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Curriculum The Pet Economy

The Pet Economy

The economics of our animal companions: what pets really cost, the booming pet food and vet markets, pet insurance, breeding and adoption, stray animals, the "pet humanisation" trend and the ethics behind it.

  1. The Pet Boom Why pet ownership and pet spending have grown quickly in India and worldwide, and what economic trends are driving it. 📄 Read-aloud
  2. What a Pet Really Costs The lifetime cost of owning a dog or cat, including food, vet care, grooming and emergencies, and why people underestimate it. 📄 Read-aloud
  3. The Pet Food Business How packaged pet food grew in India, why brands compete on premium and health claims, and the economics of switching from home food. 📄 Read-aloud
  4. Veterinary Care and Its Costs How vet services are growing in cities, why pet healthcare costs are rising, and the shortage of vets for pets in India. 📄 Read-aloud
  5. Pet Insurance: Does It Pay? How pet insurance works, what it covers, and how to decide whether the premiums are worth it. 📄 Read-aloud
  6. Breeders, Pet Shops and Adoption The economics of pet breeding, the problems of unregulated breeding, and why adoption matters for animal welfare. 📄 Read-aloud
  7. The Pet Economy: Checkpoint 1 Quick checkpoint - five questions on the pet boom, pet costs, pet food, vet care and pet insurance. 5 questions
  8. Stray Dogs: An Economic and Public Health Issue The costs of large stray dog populations in India, including dog bites and rabies, and the economics of sterilisation programmes. 📄 Read-aloud
  9. Grooming, Walking and Boarding: Pet Services How small businesses and startups serve pet owners with grooming, walking, training and boarding, and why services grow as owners get busier. 📄 Read-aloud
  10. Pets as Family: The Spending Debate Why owners spend lavishly on pets, what behavioural economics says about it, and debates about priorities and animal welfare. 📄 Read-aloud
  11. Pet Startups in India How startups are building pet food, healthcare and online stores for India's growing pet market, and the challenges of scaling. 📄 Read-aloud
  12. Working Animals and the Economy How animals from bullocks to police dogs and therapy animals contribute economically, and how their role is changing. 📄 Read-aloud
  13. The Pet Economy: Recap A look at where the pet economy is heading, responsible ownership, and a summary of the module. 📄 Read-aloud

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