Pet ownership in Nagpur has grown steadily over the past decade, shaped by changing lifestyles and the availability of organised pet services across the city.

Families in apartments and independent homes now seek animals that fit daily routines and the specific climate of the region.

This shift has expanded the local market for pet shops, grooming centres and veterinary clinics that cater to different choices. Nagpur reflects a broader national trend where companion animals are now part of everyday life in urban households.

The rise of accessible products and information has made pet keeping more structured than before. The city also mirrors patterns observed across Vidarbha, where domestic animals form an important part of urban living.

1. Dogs as a Dominant Companion Animal

Dogs remain the most widely kept pets in Nagpur, supported by a visible network of shops, kennels and grooming facilities that operate in several neighbourhoods. The demand is evident from the prominence of dog registration processes followed by local authorities, which indicates the scale of ownership. Families choose dogs for various reasons such as familiarity, easy availability and the presence of multiple breeds suited to Indian climates. Indian pariah dogs are commonly adopted because they adjust well to local temperatures. At the same time, breeds like Labrador, German Shepherd and Beagle are preferred in many homes when care routines are managed responsibly. Pet supply stores frequently stock dog food, leashes, toys and hygiene materials, signalling a consistent consumer base. Veterinary clinics in the city also report a high footfall of dog owners, which reflects the steady presence of this species in residential areas. The pattern aligns with national figures that place dogs at the top of the pet population in India, and this consistency is also noted in parts of Vidarbha.

2. Cats in Urban Households

Cats hold the second position in Nagpur’s pet keeping pattern and have become a familiar sight in apartment complexes and gated communities. Their popularity is linked to lower space requirements and quieter daily habits that match the routine of working households. Pet shops across the city frequently display Persian cats and Indian short-haired varieties, showing that the market has adapted to preferences shaped by urban housing patterns. Owners are often observed purchasing cat litter, dry food and basic accessories that are stocked in almost every major pet outlet. Boarding centres and grooming facilities have also expanded their services to accommodate more cats, which shows a rising trend of structured care. Social media groups and local communities dedicated to cat care have emerged, connecting owners who seek guidance on nutrition and health. The increase in such support systems reflects growth in the city’s cat adopting culture, which is comparable to similar developments in other cities within Vidarbha.

3. Aquarium Fish and Their Growing Presence

Ornamental fish form a large share of small pets kept in Nagpur and are regularly purchased for both homes and commercial spaces. Local pet stores often display guppies, goldfish and cichlids, which account for some of the most frequently bought varieties in the city. Owners choose aquarium fish because they require minimal physical space and allow families to maintain a pet without regular outdoor routines. Aquariums are sold in various sizes in neighbourhood markets, alongside filters, aerators and decorative items. Fish food and water conditioners are stocked consistently, reflecting the stable demand for related products. Many households prefer fish tanks as indoor additions that follow straightforward upkeep schedules, making them accessible for first time owners. The city’s pet industry acknowledges fish as a major category in sales volume, and similar patterns are seen in other urban areas of Vidarbha, where aquarium culture has increased.

Nagpur’s pet ecosystem reflects broader changes in how people structure their homes and daily routines. Dogs continue to dominate household choices, yet the rising visibility of cats and the steady presence of aquarium fish show that pet ownership in the city is becoming more varied. Pet shops, veterinary clinics and boarding centres have adapted to this growth by expanding services that cater to different species.

The nature of these trends also highlights the role of accessible products and information that support first time and long-term owners alike. These shifts suggest that animals have become part of the city’s domestic spaces in ways that align with evolving urban lifestyles. The combination of established patterns and new preferences explains how Nagpur has formed a pet keeping culture that is both widespread and distinct to its local context.