, an influencer marketing tech platform, there are currently 1,205 active pet influencer accounts in India with more than 1,000 followers each.

reels-and-shorts-pet-owners-content

These accounts garner on average 12,000 likes and more than 130,000 views per post.

The increasing popularity of pet influencers can be attributed to their ability to provide light-hearted, engaging content that resonates with a broad audience.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, many individuals turned to social media for comfort and entertainment, leading to a significant rise in pet adoptions and the subsequent sharing of pet-related content.

Pandemic-led-rise-in-pet-adoption

This trend has continued post-pandemic, with pet influencers maintaining a strong presence online.

Top Pet Influencers in India

India is home to several popular pet influencers who have amassed thousands of followers and collaborated with major brands.

These furry stars are not just accumulating followers; they’re fostering engaged communities with impressive engagement rates.

Here are some of the most notable ones:

1. Oscar (@oscarwonderpup)
pet-influencers-oscar
  • Breed: Golden Retriever
  • Followers: 249,000+
  • Owner: Sushil Kumar, a Bangalore-based social media marketer
  • Story: Oscar rose to fame during the pandemic when his owner started posting fun and goofy videos of him. One of his viral reels, showcasing his first train ride, was even covered by Hindustan Times. Oscar’s success inspired his owner to create accounts for two more dogs—Tingu and Max.

2. Tingu (@tinguthefosterfail)

pet-influencers-tingu

  • Breed: Indie Dog
  • Followers: 45,700+
  • Owner: Sushil Kumar
  • Story: Tingu, an indie dog, has won hearts with his charming personality and playful content. His Instagram account is a mix of fun adventures and heartwarming moments.

3. Max (@maxthefoundlab)

pet-influencers-max

  • Breed: Labrador
  • Followers: 11,000+
  • Owner: Sushil Kumar
  • Story: Max, a lovable Labrador, is the newest addition to Sushil Kumar’s pet influencer family. His account features daily adventures and collaborations with pet care brands.

4. Yana (@yanathelabrador)

pet-inlfuencers-yana

  • Breed: Labrador
  • Followers: 15,600+
  • Owner: Pooja Yadav, Ahmedabad
  • Story: Yana’s journey began as a way for her owner to preserve memories. However, her posts started gaining traction, leading to collaborations with major pet care brands. Yana’s latest collaboration earned her owner ₹4,000 per post.

5. Pablo (@goldenpabloescobark)

pet-influencers-pablo

  • Breed: Golden Retriever
  • Followers: 54,600+
  • Owner: Parth Pratim, Hyderabad
  • Story: Pablo’s account is managed by his owner, a cybersecurity professional who has invested in professional equipment like Insta360 and GoPro cameras to create high-quality content. Pablo’s outdoor adventures and playful antics have made him a fan favorite.

6. Oreo (@oreo_thefluffyboss)

pet-infleuncer-oreo

  • Breed: Golden Retriever
  • Followers: 87,000+
  • Owner: Anisha Malhotra, Mumbai-based entrepreneur
  • Story: Known as the “Living Cloud,” Oreo gained fame for his adorable and humorous content. His playful expressions and creative posts earned him a feature in Hindustan Times. Oreo frequently collaborates with pet care brands and recently participated in a campaign promoting pet-friendly spaces.

7. Nikki (@nikki_goldenretriever)

pet-influencer-nikki

  • Breed: Golden Retriever
  • Followers: 64,000+
  • Owner: Sagar Mehta, Pune-based travel enthusiast
  • Story: Nikki, a lovable dog, is well-known for her travel adventures across India. Her frequent vacation updates have made her a favorite among wanderlust pet owners. Nikki has collaborated with brands like Nimyle and Lizzy’s Delicious, creating relatable content for pet lovers on the go.

8. Millie (@milllie_the_lab)
  • Breed: Labrador
  • Followers: 28,000+
  • Owner: Priya Sharma, Chennai-based lifestyle blogger
  • Story: Millie’s laid-back personality and mantra—”Eat, Sleep, Poop, Repeat”—resonate with her fans. She has collaborated with brands like Pill-ohs for pet wellness and has been featured in Hashtag Magazine. Her quirky and chill vibe makes her a relatable influencer for pet owners.

9. Doodle (@doodle.thebeagle)
pet-inlfuencer-doodle
  • Breed: Beagle
  • Followers: 37,000+
  • Owner: Nikhil Aggarwal, Delhi-based photographer
  • Story: Doodle is a gentle and charming Beagle who actively promotes pet health and wellness. He has partnered with brands such as N&D Quinoa and Sivalabel. Doodle is also an ambassador for Furlicks, raising awareness about pet dental hygiene through engaging posts and tutorials.

