The global pet market has grown by 6.1% CAGR, from US $245 billion in 2021 to US $261 billion in 2022 and will likely grow to US $350 billion by 2027.

This news should undoubtedly bring joy to pet lovers across the world. What it implies is more people are growing to understand the delights of raising an animal family member. They are spending a lot more on taking care of their fur buddies, and that is something worth celebrating. In India too, the trend is growing steadily, but maybe not at the rate it is growing elsewhere. 

Pets are increasingly being seen as family and receive the same treatment as the kids of the household (and rightly so!). Hollywood star Jennifer Lawrence once said, "My kids would be incredibly jealous because I would still be way more attentive to Pippi (her dog) than I would to them." Now those are some pet goals, aren't they? 

On a serious note, though, the love you receive from your pets is unconditional and everlasting. Dogs, especially, can very well become the best friend you have in your life. As a dog mom or dad, you want to do the best possible for your baby. You need to feed them the right food, take care of their ailments, and find friends for them to socialise with, just the way you would for your human kid.

All these sentiments are good, but where will you find the necessary dog lovers community where you can meet, interact and share tips with other pet parents? We've come up with some of the best online and offline dog communities in India where you can meet up with like-minded pet parents. 

Take a look. 

To raise your beloved paw buddy, you need the help, guidance, and support of other pet parents. They can be the source of infinite advice and a reliable goldmine of information. Apart from the vet, these are the people who will be able to guide you when it comes to solving some of the problems that might be facing in bringing up your doggo. 

Keeping these reasons in mind, several people have come up with community organisations for dogs in India that aim to support, guide, and help dog parents. 

These communities can be found both online and offline. Apart from these, you can also follow the most popular dogs on Instagram, which have got millions of followers, and meet pet parents in the comments section of their posts. 

So, without further ado, let's get started! 

Since the whole world went online, virtual dog communities have popped up as convenient information banks for all things canine. With just a few clicks, you can check out some of these online dog communities to build yourself a support system.

Scoobled

An invite-only group, Scoobled, is an exclusive dog community dedicated to taking care of and nurturing your cuddle buddies. Members can post discussions, videos or pictures of their darlings without abandon. Scoobled also promotes the adoption of pets on their Facebook page and conducts house checks for those who want to adopt. 

So, if you are planning to add a bundle of fur to your family, keep an eye out!

Dog Talk India

Dog Talk India is a Facebook community where you can share everything about your beloved babies, and get responses from other members. Post pictures, videos, queries, interact with the other members, comment and like. You can ask for vet recommendations,  grooming advice, and enquire about the health problems of your pets. Dog Talk India is a great destination to find other like-minded pet owners and solve any issues you may have with your pooch. 

Dog Training Club of India

With over 16,000 members, the Dog Training Club of India is a group for those pet-parents looking to socialise their pets in the best possible way. They do not welcome anyone trying to secure mates or breeders. Mostly the group focuses on how to train your pets so that they grow up with lovely manners.

If you want a brick and mortar place where your beloved fur babies can meet others, while getting groomed, then try these very popular places. These offer the best services for your canine buddies - from food to entertainment to daycare, while you are on holiday.

The Pawsh

This community founded by Neha and Tanya in 2007 is one of a kind place for dogs. Inspired by the love the two founders had for their dogs, they created a place where pets can be trained and groomed. 

Not just that, you can also keep your pets here for daycare or when you leave for vacation. The centre is located in Pune and has many loyal fans. Use their versatile services and watch as your community grows. 

Petmate

While not exactly a community, Petmate set up by Mumbai-based Romit Dalal & Chetan Shah, is a fast-growing app that connects pet parents so that they can set up play dates and enjoy a semblance of a community. 

It helps to locate and recommend nearby dog lovers such as yourself and set up the meetings between your furry friends. You and your Fido will love the app as it also helps you to make friends with other dog owners. Dogs love to socialise, as you well know, they are pack animals and enjoy the company. So do them a favour and sign up.  

PAWS

The Pet Animal Welfare Society is a great community that stands for the protection and rescue of pets. They aim to spread awareness about the care, health and nutrition required by pets and how human parents can be of service to them. It is based in Delhi and takes exceptional care of stray dogs. 

Join any of these communities today and become part of a family. Doing so will only increase the support base you have. These centres can also help you to rescue other pups and adopt them if you wish. But the highlight of joining such centres is the lasting friendships you can make. 

Every dog lover loves to view the antics of other canines. It reminds them of how silly their pups used to be. They scour the internet to find memes, cute videos, pictures, anything that makes them go 'Aww! You're a silly-billy!' Here are three very popular dogs ruling Instagram today. 

Jiffpom

A thorough cutie, do not be fooled by his small stature. He is quite the top dog at wooing everyone with oodles of doggy charm. Voted for the Animal Star Of The Year 2020 Jiff Pom is one sweetheart that can charm his way into any heart. You should start following him ASAP.

Doug the Pug

With his adorable grumpy face replete with large wrinkles, what is not to love about Doug the Pug? Dressed up by his human in cute outfits and full of charming antics, reminiscent of the Vodafone pug, Doug is an old soul that is both sweet and sensible. He's contending with Jiffpom this year for the coveted Animal Star Of The Year 2020 by E! and is sure to give him stiff competition. Check him out on Instagram. 

Maru Taro

A lovely brown Shibu Inu, Maru Taro is a Japanese dog celebrity. He has reportedly got the best doggy personality around that is both energetic and mature at the same time. He will cuddle, play 'fetch', with his owner, the luckiest man alive, one Mr Shinjiro Ono. He has got some 1.8 million followers worldwide, and you should be the next to join them. You won't regret following the adventures of this princely Shibu Inu. 

There are so many reasons why you need dog communities. Most importantly, you need them for the valuable advice other dog owners can give you. They can be a go-to place for help and suggestions on how to raise your best friend. Here are some other reasons to join a community -

• Vet recommendations, learn from the best pet carers there are in the country.

• Grooming and training tips are galore online, and it is only a matter of finding the right group

• You can find several community dog walks in your city or around you. 

Dog communities are going to be a rising trend as people seek to connect with like-minded pet parents. These communities will prove to be repositories of information and precious nuggets of wisdom as you grow in your commitment to be the best parent your pooch can ask for. 

So no matter your preference, whether offline, or online, get involved in a dog community where you can meet, discuss, and share your love for your pet. Others may gain from your involvement!