From nutrition to behaviour, learn holistic dog care at Happy Doggo in Hyderabad

Hyderabad: In a world where pets are cherished as family members, the pet care industry has seen rapid growth, yet many areas remain unexplored. Enter Happy Doggo, a trailblazing venture that redefines pet care through holistic education, nutrition and lifestyle services.

Founded by Damini Shinde and Abdul Hassan with Malik Yusuf leading the marketing front, Happy Doggo is not just a business—it’s a mission to bridge the gap between pet parents and their furry companions.

In this exclusive interview to News Meter, the founders and CMO share their journey, vision, challenges and aspirations for transforming pet care in India.

The origins of Happy Doggo

NewsMeter: Can you share the story behind Happy Doggo? What inspired its creation?

Damini: Shadow, our beloved dog, was the inspiration for Happy Doggo. He came into our lives as a tiny 40-day-old pup, and like any doting parents, we went all out—buying toys, clothes, treats and accessories. However, it didn’t take long for us to realise the harmful effects of preservatives and chemicals in processed pet food. We started preparing fresh, home-cooked meals for Shadow, which he absolutely loved.

That sparked an idea: why not provide other pet parents with access to fresh, healthy meals for their dogs?

In 2021, we launched our first product, ‘Home-Cooked Food for Dogs,’ with doorstep delivery. We also introduced dehydrated treats, which were a hit. Over time, we’ve served more than a thousand happy dogs, each thriving on our nutritious offerings.

NM: What was the defining moment that made you realise the need for a platform like Happy Doggo?

Hassan: It was Shadow’s behaviour in public that opened our eyes. People often noticed how calm and well-trained he was and they’d ask how we managed it. That’s when we realised the lack of structured canine education in India. Vets were prescribing diets, but there was little focus on nutritionists. Trainers were teaching commands but neglecting behaviour modification.

We wanted to change this narrative by focusing on educating pet parents about canine behaviour and creating a deeper bond between them and their pets.

Our motto became ‘Educate the dog and train the parent.’

Happy Doggo’s mission and services

NM: What sets Happy Doggo apart from other pet care providers in India?

Damini: Most providers solely focus on basic commands training of the dog and don't do behavioural training.

At Happy Doggo, we take a holistic approach—upgrading the dog’s lifestyle while bridging the communication gap between pets and parents. We aim to empower pet parents with the knowledge to independently make informed decisions for their dogs, shaping a better life for their furry companions.

NM: Can you elaborate on the holistic approach Happy Doggo takes?

Hassan: Our approach begins with understanding the dog’s history, lifestyle and triggers, alongside the parent’s experiences. This helps us address the root cause of any issue. Whether it’s education, nutrition or grooming, we integrate three key pillars—Nature, Love, and Trust—into all our services. It’s about ensuring that both pets and parents thrive together.

NM: How do you design offerings like organic diets, grooming and education to cater to diverse pet needs?

Malik: We believe dogs are dogs, rooted in the canine world. Everything we offer is based on their natural needs, from organic diets to grooming and medical care. Our focus is on simplicity and providing the best in its most natural form.

Overcoming challenges and celebrating growth

NM: What were the biggest challenges you faced in the initial stages of Happy Doggo?

Hassan: Educating pet parents was a major challenge. Many believe in the pet food they buy just because their vet recommended it or a celebrity endorsed it. Few read the ingredient lists or considered the long-term effects of preservatives.

Unlearning misconceptions about dog behaviour was another hurdle. For instance, many believed their dogs ‘just knew everything’ and didn’t need training or that training would make their dog forget them. We worked hard to address these myths and shift mindsets through patience and education.

NM: What has been your proudest milestone so far?

Malik: Seeing Happy Doggo grow from a living room startup to a well-established facility in the heart of the city has been incredibly rewarding. Today, we’re a team of over 20 passionate individuals dedicated to improving the lives of pets and their parents. Serving over a thousand happy dogs has been a testament to our efforts.

Success stories and community impact

NM: Could you share a success story that holds a special place in your heart?

Damini: One that stands out is Joon, a deaf indie dog with severe anxiety issues. Through our education program, we helped Joon become calmer, more confident and better adjusted. Another is Scooby, a labrador who had struggled with allergies and skin infections. Our customised nutrition plan transformed his health, leaving his parents amazed.

NM: What kind of feedback has had the most profound impact on you and your team?

Malik: It’s the messages that say, “You’re magicians!” or “I’ve never seen this level of change in my dog before.” Knowing that we’ve healed a dog’s skin issues or improved their behaviour is incredibly fulfilling. It’s a constant reminder of why we do what we do.

The team behind Happy Doggo

NM: How has your team contributed to shaping Happy Doggo’s vision?

Hassan: Our team is our backbone. Every member is not just an animal lover but also certified in their respective fields. Their dedication and expertise have been instrumental in building Happy Doggo step by step.

NM: Who has played a pivotal role in Happy Doggo’s success?

Damini: Abdul Hassan, Malik Yusuf and I (Damini Shinde) have been the core pillars of Happy Doggo. Our combined expertise and commitment to transparency and trust have driven our success. Together, we’re building a future for the pet care industry in India.

Advice for pet parents and work goals

NM: What advice would you give to new pet parents?

Hassan: Focus on three key aspects: nutrition, mental and physical stimulation, and teaching your dog how to coexist in the human world. These are the foundations of a deep, loving bond.

NM: How do you envision the future of Happy Doggo?

Malik: We want to see healthier, happier dogs in every household.

By empowering pet parents with the right knowledge and communication skills, we aim to transform pet care in India. Our dream is a world where every dog is a proud, well-behaved member of the community and every parent feels confident in their role.

Don’t forget to check us out on Instagram!

Conclusion

Happy Doggo is not just a business—it’s a movement to redefine pet care in India. With a focus on education, nutrition and holistic well-being, Damini Shinde, Abdul Hassan, and Malik Yusuf are paving the way for a brighter future for pets and their parents. Their journey is a testament to the power of passion, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to improving lives.