Rajshree Upadhyaya |Business Remedies | By redefining preventive pet care in India, Arunav Vais and Akash Murali have built a distinct identity through their company, Urban Animal. What began as a deeply personal moment gradually evolved into a purpose-driven business. The idea took shape when Akash Murali, a lifelong dog lover, confronted the harsh reality of late-detected genetic health problems in pets. This experience exposed a critical gap in India’s pet care ecosystem, where treatment often begins only after symptoms appear.
Together with co-founder Arunav Vais, Akash began exploring how science and genetics could shift this mindset from reactive care to prevention. After extensive research and validation, Urban Animal Private Limited was incorporated in Bengaluru in 2021, marking the launch of one of India’s early ventures focused on genetic health testing for dogs.
From its early days, Urban Animal positioned itself as a science-led brand with a clear mission: to empower pet parents with knowledge about their dog’s genetic makeup. The company introduced DNA testing services for dogs, designed to identify inherited health risks well before they become clinically visible. Using advanced genomic analysis, Urban Animal developed DNA test kits that rely on a simple saliva swab, making the process painless and easy even for first-time users. These kits screen for more than 130 genetic conditions, along with physical and behavioral traits, giving dog owners a deeper understanding of their pet’s long-term health.
What truly sets Urban Animal apart is not just the testing, but the interpretation and guidance that come with it. Each test result is converted into a detailed digital health report featuring personalized veterinary insights. This helps pet parents understand potential risks, timelines, and preventive measures. The company has also introduced mating compatibility analysis, aimed at identifying genetic overlaps that could pass on hereditary conditions, thereby promoting responsible breeding. This approach reflects Urban Animal’s broader vision-not just improving outcomes for individual pets, but enhancing canine health across generations.
National Spotlight for Brand Innovation
As awareness around pet wellness grew in urban India, Urban Animal established a strong presence within the pet parent community. The brand’s innovation gained national attention when the founders appeared on Shark Tank India Season 4. During their pitch, Akash Murali and Arunav Vais shared their vision of making genetic screening a standard part of pet healthcare in India. They sought investment to scale operations, expand testing capabilities, and strengthen veterinary partnerships.
While no investment deal was finalized on the show, the discussion generated constructive feedback and significant exposure. This helped the brand refine its market positioning and communicate its value proposition more clearly to a wider audience.
Beyond television exposure, Urban Animal’s journey continues to be defined by its commitment to preventive care. The founders consistently emphasize that genetic awareness enables pet parents to make informed decisions about diet, exercise, medical monitoring, and lifestyle adjustments tailored to their dog’s specific needs. Over time, the company has explored ways to expand its offerings, including broader wellness support and the potential to introduce genetic testing services for other companion animals, while remaining firmly focused on its core canine mission.
Serving Pet Owners Across India
According to the latest records, Urban Animal Private Limited is currently operational and active under Indian corporate registration. The brand serves pet owners across India, reinforcing the belief that early genetic insights can significantly improve a dog’s quality of life. In a rapidly evolving pet care market, Urban Animal occupies a unique space at the intersection of technology, veterinary science, and emotional pet parenting.
Ultimately, Urban Animal’s story is one of foresight and responsibility. By translating complex genetic science into actionable insights, Akash Murali and Arunav Vais have contributed to a growing shift in how Indian pet parents think about health, longevity, and care. What started as a personal concern has evolved into a platform that promotes prevention over treatment-helping build a more informed and compassionate future for pets and the people who love them.
