Pet economy purrs ahead as cat, pooch cafes spread

Better behavior

The pet training sector in China is also gaining momentum.

There are currently over 28,000 companies in China whose names or scope of business include the hashtag "pet training", with 6,559 new companies opening in 2023 alone, according to Qichacha, the business information platform.

In 2019, Yan launched the "pet kindergarten program," an education initiative focused on teaching pets discipline and correct social behavior, while also helping pet owners to better understand the physical behaviors and signals exhibited by their furry friends.

"Pet owners need education on proper care, while pets require social adaptation training to correct undesirable behavior," said Li Yabin, a dog handler at Favor Pets. "This helps people and pets coexist harmoniously."

Rising awareness of responsible ownership has made Chinese society more accepting of pets, with an increasing number of shopping malls, hotels and parks becoming pet-friendly.

Beijing resident Zhou Jingru recently took her little corgi to DT51, a new shopping mall that offers free pet strollers for shoppers.

"It was a great experience! I've always wanted to take her to more places. The stroller comes equipped with a urinal pad and a lid, and I don't have to worry about people who might be uncomfortable around dogs," said the 27-year-old.

Wu Yi, an associate professor at the College of Animal Science and Technology at China Agricultural University, pointed out that creating a harmonious environment where people and pets can coexist requires collective efforts from society.

In addition to regulating the responsibilities of pet owners and strengthening pet training, it is essential to promote pet friendliness through media and the internet, as well as to advocate for better laws and regulations to safeguard the safety and interests of the public, she added.