10. Poppins (@triplesundae)
pet-influencers-poppins
  • Breed: Indie Dog
  • Followers: 52,000+
  • Owner: Aarti Desai, Bangalore-based content creator
  • Story: Poppins is a lively and adventurous indie pet influencer traveling across India. From sharing unique pet food recipes to documenting scenic travel experiences, her content is both entertaining and informative. Poppins has also worked with multiple pet food brands, gaining widespread popularity among the pet community.

11. Princess (@iiam_princy)
  • Breed: Golden Retriever
  • Followers: 37,300+
  • Owner: Anirudh Sharma and Mrunal Panchal
  • Story: Princess, affectionately known as Princy, has captured the hearts of over 37,300 followers on Instagram with her daily adventures. Her relatable and engaging content makes her a favorite among pet lovers. Anirudh Sharma and Mrunal Panchal, both prominent social media influencers, frequently feature Princy in their content, showcasing their life together.

12. Olle (@olle_lab)
pet-influencers-olle
  • Breed: White Labrador
  • Followers: 55,200+
  • Owner: Not specified
  • Story: Olle, a White Labrador, has expanded his presence to YouTube with the channel “Olle and Mom,” where he shares his adventures and daily life. His Instagram account is a hub for adorable and heartwarming content.

13. Anmol Mishra (@freeexoticpet)
pet-influencers-anmol-mishra
  • Platform: YouTube
  • Subscribers: 916,000+
  • Focus: Pet care, accessories, and essentials
  • Story: Anmol’s YouTube channel is a go-to resource for pet owners, offering valuable tips and insights on pet care. His engaging content has earned him a massive following and a reputation as a trusted voice in the pet community.

Engagement Rates: A Key Metric

While follower counts are impressive, it’s the engagement rates that truly showcase the influence of these pet stars.

Some pet influencers with smaller followings boast engagement rates as high as 10.61%, far surpassing many human influencers.

This high level of interaction makes them invaluable for brands looking to connect with dedicated pet-loving communities.

Why Pet Influencers Are So Popular

Pet influencers have carved a niche in the digital space due to their unique charm and genuine appeal.

Their ability to connect with audiences emotionally and authentically has made them a growing phenomenon.

Here’s why they’re so popular:
Reason-for-pet-influencer-popularity

  1. Relatability: Pets are universally adored, and their playful antics bring joy to viewers across all age groups and demographics. According to a report by Qoruz, pet content drives an average engagement rate of 8-10%, which is significantly higher than the standard influencer engagement rate of 1-3% in India.
  1. Authenticity: Unlike human influencers, pets don’t curate a polished or idealized version of their lives. Their natural, unfiltered behavior is what makes them endearing. A study by Petfluence found that audiences trust recommendations from pet influencers more because the content feels less sales-driven and more genuine.
    emotional-connection-and-niche-appeal-of-pet-influencer
  1. Emotional Connection: Pets evoke strong emotional responses, such as joy, comfort, and nostalgia, making their content highly engaging and shareable. Emotional pet content has a 25% higher shareability rate than generic content, according to research by Social Samosa.
  1. Niche Appeal: Pet influencers cater to a highly targeted audience—pet lovers—making them ideal for brands looking to engage with a specific demographic. According to Kantar IMRB, over 32% of Indian pet owners actively seek product recommendations from social media influencers, making pet accounts a valuable marketing channel.

How Indian Pet Influencers Are Monetizing Their Fame

Brands have recognized the deep connections these pet influencers have with their audiences.

Collaborations between brands and pet influencers vary based on follower count. Influencers with less than 10,000 followers often receive free products in exchange for content, while those with larger followings can command fees ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹40,000 per post.

A breakdown of how it works:

  • Micro-Influencers (Less than 10,000 followers): These accounts often receive barter collaborations, where brands provide free products in exchange for content.
  • Mid-Tier Influencers (10,000–100,000 followers): These influencers can charge between ₹10,000 and ₹15,000 per post, depending on their engagement rates.
  • Top-Tier Influencers (100,000+ followers): Accounts like Oscar and Pablo can charge ₹25,000–40,000 per post, making pet influencing a lucrative venture.

pooja-yadav-pet-parent-influencerPooja Yadav, a 39-year-old from Ahmedabad, has seen her Labrador Yana amass over 15,600 followers on Instagram (@yana_thelabrador).

