India's Pet Healthcare Industry: From Ruff Beginnings to Pawsome Prospects, Health News, ET HealthWorld
pet healthcare
The population of pets in the country has exceeded the 20 million mark, owing to changing family structures, evolving lifestyles, and a growing awareness of pet health and wellness.
However, despite the increasing number of pets in India, the pet healthcare industry in the country is still in its nascent stages, and many pets do not receive the care they require. According to data, more than 70% of pets in India do not receive regular veterinary care. Furthermore, only 10% of pets receive preventive healthcare, such as vaccinations, deworming, and regular check-ups. This lack of access to pet healthcare services can have severe consequences for pets and their parents. Neglected pets can suffer from a range of health issues, from minor ailments to life-threatening diseases. In many cases, such conditions can be prevented or treated with timely veterinary care.
In addition to the lack of access to pet healthcare services, India also faces a shortage of licensed veterinarians. The veterinary profession in India faces a significant challenge due to the shortage of licensed practitioners. According to available data, there are only approximately 50,000 licensed veterinarians in the country, out of which 20% are past the retirement age. Furthermore, the number of functional veterinary colleges is limited to 30, with an average graduation rate of 50 students per year. This translates to a total of 120,000 new veterinarians entering the workforce annually. Whereas the no. of total pets in India is around 30 million, that gives us one vet for every 2 million animals. This is a disturbing number and creates a challenge that is faced by pet parents in accessing quality pet healthcare services. Therefore, it is essential to focus on the development of veterinary services in India, including the expansion of veterinary education and training programs to increase the number of licensed veterinarians in the country.
Scope of Indias pet healthcare industry
The pet healthcare industry in India has been experiencing remarkable growth in recent years, with the surge in pet parents, especially in urban areas, being a key driver of this trend. As a result of changing lifestyles and the rise of nuclear families, more people are adopting pets as companions. Furthermore, pet parents are increasingly prioritising the health and wellness of their pets, which has given rise to a growing demand for veterinary services, pet food, and other pet healthcare products.
Another factor is veterinary telemedicine, a novel concept that employs technology to offer remote healthcare services to pet parents. Through online consultations, pet parents can connect with licensed veterinarians and specialists from the comfort of their homes, eliminating the need for physical visits to veterinary clinics. This development has the potential to transform the pet healthcare industry in India, where pet parents face challenges accessing quality veterinary care due to the country's vast geography. Furthermore, for many pet parents, taking time off from work or navigating busy streets to get their pets to clinics can be an added obstacle. By leveraging veterinary telemedicine, pet parents can promptly receive diagnosis and treatment recommendations for their pets. This can significantly reduce the barriers to accessing veterinary care, especially for pet parents residing in remote areas.
Veterinary telemedicine also has the potential to improve the overall quality of pet healthcare in India. It can facilitate early detection of diseases, timely treatment, and proper follow-up care, leading to better health outcomes for pets while reducing the financial burden on pet parents.
In conclusion, the pet healthcare industry in India is witnessing a significant upswing, fueled by a surge in pet ownership and growing awareness about pet health and well-being. This positive trend is creating ample opportunities for industry players to expand and diversify their offerings to cater to the evolving needs of pet parents. Moreover, the emergence of innovative solutions, such as veterinary telemedicine, has the potential to transform the pet healthcare landscape in India, making quality veterinary care more accessible and convenient for pet parents.
Dr. Shantanu Kalambi, Chief Veterinary Officer, Supertails.com
(DISCLAIMER: The views expressed are solely of the author and ETHealthworld does not necessarily subscribe to it. ETHealthworld.com shall not be responsible for any damage caused to any person / organisation directly or indirectly.)
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Tuesday, March 21, 2023 at 1:22 am