Backed by Chiratae Ventures and venture debt firms, Dr. Paws aims to open 9 new clinics, expand to new cities, and deepen tech-led pet healthcare offerings.
Dr. Paws Secures ₹29 Cr in Pre-Series A Round
Pet healthcare startup Dr. Paws has raised ₹29.3 Cr (~$3.3 Mn) in a Pre-Series A round, combining equity and debt.
- The round was led by Chiratae Ventures, with participation from Sauce.vc, other angel investors, and venture debt firms Trifecta Capital and Stride Ventures.
- This follows a ₹7.8 Cr seed round in November 2024, led by Sauce.vc.
The fresh capital will help Dr. Paws expand its physical footprint, diversify offerings, and strengthen its digital capabilities in a rapidly growing pet care market.
Expansion Plans: Clinics, Cities, and At-Home Services
Dr. Paws will channel the funding toward scaling operations:
- 9 new veterinary clinics across Bengaluru by 2026
- Entry into Hyderabad and Pune
- Launch of at-home vet care services
Additionally, the startup will roll out private label products, including:
- Functional pet treats
- Nutritional supplements
- Specialized pet foods
This marks a shift from being just a clinic chain to becoming a full-stack pet care brand.
Tech-Driven Growth and Veterinary Training
A portion of the capital will also be used to enhance its tech stack and AI capabilities, aimed at:
- Improving diagnostics and treatment outcomes
- Enabling seamless appointment and service management
- Powering data-driven insights for pet health
Dr. Paws will also invest in upskilling and training veterinary professionals, building a stronger clinical workforce to support scale.
Cofounder Udit Gadkary emphasized the company’s mission:
“Our goal to make pet care friendlier, easier and more empathetic will continue to guide everything we do.”
From 3 Clinics to 30,000+ Appointments
Founded in 2024 by Udit Gadkary and Rakesh Santhapur, Dr. Paws:
- Currently operates 3 clinics in Bengaluru, with 2 more under construction
- Has completed 30,000+ appointments and conducted 800+ surgeries
- Is building a tech-enabled platform with high clinical standards and convenience-first offerings
The clinic model combines digital onboarding, transparent pricing, and clinical empathy—elements largely missing from legacy veterinary systems.
India’s Pet Care Market on a Rapid Rise
Dr. Paws’ growth comes at a time when India’s pet care industry is booming, driven by rising urban pet ownership and demand for modern pet services.
- The market is projected to become a $7 Bn (₹6,000 Cr) opportunity by FY28
- Over 500 pet care startups have launched in the last decade, including:
- Heads Up For Tails
- Drools
- Collectively, pet startups have raised nearly $130 Mn in funding so far
Dr. Paws’ entry into tech-enabled clinical services and home care positions it well to capture value across this fast-evolving landscape.