Yadav’s latest collaboration with a major pet care brand generated an income of ₹4,000 per post, showcasing the monetization potential of pet influencers.

Brands Leverage the Power of Indian Pet Influencers

Several brands in India are actively collaborating with pet influencers to enhance their marketing strategies and connect with pet-loving audiences. Here are some notable examples:

  1. Zigly by Cosmo First: Zigly, a pet care brand under Cosmo First, recognizes the unique value of pet influencers in fostering trust and engagement within the pet community. Pankaj Poddar, Group CEO of Cosmo First, stated, “Pet influencers are instrumental in fostering trust and engagement within our community. Their niche focus often leads to deeper connections with our target audience.”
    zigly-by-cosmo-first-petcare-brand-using-pet-influencers
  1. PetStrong: PetStrong, a pet food startup, allocates a significant portion of its marketing budget to influencer collaborations. Co-founder Nisheeth Kumar noted that influencers with 15,000–50,000 followers typically charge around ₹10,000–15,000 for posting one reel and two stories, while those with over 100,000 followers command fees between ₹25,000–40,000. This investment underscores the brand’s commitment to leveraging pet influencers for greater exposure.
    petstrong-petfoodstartup
  1. Pedigree by Mars Petcare: Mars Petcare’s brand Pedigree has engaged in campaigns such as the #6WeeksChallenge and the #PedigreeCleanBowlChallenge, partnering with celebrity pet influencers to promote dog health and nutrition. Such initiatives aim to encourage pet owners to adopt healthier feeding practices, leveraging the reach and authenticity of pet influencers to amplify their message.
    pedegree-by-mars-petcare

These collaborations highlight the growing trend of brands recognizing the influence of pet personalities in reaching and engaging with dedicated pet-loving communities.

Challenges in the Indian Pet Influencer Space

While the pet influencer trend is booming, it’s not without its challenges:

  1. Content Creation:
    challenges-in-pet-influencer-space

    Creating engaging, high-quality content isn’t as simple as it might appear. It requires:

  • Time and Patience: Pets, unlike human influencers, can’t be directed easily. Capturing the perfect moment often means waiting for the pet to be in the right mood or setting.
  • Investment in Equipment: Many pet influencers find themselves investing in professional cameras, lighting, and editing software to produce eye-catching content. Additionally, props, costumes, and themed setups can add to the cost.
  • Creativity: Keeping the content fresh and engaging can be challenging. Pet owners often have to brainstorm new ideas to keep their audience entertained while staying authentic to the pet’s personality.

    2. Slow Growth in India:

    slow-growth-of-pet-influencers-iindia

    The pet influencer phenomenon, while growing, is still in its infancy in India compared to Western countries.

  • Market Awareness: Brands in India are just starting to realize the potential of pet influencers, which means fewer collaborations and sponsorships are available.
  • Audience Size: While there’s a passionate community of pet lovers, the general audience for pet-focused content is smaller compared to regions where pet ownership is higher.
  • Cultural Factors: In some parts of India, the idea of pets as family members or “influencers” is still catching on, which can limit audience engagement.

    3. Lower Earnings:

    lower-earnings of pet influencers in india

    Pet influencers typically earn less than their human counterparts, even with similar followings.

  • Budget Constraints: Brands may allocate smaller budgets for pet influencers, viewing them as a niche market. This can result in lower compensation for similar engagement rates compared to human influencers.
  • Product Limitations: The range of products and services suitable for pet influencers is narrower—mostly limited to pet food, toys, grooming products, and pet-friendly travel services—reducing earning potential.
  • Negotiation Power: Pet influencers often have less negotiating power, especially if they’re just starting out or aren’t represented by an agency.

 

The Future of Pet Influencers in India

Despite the growth, the pet influencer industry in India faces challenges such as content quality, posting frequency, and the unpredictability of pets’ moods.

Additionally, earnings for pet influencers are generally lower compared to human influencers with similar follower counts.

Nevertheless, the bond between pets and their owners, combined with the engaging content they produce, suggests a promising future for pet influencers in India’s digital marketing landscape.

The future looks bright for pet influencers in India.

As more pet parents embrace this trend, we can expect to see even more creative and engaging content.

Brands, especially in the pet care industry, are likely to increase their investments in pet influencers, recognizing their ability to connect with niche audiences.

What started as just adorable photos of pets has turned into a powerful way to connect with people.

In conclusion, the rise of pet influencers in India reflects a broader global trend where animals play a significant role in digital content creation and marketing.

As the industry matures, it will be interesting to see how these furry influencers continue to shape consumer behavior and brand strategies.

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