Gone are the days when a tennis ball and a chewed-up slipper were enough to keep pets entertained. As India’s pet parenting culture continues to evolve, so do expectations around how furry companions play, learn, and stay engaged. For a new generation of pet parents, toys are no longer impulse purchases or occasional treats. They’re an essential part of a pet’s physical health, mental stimulation, and overall well-being. Responding to this shift, a growing number of Indian brands are reimagining playtime with thoughtfully designed toys tailored to the needs of curious puppies, energetic cats, and everything in between. From durable chew toys and snuffle mats to interactive puzzles and eco-friendly playthings, these businesses are creating products that go far beyond fetch. Meet the Indian brands turning everyday play into something a little more special: Heads Up For Tails (HUFT): From squeaky plushies and puzzle feeders to interactive cat games and durable chew toys, Heads Up For Tails has become one of India’s most trusted names in pet care. The brand has expanded far beyond essentials to focus on enrichment and mental stimulation. With thoughtfully designed toys for both dogs and cats, HUFT encourages pet parents to think of playtime as an important part of their furry companion’s overall well-being. Whether it’s an energetic puppy or an indoor cat in need of stimulation, the brand offers products tailored to different personalities and play styles. Pawpourri: Pawpourri brings a touch of fun and flair to pet parenting with colourful toys and accessories designed to make everyday life more enjoyable for furry companions. From chew toys and interactive playthings to stylish essentials, the brand focuses on combining functionality with personality. Its products are designed with safety and comfort in mind, helping pets stay active while giving owners plenty of Instagram-worthy moments. For pet

Delhi’s social scene is evolving, and pets are now at the heart of it. What was once limited to parks and pet events has seamlessly moved into café culture, with restaurants across the city welcoming furry companions alongside their humans. For millennials and Gen Z, pets are no longer just companions; they’re family, making pet-friendly outings more important than ever. This shift has led to a rise in cafés designed with both pets and people in mind, from open-air seating to relaxed, welcoming spaces across South Delhi, GK and Chhatarpur. Whether it’s a quiet coffee date or a lively brunch, these spots are redefining how the city dines out. Mehak Walia curates some of Delhi’s most loved pet-friendly cafés worth adding to your weekend list. Top 6 Pet-Friendly Delhi Cafés & Restaurants Bomba: Located in Greater Kailash 3, Bomba has quickly become a favourite among Delhi’s younger crowd, especially pet parents looking for a stylish yet relaxed outing spot. The café’s open seating and lively atmosphere make it ideal for pets who enjoy being outdoors and socialising. Known for its comforting food, pizzas, and easygoing vibe, Bomba feels less like a formal restaurant and more like a casual hangout where dogs are welcomed just as warmly as their humans. It’s the kind of place where pets naturally become part of the social experience, making it perfect for laid-back brunches and evening catch-ups. Diggin: Few cafés in Delhi are as iconic as Diggin, and its Anand Lok outlet remains one of the city’s most charming pet-friendly spaces. Surrounded by greenery, fairy lights, and cosy European-inspired décor, the café offers a calm and comfortable environment for both pets and owners. The outdoor sections allow dogs to lounge comfortably while visitors enjoy coffee, pasta, and desserts over long conversations. Beyond the aesthetics, what

From hydration hacks to adjusted routines, summer care is all about small, thoughtful changes that make a big difference. We spoke to pet parents to understand how they’re keeping their pets safe, comfortable, and happy during the hottest months of the year. Here are seven essential summer care tips for pets to keep them safe and comfortable in the heat, especially in climates like India: 1. Keep Them Hydrated: Always ensure access to fresh, clean water. You can add ice cubes or offer pet-safe hydrating treats. 2. Avoid Peak Heat Walks: Walk your pets early in the morning or late in the evening to prevent heat exhaustion. 3. Check Ground Temperature: Before walks, touch the pavement; if it’s too hot for your hand, it’s too hot for their paws. 4. Create a Cool Resting Space: Keep pets indoors during the day with fans, AC, or shaded areas. 5. Offer Cooling Foods: Give safe fruits like watermelon or vet-approved cooling treats in moderation. 6. Maintain Grooming: Regular brushing helps manage heat, but avoid over-shaving unless recommended. 7. Watch for Heatstroke Signs: Look for excessive panting, drooling, or low energy and act quickly if noticed. Pet Parents on Keeping Their Furry Friends Cool Tanya Saini — Student & Content Creator City: New DelhiPets: Ella (Golden Retriever, 3 years) & Asto (Indie, 10 years) Summer Care: “During summers, I make sure Ella and Asto stay hydrated with fresh water and cooling treats like fruit-based popsicles and bone broth from GoofyTails. I avoid peak-heat walks, always check the ground temperature before stepping out to protect their paws, keep them indoors during the day, and pay close attention to small signs like low energy and never over-exercise them. I also ensure they have a cool resting space at all times, with constant access to fresh

February celebrates relationships in all their forms, and some of the most meaningful ones don’t involve humans at all. The bond between pets and their owners is pure, instinctive, and healing in ways we often don’t put into words. This month, we spotlight the stories where wagging tails and soft purrs have shaped lives and brought everyday joy. Meet Pooja Oscar Sharma: Where Fitness, Compassion, and Dogs Collide Pooja Oscar Sharma, health and fitness coach and MTV Roadies alumna, never imagined that dogs would become such a defining part of her life. Enter Oscar, her grumpy yet loving golden retriever, and Karma, the mischievous younger sibling. Together, they transformed from companions into family, and inspired the creation of Oscar & Karma, an awareness-first platform dedicated to adoption, ethical care, and responsible pet ownership in India. How would you describe the bond you share with your pets, and what joys and challenges come with being their caregiver?Oscar & Karma began as a space to share what I was learning about my dogs. Over time, it became an awareness platform connecting people to the personalities, quirks, and sibling bond of Oscar and Karma. The joys are endless, the unconditional love, the little moments, and the growth we experience together. The challenges are real, too, especially in India, where understanding a dog’s needs, emotions, and welfare is limited. Compassion often comes last. How did this journey evolve beyond your pets to a larger community?As I learned more, I realized the harsh realities of breeding, neglect, and cruelty in India. Oscar & Karma now stands for fostering, helping dogs in need, supporting community animals, and promoting environmental responsibility. Every initiative is inspired by Oscar and the desire to make a difference in the world they, and we, live in. What does running Oscar &