How to start selling pet products online in India
How to pick a pet product niche, test safety and durability, and ship items pet parents will trust with their dogs and cats.
Pet parents in India research carefully before buying anything new for their dog or cat, especially anything the pet will chew, wear, or eat, which means safety and material honesty matter more in this category than clever marketing.
Decide what you're selling first
Choose one product type and one pet focus to start — dog collars and leashes, cat toys, pet grooming accessories, or pet treats — rather than trying to serve every kind of pet and product at once. Within that, decide on a size range (small, medium, large breed) since a single product size rarely fits the full range of Indian pets, from a Pomeranian to a Labrador.
Sourcing or making it
If you're sourcing accessories like collars, leashes, or toys, check the material for durability against chewing and for any small parts that could detach and become a choking hazard, and ask suppliers directly about material safety rather than assuming a product is pet-safe just because it's marketed that way. If you're making pet treats, note that pet food and treats are subject to their own safety and labelling considerations in India, and you should check current requirements with the relevant authority before selling, since assuming pet treats fall outside any regulation without checking is a real risk. Test any physical product yourself with a real pet over several days — a collar for fit and rubbing, a toy for durability against chewing — before selling it.
Photos and descriptions
Photograph the product on an actual pet wearing or using it, since size and fit are hard to judge from a flat product photo alone, and pet owners specifically want to see how something looks and behaves on a real animal. Include a close-up of material texture and any adjustable parts like buckles or straps. In the description, give exact size measurements (collar length range, toy dimensions), material composition, and for treats, full ingredients and any allergen notes, since pet owners are often as ingredient-conscious for their pets as they are for themselves.
Pricing, packaging and shipping
Price according to material quality and durability, and remember that pet owners are often willing to pay more for something that will genuinely last against chewing or rough play rather than something cheap that needs replacing in a week. Package treats in airtight, resealable packaging to maintain freshness, and pack accessories like collars and toys simply but securely, since these items are generally more shipping-tolerant than fragile categories. For treats, mention storage instructions and a realistic shelf life based on your own testing.
Getting your first ten orders
Reach out to local pet parent groups, whether on social media or in your own neighbourhood, since pet owners tend to be an active, tightly connected community that shares recommendations readily. Ask a few pet owners you know to trial a product with their pet and share honest feedback and photos, since a genuine reaction from a real dog or cat is some of the most persuasive content in this category. Offer a small starter bundle (a toy with a treat sample, for instance) as your entry product, since it gives new customers a low-risk way to try your brand across more than one item.
Once you've tested your products thoroughly, a store of your own with UPI and Cash on Delivery through Varchas Stores gives your pet brand a proper storefront without building a website yourself.
Your next step: pick one product and pet size range, test it with a real pet for at least a week, and confirm any current safety or labelling requirements before you launch.
Get early access to set up your store.