Paws & Lattes: Gen Z Fuels Boom in Pet-Friendly Cafés Across Urban India

Image Source: Four Legged Babies

India's café scene is undergoing a furry makeover. As Gen Z redefines what friendship is, pet cafés are popping up in Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, and Pune—giving both humans and their four-legged family members a friendly space to hang out.

Key Highlights:
- Starbucks India has opened its first pet-friendly store in Jaipur, which has leash hooks, water bowls, and a Puppuccino dog treat
- Local cafes like Grey Soul Coffee in Mumbai and The Fat Teapot in Dharamshala are creating large outdoor areas and customized pet menus
- First hygienics and etiquette, with frequent sanitation, properly trained personnel in pet behavior, and natural cleaning solutions used.

Why It's Trending:
- Gen Z and millennials increasingly refer to themselves as pet parents, not pet owners, fueling demand for welcoming spaces
- Compatibility in lifestyle, friendship, and emotional support are the central stimulants of this movement
- Monthly pet-care costs ranging from ₹3,000–₹5,000 are incurred in cities such as Bengaluru, and gourmet food and accessories are becoming popular.

Designing for the Fur Family
- Cafes now also sell pet cakes made of carrot, peanut butter, and yogurt
- They encompass dog spas, play spaces, and adoption facilities (e.g., Cat Café Studio in Mumbai)
- Institutions are evolving to handle pet anxiety with quieter areas and leash regulations

Looking Ahead:

- The pet café trend will grow along with India's pet care market, which is expected to reach a CAGR of 16–18% in the coming five years - Future improvements may include pet-only zones, stricter hygiene controls, and longer menus according to breed-related needs.

Sources: Restaurant India, Times of India, PaisaWapas, Financial Express, Homegrown, Slurrp