Mars Veterinary Health has entered the Indian veterinary segment through a minority investment in Crown Veterinary Services, whose financial details were not disclosed.

The veterinary health segment is seeing increased activity from traditional corporates and start-ups, both in terms of food and services.

Earlier this year, the Tata Trusts Small Animal Hospital opened its facility in Mumbai for small pets.

Mars Veterinary Health is a global division of Mars Petcare. A family-owned global player, Mars Incorporated has about 10 pet care brands in its basket, with sales of over $1 billion, including Royal Canin, Pedigree, Whiskas and Sheba.

With more than 1,50,000 associates across its petcare, snacking and food businesses, Mars clocked net sales of more than $50 billion in 2023, the company said earlier this year.

Crown Vet has eight clinics across five cities: Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune.

“Through this investment, Crown Vet will expand its network and introduce advanced training programmes for its 240 employees, including 60 veterinarians,” a note on behalf of Crown Vet said.

Pratapsinh Gaekwad, Founder, Crown Vet, called the investment a “significant milestone”. With roughly 3,000 veterinary clinics globally,MarsVeterinary Health is a leader in quality and compassionate veterinary care, and takes a long-term approach to investments to support associates.

This collaboration underscores the growing demand for advanced veterinary services in India, the note added.