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
On his second official visit to China, Prime Minister of the Republic of Vanuatu Charlot Salwai expressed admiration for China's remarkable ability to balance preserving its cultural heritage with embracing innovative transformation.
Salwai paid an official visit to China from July 7 to 12. During his trip, he toured the southern province of Guangdong and explored the megacities of Beijing and Shanghai. His visit included tours of high-tech companies, a ride on a high-speed train, and a performance of traditional Cantonese opera.
In an interview with China Central Television Network (CCTV) aired on Friday, Salwai recounted his journey starting with a warm welcome that included enjoying Beijing Roast Duck, also known as Peking Duck -- a culinary delight introduced to him by the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu.
"Many had to say. Peking Duck. Because we had it here on our arrival, so it was very tasty. And I understand that the Chinese ambassador in Vanuatu brought us to one of the traditional restaurants, small but beautiful," he said. The prime minister sees China's preservation of its culture as a vital lesson in understanding one's roots and the journey to the present day, acknowledging China's efforts to integrate cultural preservation with modernization.
"It's going to be my second official visit to China. I'm always impressed to see big changes and especially innovations made by China and especially the cities. Because a big impression is to see how China continues to maintain and keep its culture. Because I think it's the basis of everything -- to know where you come from and to understand where we are today. I feel that China is doing a lot to maintain its culture, but at the same time, doing, innovating to transform its culture,” Salwai said.
He also emphasized the importance of learning from China's sustainable development strategies.
"Today, it comes from a long way, some hardship, the government, and also the people of China. So, I'm impressed to see what is done, especially how China associates infrastructure development with nature. That's meant to keep, continue to keep the environment. It takes effort with the climate change by maintaining the ecosystem. I think it's something that, for a small country like Vanuatu, is important to learn. So, we are here. I'm here with my delegation to learn," Salwai said.
Vanuatu's PM commends China's cultural preservation, innovation amid fast growth
