The fair, which is being organised to cater to the growing needs and concerns of pet-owners, will be held at the National Small industries Corporation (NSIC) Expo Complex at Okhla Industrial Estate.

The fair aims to bring together exporters and manufacturers of pet products in India, as well as foreign participants, said Linda Brady Hawke, convenor of the IIPTF.

“Till date, the pet trade and industry has grown on its own initiative, driven by the passion of pet owners and pet lovers,” said Hawke, who is also the publisher of Creature Companion, which is organising the event along with Euromonitor International.

Apart from informing pet lovers of the various products, the event will help manufacturers of pet products in India as well as foreign manufacturers looking for trade partners in India and Indian distributors to establish contacts, organisers say. Exhibitors will include pet products retailers, NGOs, media and publishers, and breeders and kennel clubs, officials said.

The first edition of the fair in February 2007 saw 6,000 visitors at 64 stalls. The organisers say they expect over 10,000 visitors this year.

A major attraction at the fair will be the launch of a pet directory “to serve as a lifeline for pet owners in taking care of their pets”, organisers said. The directory will also have a detailed report on the pet industry in India and China.

“Euromonitor International is providing us with the latest research on pet trade and industry scenario in India and China in the backdrop of global trends,” said Hawke.

The increasing trend of pet adoption has led to an increase in pet abandonment because of difficulties faced by pet owners to take care of them, say the organisers.

Though medical equipment will not be on display, medicines for the pets will be on display, the organisers added.

Officials from the civic body as well as the Animal Husbandry Department will be deputed at the fair’s venue, the organisers said.