Rashi Narang: Pioneering Pet Wellness Through Heads Up for Tails

Rashi Narang, a passionate pet lover and entrepreneur, embarked on a remarkable journey to transform the pet care industry in India. Her story is one of dedication, vision, and relentless pursuit of a dream. Rashi Narang is the founder of Heads Up for Tails (HUFT), a trailblazing venture that has redefined the way pet owners care for their furry companions. With a background in human resources management from the London School of Economics, Rashi’s love for pets led her to embark on a mission to provide wholesome and chemical-free pet products, nurturing the wellness and happiness of our four-legged friends.

Rashi’s journey into pet care began with a simple visit to someone whose dog had recently given birth to a litter of puppies. It was there that she met Sara, a playful pup who would become her lifelong companion. However, her quest to provide quality pet supplies took her on a different path. Rashi was dismayed to find that most pet products in the market were laden with chemicals and plastic, which didn’t align with her vision of responsible and sustainable pet parenting. This frustration became the catalyst for creating Heads Up for Tails in 2008.

HUFT is not just an online pet store; it’s a haven for pet parents and their beloved pets. The platform offers a wide array of pet products, from nutritious food, collars, leashes, and grooming kits to pet clothing and furniture. It’s a one-stop destination where pet parents can access all the essentials required to ensure their pets lead happy and healthy lives. When HUFT was launched, the concept of pet care and grooming was relatively new in India. Rashi and her team embarked on the challenging journey of building the pet care industry from the ground up. They started by participating in pop-up events, enabling them to showcase their products, gather feedback, and connect with pet parents. This direct interaction allowed them to understand the unique needs and concerns of pet owners, which, in turn, helped them tailor their offerings and services.

Over the years, Rashi and her team faced several challenges, one of which was customer awareness. Fourteen years ago, pet ownership was not as prevalent as it is today. However, changing lifestyles, smaller families, and a growing understanding of the unique bond between humans and their pets have contributed to the evolution of the pet care industry in India. This transformation is reflected in the increasing number of pet spas and stores in major cities. With initial funding of ₹5 lakh, primarily from her savings during her stint as an HR management associate at Citigroup in London, Rashi started HUFT. She began her entrepreneurial journey with a simple website coded by a tenth-grade student. Her early orders were few, but her determination to make HUFT a success was unwavering.

Today, HUFT boasts 52 stores across 12 cities and 30 pet spas. The company’s operating revenues have surged from ₹12.42 crore in FY18 to an estimated ₹140 crore in FY22. This exponential growth reflects the dedication and commitment of Rashi and her team to the pet care industry. In 2021, HUFT raised $37 million in a Series A funding round led by Verlinvest and Sequoia Capital India. The strategic importance of the pet industry in India and the potential for growth and high margins have attracted investors to support Rashi’s vision for the future.