China's pet economy steps on fast-tracking growth

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠China's pet economy and consumption market has shown promising prospect with growing vitality and catalyzing factors, which has enlivened people's life and enriched occupational categories, along with maturing customized services.

The size of China's urban pets (dogs and cats) market reached 279.3 billion yuan (about 39.1 billion U.S. dollars) in 2023, an increase of 3.2 percent over 2022, according to a pet industry consumption report for 2023-2024. The report estimates the market size would reach 361.3 billion yuan by 2026. 

Pet owners' consumption upgrade significantly contributed to the growth momentum. As the Labor Day holiday break approaches, demands for pet boarding is high as many pet owners plan on travel during the holiday. 

"People are going out to travel, they will put pets in our custody for a few days, otherwise the pets would be left at home unattended. For holidays, our cat rooms and dog cages would be fully booked. I would look after about 20 cats and probably five to six dogs a day. Every day when I walk the dogs in the morning and in the evening, I would record a video and send it to the owners. We also routinely clip their nails, wash their hair, and monitor their physical conditions, "said Cao Qianren, staff member of a pets hotel in Shanghai. 

Demands for pets' grooming, photography service and training are also on the raise. 

"(My dog) has got really thick hair, really difficult to blow dry. Giving it a shower is exhausting. It would take more than one hour with two people drying it with two hair dryers. So I brought it here to the pet store for a wash, which is more convenient," said Hu, a pet owner. 

To meet different demands, self-service pet grooming stores have also emerged in Shanghai, which is good news for owners of pets prone to stress reactions to strangers.

"I know my pet's behavior and temper. It'd mess up the place if I wash it at home, whereas this place has got all the equipment. I can get it washed soon as I come in without having to prepare much. The drying is another factor. Cats are more prone to stress when you blow dry it, and buying a cat dryer box is not very practical at home," said Xu, a pet owner. 

China's pet economy steps on fast-tracking growth

A French student from the School of Chinese Language and Literature at Beijing Foreign Studies University recently called for more educational exchanges between the two countries.

During an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Bouaoud Elies shared his experience living and studying in China.

After graduating from the business school at Beijing Foreign Studies University, Elies decided to stay in the country. He said he continues to study Chinese to improve his competitiveness and explore the huge trade opportunities between the two countries.

"I mean I love it here. I don't want to go back to France. I would like to become the bridge between France and China. So, if I can do this, thanks to the Belt and Road Initiative, the Silk Road, now the relations between France and China are very good. So, I think a lot of things will happen," he said.

Elies also said he hopes that more French students could visit China and develop a better understanding of the country.

France was the first major western country to establish full diplomatic ties with China, and the history of educational exchanges can be traced back more than a century and a half when China sent its students to France to study maritime affairs.

Since then, exchanges have deepened considerably.

"In China, we have established 14 French training centers. In France, we have established 19 Confucius Institutes. These institutions serve as bridges for mutual understanding and trust between the youth and people of the two countries, enhancing language and cultural connections," said Yang Dan, Director General of the Department of International Cooperation and Exchanges under the Ministry of Education.

French student calls for more educational exchanges with China