India
India Index Details
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Estimated homeless cats and dogs
80 million
Estimated street or stray cats
9.1 million
Estimated street or stray dogs
62 million
Estimated cats and dogs in shelters
8.8 million
2.4
Index Score
Score Scale:
Number of cats and dogs on the street or in shelters
0
10
0=High
10=Low to nil
2.7
All Pets Wanted:
Stray Populations & Responsible Breeding
1.9
All Pets Cared For:
Pet Adoption & Access To Care
2.6
All Pets Welcome:
Pet Ownership Barriers & Policies
Data Highlights
India data shows 78% of pet owners report treating their pet for ticks, compared to the global average of 76%. This helps drive up the ‘All Pets Wanted’ score for India up.
The Index data for India reveals a high prevalence of stray populations which is bringing the country’s ‘All Pets Wanted’ score down. Nearly 7 in 10 (68%) of the population says they see a stray cat at least once a week while nearly 8 in 10 (77%) say they see a stray dog as frequently.
The Index data for India shows a higher-than-average willingness to own or foster a cat or dog which drives the ‘All Pets Cared For’ score up in India. Nearly 7 in 10 (68%) of India’s general population said they would consider owning a dog, compared to the global average of only 5 in 10.
India data shows 61% of people report that they do not visit the vet for practical reasons such as distance, reputation of the establishment or facilities. This is significantly higher than the global average of 32% and is bringing the ‘All Pets Cared For’ score for India down.
The India data shows that initiatives from charities, governments and companies to help address pet homelessness are perceived as effective and are helping drive the ‘All Pets Welcome’ score for the country up.
The Index data for India shows a perception that the costs associated with having a pet in the country are high - 47% of people surveyed in India report having abandoned or rehomed a cat citing cost (veterinary and/or food) as the reason for relinquishment. This perception is contributing to bringing down the ‘All Pets Welcome’ score for India.