To commemorate Women’s Day on 8th March, 2025, Creature Companion Magazine hosted a Panel Discussion with some of the most remarkable women in the Pet Industry with their own unique journeys, creative flairs, insights, expertise, and take on leadership. The session included:
Mrs. Yashodhra, a Breeder, an International Judge, and a Conservationist.
Ms. Rashi Narang, Founder of Heads up for Tails
Ms. Poorvi Anthony, Founder of Just Dogs
Dr. Aradhana Tripathi – Founder of Doggy World
Ms. Linda Hawke – Publisher of Creature Companion Magazine and Convenor of India International Pet Trade Fair.
On their Journey as Female Entrepreneurs in the Pet Industry
Mrs. Yashodhra – There have been trials and tribulations in my journey but I believe I have overcome all of them. Today, I am in a place where I completely enjoy the experience I get to have as a breeder, judge, conservationist, and an entrepreneur.
Ms. Rashi Narang – I believe we all have our challenges but it really is about rising above them and moving forward. It is nice to see more women coming into the pet space. It brings more empathy and a more nurturing environment which I feel was missing when I first started out almost 18 years ago. So, I am happy to see more women stepping into this space.
Ms. Poorvi Anthony – My journey in the Pet Industry has been amazing so far. I started back in 2011 and have completed almost 14 years now. There have been lots of challenges and learnings, specially in terms of creating awareness for pet parents. Overall, it has been a great journey for me.
Dr. Aradhana Tripathi– When I entered this industry, it was around 30 years ago. At that time, being a veterinarian for a woman was considered to be a shocking thing. When I entered college, there were hardly one or two girls in our batch. Even our teachers were confused as to why we have entered this line. However, over the years, we have seen a tremendous changes in this space and it is good to see more girls not only coming into this space, but also succeeding in it.
Ms. Linda Hawke– I grew up with a lot of pets at home. My affinty for pets inspired me to start a magazine where all pet parents could learn more about pet keeping. Similarly, India International Pet Trade Fair was started with the aim of bringing the pet industry together in one platform and put India on the map for International Trade.
On Overcoming Adversity
Mrs. Yashodhra– I started as a breeder almost 45 years ago. There was no concept of a professional breeder in India at that time like that and yet, I had the opportunity to travel abroad. I followed my keen interests and started studying about breeding and I succeded. Breeding is both an art and a science. I am very proud to say that my puppies have an international market today and I breed up to the correct standards. As an international judge, it is difficult for a woman to dominate the field but I was lucky. I had the support of my children and some mentors. I am at a place today where I feel truly cherished.
Rashi Narang- I got into retail when no retail store was willing to take our products and sell them. I realized that most of them were traders who did not understand the perspective of pet parents. Every store I went to shut their door on me. This is why we started our own retail stores because there was no other place to sell from. Had it not been for the rejection, we would not have had this platform that we have built over the years. It has been a hard yet fun journey. I have grown so much in the process and I am grateful for it.
Poorvi Anthony- For me, the female perspective in retail has been crucial because the majority shoppers who walk into our stores are females, which are around 70-80% . So, I think the empathy, and compassion which women bring in is essential along with our understanding of shopping patterns and visual merchandising of stores. Over the years, I have learned the value of female perspective in the importance of succeeding in retail.
Dr. Aradhana- When I entered the industry, there were very few women, especially veterinarians, and even fewer opening their own centers. The concept back then was limited to small, unorganized clinics, scattered pet shops, and breeders. I envisioned a more integrated approach, combining a clinic, pet shop, grooming, boarding, and guidance on nutrition and health under one roof. Many discouraged me, saying a vet should focus only on clinics, but I believed a veterinarian is best placed to understand pet parents’ needs. Over time, people began to appreciate and replicate the model. Today, the industry has transformed, pets are cherished as family members, sometimes even more than kids, and I am proud to have contributed to this growth.
Linda Hawke– It has been a challenging yet rewarding experience for me in this industry so far. For entreprenuers, there are innevitable reservations owing to financial constraints, market awareness, and market acceptance. Once you work around them, you realise that the rewards are plenty.
On their Advice for Young Female Entrepreneurs
Mrs. Yashodhra– The only thing I had was immense passion for animals. I had that empathy in me along with some skills. I would definitely like to say to women to please follow your passion. Dream big, build your dreams, and preserve them. Remember that patience is very important. If someone else can do it, you sure can do it too.
Rashi Narang– All of us see the world differently and we all bring our unique magic. I hope that anyone who wants to step into this space, build out their own path and bring their unique magic to their journey as opposed to fitting into a business cocept that does not resonate with them.
I hope you know that you can make an impact.
Poorvi Anthony– Passion and patience are two of the most important factors. If you want to step into the Industry, just be confident and go for it. Instead of being a perfectionist, head right in and face all the challenges that come your way. You will definitely make it.
Dr. Aradhana- Always be true to yourself. Whatever you do, make sure that it is true to who you are. Do not blindly follow the numbers or try to achieve certain markers. If you are true to yourself, success will automatically follow you and with time, you will achieve whatever you put your mind to.
Linda Hawke – To excel in this industry, you need perseverance and resilience in abundance. If you continue to show up with that mindset, sky is the limit for you and you can achieve everything you strive for.