Pet Festival: Why we need to celebrate our pets |

Celebrating our pets and organizing special carnivals for them is a beautiful way to acknowledge the unconditional love, joy, and companionship they bring into our lives. Pets are more than just animals; they are family members who stand by us through thick and thin, offering comfort and loyalty without expecting much in return. A carnival dedicated to them is a chance to express gratitude, create joyful memories, and connect with fellow pet lovers. It’s also an opportunity to pamper them, learn more about their needs, and raise awareness about responsible pet ownership. These celebrations remind us of the pure, unspoken bond we share with our furry friends, making their world—and ours—just a little brighter. We spoke to Akshay Gupta, an avid animal lover and a successful entrepreneur who founded India’s biggest Pet festival -Pet Fed in 2014 about the need for a pet festival and what he told us was heartwarming.
1. Pet Fed is like a carnival for pets and pet lovers, offering a wide range of activities and workshops. What initially sparked the idea to create such an event for pets and their owners?
The idea for Pet Fed came from my love for pets and the realization that there are festivals for every niche such as music, arts, and pop culture but nothing dedicated to celebrating the bond between pets and their parents in India. I wanted to create a space where pet lovers could come together, learn, have fun, and share their love for animals. The goal was to go beyond a typical pet show and build a full-fledged festival that offered activities, workshops, and the togetherness of a community.
2. In your view, why is there a growing need for festivals like Pet Fed in today’s world?
In today’s fast-paced world, our pets are more than just companions—they’re our emotional anchors. Festivals like Pet Fed help people take a step back from their busy schedules and immerse themselves in moments of joy with their pets. There’s also a growing awareness about pet care, welfare, and training, which festivals like ours help foster by providing a platform for education, advocacy, and community building.
3. How do you think the Pet Fed helps deepen the bond between pets and their owners?
A festival like Pet Fed is the perfect way to give your pets the celebration they’ve always deserved. It gives them the chance to meet other pets, enjoy play areas, and create memories with their human companions. Whether it’s hanging out in the play area, performing tricks on stage, or simply soaking in the festival vibes with their parents, these experiences give pets a chance to have fun in ways they don’t typically get at home. Just being in that lively, joyful environment strengthens the bond between pets and their parents, creating moments of connection, trust, and happiness.
4. Are there any important lessons for pet owners to take away from the festival about better understanding and handling their pets?
Absolutely. The workshops and activities are designed not just for entertainment but also to impart valuable knowledge on pet behavior, nutrition, training, and overall well-being. Pet parents often leave the festival with a better understanding of their pets’ needs and behaviors, and many even discover new products and services that can enhance their pets’ quality of life.
5. Over the years, you must have come across some unforgettable pets. Can you share a story or two that have stayed with you?
There have been way too many memorable pets over the years, but some truly unique ones stand out. We’ve had pets like iguanas, hamsters, and even birds making appearances at the festival. Every time we spot one of these unusual pets, it’s like they become instant celebrities – all eyes automatically turn to them. It’s fascinating to see the diversity of pets and how they bring people together in unexpected ways.
6. What were some of the major challenges you faced when you first started organizing the festival, and how did you overcome them?
We started really small; it was a humble beginning, hosting our first Pet Fed at Dilli Haat INA. When we began, people were often surprised to hear about an event dedicated entirely to pets. We also faced logistical challenges such as finding pet-friendly venues and ensuring safety protocols were in place. Overcoming these involved persistence, creating awareness, and slowly building the community year by year.
7. With the numerous activities and workshops at Pet Fed, what’s your personal favorite that you believe every pet parent should experience at least once?
The pet fashion show is definitely the showstopper. The inspiring and amazing costumes that pets flaunt on the main stage are nothing short of spectacular. We’ve seen pets dressed up as iconic characters like Chor police, velma and scooby, and even as superheroes like Captain America. The creativity and effort that pet parents put into these costumes always make it a crowd favorite, and it’s amazing to watch the pets strut down the runway with such style!
8. Pet Fed is celebrating 10 years this time! How has the journey been so far, and in what ways has the event transformed since its inception?
The journey has been nothing short of incredible. We’ve gone from a single city event to India’s biggest pet festival, now spanning multiple cities including our latest addition, Pune. Over the years, we’ve introduced new activities, expanded our lineup of workshops, and added unique features like pet’s got talent and masterclasses. Each year, we aim to outdo ourselves while staying true to our core vision – creating unforgettable experiences for pets and their humans.