The Future of Pet Boarding in India: Why Experience & Software Will Define Success

India’s pet care industry is undergoing a massive transformation, and pet boarding is at the heart of it. If you’re a pet boarder or considering entering this rapidly growing industry, now is the time to take action.

By 2030, India’s pet boarding market is expected to be worth a staggering ₹2,500 crores. This growth signifies a significant change in how we care for our pets, especially when we can’t be with them. More than just numbers, it’s a reflection of the shift in attitudes towards pets, with the rise of pet parents who demand more from their pet care providers.

Let’s dive into what’s driving this growth, how pet boarding services are evolving, and why pet boarding software is becoming indispensable for business success.

More Paws, More Opportunities

India is home to around 3.5 crore pets today, and this number is expected to increase to over 5 crore by 2030. This surge in pet ownership presents a tremendous opportunity for the pet care industry, particularly in pet boarding services. With this growth comes an ever-increasing demand for high-quality, professional care.

Historically, when people needed to travel, they relied on family or neighbours to look after their pets. However, the modern pet parent expects more than just basic care. They want their pets to have an experience that mirrors the comfort and attention they would receive at home. This shift is propelling the demand for dog boarding software and kennel management software that can support these elevated expectations.

3 Key Trends Reshaping Pet Boarding in India

1. Pet Parents Demand Premium Care

The days of being a mere pet owner are long gone. Today, pet parents want nothing but the best for their furry companions. They’re not just seeking a place to house their pets while they’re away; they’re expecting a premium experience that reflects the love and care they provide at home.

When pet parents drop their dogs off at a boarding facility, they now expect spacious, comfortable accommodations, much like a luxury hotel. They want to ensure that their pets are placed in environments where they are not only safe but also happy and comfortable. Furthermore, pet owners are looking for high-quality recreational areas such as dog parks and swimming pools, ensuring their pets are entertained and active. It’s no longer just about keeping pets in kennels; it’s about providing them with a variety of activities, tailored to their needs and personalities. Additionally, pet owners demand gourmet meals or special dietary options to ensure their pets’ nutritional needs are met even when they are away from home. Pet boarding services are now expected to offer interactive enrichment activities to keep pets mentally and physically stimulated, allowing them to feel like they’re on a mini-vacation themselves.

This means that pet boarding software must offer more than just booking capabilities. It should be able to manage and streamline these premium services efficiently, ensuring that each pet receives the care and attention they deserve during their stay.

2. Going Digital is No Longer Optional

In an increasingly digital world, today’s pet parents expect everything to be just a click away, and pet boarding is no exception. The traditional, paper-based methods of managing pet bookings are quickly becoming outdated. Dog boarding software and kennel booking systems that operate digitally are essential for staying ahead in the competitive pet care market.

The ability to book services online has become a major expectation for pet parents, with many wanting the convenience of scheduling and confirming bookings from their mobile phones or computers. Pet parents also want real-time updates during their pets' stay, allowing them to check in on their beloved animals while they’re away. This gives them peace of mind, knowing that their pets are being well cared for. Transparency is also key—owners want to be informed about feeding schedules, health updates, and any activities their pets are engaging in. Additionally, secure payment options have become a necessity, allowing pet parents to pay for services in a convenient and secure manner.

These digital tools not only streamline operations for pet boarding businesses but also create a seamless, trusted experience for pet parents. Going digital means businesses can provide the level of service their customers expect, while also making it easier to scale their operations and increase efficiency.

3. Boarding is Becoming a Full Experience

Pet boarding is evolving from being a mere accommodation solution to a full-fledged experience centre. Today’s pet parents want their pets to have an enriching time while they’re away, and that goes beyond just providing a kennel. It’s about offering experiences that make pets feel pampered, cared for, and even entertained.

Modern boarding kennel software now integrates a variety of services that make these experiences possible. Pets can enjoy gourmet meals, personalised care, and special activities such as swimming and interactive playtime in dog parks. Some facilities are even offering therapeutic services like physiotherapy and hydrotherapy to help older pets or those recovering from surgery. This attention to wellness is another reason pet boarding businesses are seeing a shift towards offering more holistic services. Pet transportation services have also become a key feature, enabling owners to have their pets picked up and dropped off directly at the facility for added convenience. Furthermore, grooming and spa treatments are now common offerings, ensuring pets are pampered from head to tail.

These added services are no longer a luxury—they are quickly becoming the standard. As pet boarding facilities continue to evolve, the software that powers them must be capable of handling these complex needs and providing a seamless experience for both pets and their owners.

What Does This Mean for Pet Boarders?

If you’re running or planning to start a pet boarding business, it’s clear that the industry is rapidly changing. The demand for higher standards of care is growing, and the shift towards digital solutions is essential. To stay competitive and offer the best possible service, it’s important to embrace the following:

Embrace Technology

The first step is to invest in dog boarding software that simplifies and enhances your operations. Whether you need kennel management software, a dog daycare booking system, or a robust dog boarding reservation software, having the right tools can help your business run smoothly and efficiently.

Focus on Experience

Think of your pet boarding facility not as a place to “store” pets but as a premium experience that both pets and pet parents will look forward to. Offer enriching activities, top-notch facilities, and personalisation to make each pet's stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Upskill Your Team

Providing high-quality care goes beyond great facilities—it also involves having knowledgeable, compassionate staff. Train your team in pet behaviour, first aid, and customer service to ensure your clients receive the best possible experience.

Listen to Your Customers

Pet parents are increasingly vocal about their needs and preferences. Be sure to listen to feedback and use it to continually improve the services you offer. This will help build trust and loyalty, which are key to long-term business success.

Why Now is the Best Time to Go Digital

Adopting boarding kennel software and digital tools isn’t just about convenience; it’s about building trust with modern pet parents. They want transparency, reliability, and easy access to information about their pets. By going digital, you not only improve your operational efficiency but also meet your customers’ expectations head-on.

The right software allows you to automate booking, send updates to pet parents, and offer a smooth payment experience, all while improving your internal workflows. It also opens up opportunities for marketing and customer engagement, driving business growth.

So, What’s Next for Pet Boarding in India?

The future of pet boarding in India is digital, experience-focused, and incredibly promising. Whether you’re a small, local boarder or a growing business with multiple locations, the key to staying ahead is clear:

• Understand your customer—the pet parent

• Elevate your services to offer more than just basic care

• Leverage technology to simplify your operations and improve customer experiences

• Build a trustworthy, loving brand that pet parents can rely on

Ready to Take Your Pet Boarding Business to the Next Level?

We’ve created pet boarding software designed specifically to help you scale your business. With features like online bookings, real-time updates, and easy payment processing, our software helps you deliver the exceptional care pet parents expect. Your business deserves more than a manual booking system—it deserves a digital transformation. Check out Pettle's Pet Boarding Software, built for the smartest pet boarders.