Pet economy purrs ahead as cat, pooch cafes spread
Rise of responsible ownership, tailored services drive boom in sector, experts say
Soothing space
Dog cafes in China are also attracting growing interest, thanks to their energetic and lively atmosphere.
When Cheng Danni goes to work, her one-and-a-half-year-old golden retriever is sent to a nearby dog cafe in Hangzhou, Zhejiang province, where it has a "part-time job."
"It is a vibrant place where my dog can get good care and make friends with other dogs. The dog does not feel lonely anymore," said the 20-year-old, who had earlier discovered an advertisement seeking dog "staff" on Xiaohongshu, a Chinese lifestyle-sharing platform.
"This is actually a new type of foster care service that requires no payment from either side. The lovely dogs help attract more customers," said Chen Yajie, owner of the dog cafe which has over 30 canine "staff members".
The cafe offers customers a package that includes a 90-minute interactive experience with the dogs and a cup of coffee.
Each dog must pass an assessment before joining the cafe staff, which involves checking their vaccination records and deworming status, as well as assessing their temperament and social skills, Chen said.
"Rapid acceleration of urbanization has led to a faster pace of life and increased stress. Pet cafes provide close interaction with animals, helping address the growing need for spiritual comfort," said Wu Yi, an associate professor at the College of Animal Science and Technology at China Agricultural University.
Wu noted that the boom in pet cafes reflects a growing acceptance and love for pets in Chinese society and highlights the thriving pet industry.
According to an industry report, the number of pet dogs in China reached 51.75 million in 2023, while pet cats numbered 69.8 million. The urban pet (dogs and cats) consumption market grew to 279.3 billion yuan ($39.29 billion) in 2023, up 3.2 percent from 2022, and is projected to climb to 361.3 billion yuan by 2026.
Wu also emphasized the need for sound standards and regulations concerning pet cafe sanitation and environments. Staff members must be well trained in terms of pet nutrition and behavior, as well as the handling of emergencies, to ensure animals receive proper care and treatment.
