China’s pet economy has been booming in recent years. According to the 2019 Chinese Pet Industry White Paper Consumer Report, China’s cat and dog owners spent a staggering 202 billion RMB ($26 billion) on their 99.15 million pets. Compared to 2010, when the retail value of China’s dog and cat market was only 21 billion RMB, the market for China’s most commonly kept pets has certainly expanded rapidly!
Shifting attitudes towards animal consumption and ownership
Last year, the Ministry of Agriculture stated that cats and dogs are classified as domestic pets and not ‘livestock’
So, what are the reasons behind this rapid rise? There are numerous trends that have contributed to the market’s growth.
For one, the country has changed its tone.
Announced last year, the Ministry of Agriculture explicitly stated that cats and dogs are classified as domestic pets and not ‘livestock’. Whilst stereotypes commonly associate the custom of eating dog with China, in recent years, there has been a massive shift in opinion in this regard.
In fact, dog meat is eaten infrequently and by less than 20% of the population. Following the aforementioned government statement, cities such as Zhuhai and Shenzhen recently banned dog and cat meat consumption. Increased governmental protections and changing public attitudes towards the ownership of pets has resulted in a rising number of pet owners.
Young singles look for a furry companion
As fewer young Chinese choose to marry, more are buying pets as a cuddly ‘companion’
Aside from a change in how dogs and cats are viewed, shifting social trends have also contributed to the rising popularity of pets.
Linked to the declining marriage rate, more young Chinese are buying pets as a cuddly ‘companion’. In fact, 41% of pet owners are young singles. With more people delaying marriage or staying single, many are seeking companionship with pets. Indeed, the recent Chinese Pet Industry White Paper found that nearly 90% of pet owners are female.
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