Pet care is rapidly becoming a hot category in India’s direct-to-consumer (D2C) scene. PawsnCollars, a brand based in Bengaluru, is making a splash by changing how D2C works for pets and their owners.
Ambika Ramachandran and Santhosh Pasupuleti started the company in 2018 as an online pet store. Since then, it has grown into a complete lifestyle brand with natural products, grooming, vet services, luxury pet hotels, a café, and even pools for pets. Pet owners are increasingly treating their animals like family, and PawsnCollars is creating a high-end D2C brand for the growing community of millennial and Gen Z pet parents in India.
The founders noticed early on that most places in India only tolerated pets, instead of truly welcoming them. A 2024 survey showed that over 66% of younger pet parents see their pets as the most important part of their lives, which meant there was a clear opportunity for D2C pet care brands. PawsnCollars stepped in to fill that gap, offering natural, non-GMO, cruelty-free, and sustainable products in areas like nutrition, grooming, toys, clothing, supplements, and even smart tech like digital ID trackers. Currently, they have nearly 1,500 items on their platform, including both in-house and imported products that meet global standards.
What sets PawsnCollars apart is its physical presence. They experimented with a combined online and offline strategy long ago, opening centers in Bengaluru and Hyderabad where customers can shop, get grooming services, access vet care, and enjoy community events like pet-friendly cafés run by celebrity chef Abhijit Saha. Their luxury pet hotel in Koramangala includes Alexa-enabled rooms, pools, spa treatments, and personalized experiences for pets and their owners, further expanding the D2C model in India.
The company is growing quickly. They’ve served over 30,000 customers and have a steady 25% year-over-year increase in repeat customers. Celebrities like actor Aindrita Ray, Swiggy CEO Sriharsha Majety, and Allu Arjun’s family have also used the brand. With positive earnings achieved last year and average monthly sales tripling since launch, PawsnCollars is a case study in how to grow revenue without being too dependent on outside funding.
Now, PawsnCollars is planning its next phase of growth. They are preparing to expand across India with more centers and in-mall locations, supported by a new AI-powered app designed to provide personalized care and integrate online and offline channels. They are also working with Think9 Consumer to explore formats that fit into malls and urban areas. As they look to raise their first round of funding, they are positioning themselves as a brand to watch.
As pet care becomes a popular D2C trend, PawsnCollars is leading the way. By combining products, services, experiences, and community events like adoption drives and pet brunches, they are showing what’s possible when D2C is focused on pets.
