By Muskan Dengra

Long before she became a force of change in India’s pet care landscape, Devanshi Shah was just a devoted pet parent — one who experienced the irreplaceable loss that would later give birth to a mission-led movement.

The journey of PetKonnect, India’s most comprehensive pet and animal care services platform, began not in a boardroom or a brainstorming session, but in a hospital room during the final moments of a beloved dog named Hazel. When Hazel’s life was cut short due to the unavailability of a matching blood donor, Devanshi found herself engulfed in a heartbreak so profound, it would later transform into something extraordinary.

“This venture is my ode to Hazel,” Devanshi shares. “While I felt helpless during her final moments, I decided to channel my grief into something meaningful — so no other pet parent would feel the way I did.”

An Unlikely Path to Purpose

Devanshi’s journey into entrepreneurship was anything but linear. With a strong academic foundation — a B.Com from HR College, a Law degree from Government Law College, and a Chartered Accountancy certification — she began her career in finance with KPMG, later joining her family business, Ishan Industries. She further sharpened her skills with stints at Deven Dwarkadas & Partners and Moore Stephens.

But it was during her MBA at Imperial College Business School, London, with a focus on Entrepreneurship and Innovative Problem Solving, that the first seeds of impact-led thinking were sown.

Her diverse background gave her a unique vantage point — combining legal, financial, and entrepreneurial acumen with a personal calling that was impossible to ignore.

Building PetKonnect: From Dream to Digital Ecosystem

What began as a deeply personal initiative has now grown into PetKonnect — a platform that redefines how Indians approach pet care. At its core, PetKonnect aims to bridge the very gaps that Devanshi painfully discovered in the system.

“PetKonnect is more than a platform — it’s a promise,” she says. “A commitment to make caregiving simpler, smarter, and more compassionate.”

Today, PetKonnect provides a wide array of services including:

● Emergency blood donor support and pet ambulances

● At-home vaccinations and pet licensing

● Pet relocation assistance

● An integrated e-commerce platform offering over 8,000+ products and prescriptions

● A curated marketplace of trusted vets, trainers, walkers, and groomers

But what truly sets it apart is its Community module — a social ecosystem for pet parents to connect, support each other, and celebrate the joy of animal companionship.

Facing the Chaos: A Sector Begging for Structure

Devanshi’s journey, however, was far from smooth. The pet care sector in India remains fragmented, with limited access, low awareness, and a lack of formal regulation.

“The biggest challenge was bringing everything under one roof — and ensuring it was intuitive for users,” she reveals. “We had to start from scratch, build the tech infrastructure, and onboard service providers across cities — all while working in a space that’s traditionally disorganized.”

With relentless grit, she tapped into her professional network, collaborated with consultants, and conducted thorough market research. She even continued holding her full-time job during the early stages of development.

A Woman of Conviction in a Niche Sector

As a woman founder in the pet-tech space — a niche still overlooked by many — Devanshi embraced her purpose-driven approach as her superpower.

“Empathy has been my biggest strength,” she says. “Leadership, to me, is less about control and more about conviction.”

Her leadership style reflects clarity of vision, emotional intelligence, and the courage to keep iterating until things feel right. She attributes her resilience to a strong support system — from family and friends to India’s growing community of animal lovers.

PetKonnect as a Movement, Not Just a Platform

At its heart, PetKonnect isn’t just a suite of services. It’s a community movement that’s redefining how India treats its pets — and their parents.

Devanshi and her team actively collaborate with NGOs, government bodies, and service providers to bring structure, credibility, and trust to the industry. Their adoption drives, education campaigns, and licensing initiatives are bringing about real systemic change.

“We’re not just offering services — we’re setting standards,” she explains. “Our goal is to create a legacy of mutual trust, safety, and love for all animals.”

For Entrepreneurs with a Purpose
When asked about her advice for budding entrepreneurs, especially those walking the often lonely road of a purpose-driven startup, her response is both real and reflective:

“Be persistent. Stay true to your goals. But also be wary of misguided passion. It’s easy to fall in love with your idea — and lose sight of the impact. Stay objective, do the research, and never stop listening.”

A Legacy of Love

If Devanshi Shah had to sum up her journey in a single sentence, it would be this:

“PetKonnect is my love letter to Hazel — a journey born out of heartbreak, driven by purpose, and fueled by the hope of making every pet’s life safer, healthier, and happier.”

In building PetKonnect, Devanshi has created more than just a platform — she has built a sanctuary of care, innovation, and trust. For thousands of pet parents across India, it’s not just an app — it’s peace of mind.

And for Hazel, it’s a legacy of love that lives on in every tail wag, every life saved, and every community formed in her name.