Indian Pet Animals are an important part of almost every household in the country and are kept either for domestic purpose or for commercial use. A pet animal is a domestic animal kept for amusement and company. It has been medically approved that pets give significant health benefits and help in relieving stress. The most popular Indian pet animals generally constitutes of several breeds of dogs and cats, birds and few fancy species of rodents like guinea pigs, hamsters and white rats. A few animals are sufficiently capable of adapting to human interaction to be considered domestic.

Types of Indian Pet Animals
The different types of pet animals available in India are discussed below in details:
Mammals
Amongst mammals, dogs are the most common Indian Pet Animals, followed by cats which are also found in many residences. There are other mammal species also which are kept as pets. These are described below-

Indian Dogs
Dogs are believed to be a classic example of domesticated animals normally suited to being pets. International breeds like Labrador, Daschund, Beagle, Pug, Great Dane, Basset Hound, Bull Dog, Dalmatians, Doberman, German Sheperd, Boxer, Cocker Spaniel, Irish Setter and local breeds such as, Combai, Rajapalayam, Kanni, Mudhol Hound, Chippiparai, and Caravan Hound are amongst the most preferred.

Indian Cats
Domestic cats are also frequently found in many households in India. Cats appear to be less changed behaviourally by their association with humans, in comparison. However, they do fit the example of an animal being small enough to control.

Other Mammals in India
Many horses and related animals like goats and sheep are also suitable for human companionship as pets or work animals. Pet rabbits usually live for 5 years, but sometimes can also live twice as long. They can live in hutches out of doors, if used to it- otherwise a light well-ventilated shed is the best for them. Rabbits, guinea pigs and other fancy rodents are also popular as pets in India. Different types of rabbits and guinea pigs are available, which are mostly preferred by children.

Puppies and kittens are quite easy as pets. But kittens should not be taken from their mothers until they are 2 to 3 months old. Besides the urban settlement, Indian rural areas are also fond of their pet animals. However, besides the usual cats and dogs the livestock are raised in these areas. Cows, goats, bullocks etc are some animals that are widely found in rural households.

Indian Birds and Fishes
Everybody is familiar with exotic birds being kept as pets. These birds include cockatoo, parrot, myna, love-birds etc. It is best to buy the cage with the bird, as each species` requirements are different. Even peacocks are domesticated as pets in parts of the country. Fishes are also kept in many household as pets. Various types of fishes are available in local shops and designer aquariums are also sold in local pet shops.

Indian Reptiles and Insects
Animals such as reptiles are typically considered as exotic pets. Some of these animals, such as green iguanas and large snakes, do not make suitable pets for the average person as they require extensive housing and diet. They can also become quite aggressive if not properly handled. A tortoise is best kept in a secure or a well-fenced garden where it can wander in the summer. They should be allowed to hibernate in a large wooden box filled with hay or straw. Some even prefer keeping giant insects and bugs as pets, such as scorpions, tarantulas, mantis, giant centipedes etc. these are usually kept in glass containers with a locked cover.

Maintenance of Indian Pet Animals
In India, maintaining pets involves a lot of responsibility. Owning a pet is like keeping a bargain. One must choose ones animal with care, being sure that the owner can look after it correctly. A person must consider the space they have for keeping a pet, whether he can exercise the pet regularly, what the owner`s family thinks of the pet who is to become a new member of the same, the monetary aspect of keeping a pet and feeding it properly. Moreover, the owner of the pet must take proper care so that the neighbours are not disturbed by the presence of the pet in their house and the entire locality.

The Government of India introduced several pet laws to safeguard the interest of the pets. The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act was enacted in December 1960 to prevent cruelty against the animals. Later in 1962, the Animal Welfare Board of India was set up under Section 4 of the PCA 1960.