Creating a shared community perfect for pets and people

HANGZHOU — In the heart of Hangzhou, a vibrant city in East China's Zhejiang province, Pangmu Bobo recently had the chance to enjoy pet-friendly innovation amid the hustle and bustle of a busy shopping district.

Gone were the days of being confined to a corner; the spirited Border Collie was now able to enjoy the freedom of a dedicated pet elevator. This thoughtful amenity allowed Pangmu Bobo to move freely, without having to worry about disturbing fellow passengers, and marked a step forward in urban pet inclusivity.

The Collie's tail-wagging delight over the pet-friendly facilities introduced by Xixi Paradise Walk also extended to features like cozy pet restrooms, amenities that have redefined the shopping experience for furry friends and their owners alike.

Similar facilities are becoming increasingly common across the country. Shenzhen, in South China's Guangdong province, has launched a special bus route on which passengers can bring their pets. In Wenzhou, Zhejiang, the first pet-themed park has opened with fun equipment like hurdles, slides and jump rings.

In stark contrast to the old, off-putting signs that read "No pets allowed in shopping malls" or "Pets not permitted on board", more and more urban residents are discovering that once rigid rules are giving way to warm welcomes and genuine respect for their furry companions.

The pet-friendly community taking shape in China reflects the growing importance of animals in the lives of many people.

"Petting cats and dogs has become a way for many to manage their emotions," says Xu Weirong, secretary-general of the Zhejiang Provincial Joint Conference for the Pet Industry and executive director of the Pet Economy Research Center.

Pets help relieve workplace stress and provide emotional comfort. An increasing number of businesses, tourist destinations and shopping malls are rolling out pet-friendly policies. "They see it as a great way to improve their image, attract more people, and stimulate spending," Xu adds.

Xixi Paradise Walk launched its pet-friendly program last July. "Since then, we've held over 10 pet-related events, and it has really boosted our customer footfall. In the second half of 2024, we saw a 20-percent increase in visitors compared to the same period last year," a staff member said.

The 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper shows that since last year, the pet market has been growing steadily. On average, people spent 2,961 yuan ($413) per dog last year, which is 3 percent higher than in 2023. For cats, the average annual spending was 2,020 yuan, up 4.9 percent from 2023.

Owners are now spending more on things like pet housing and transportation, as well as entertainment and fun, rather than just basic needs like food and clothing. As a result, they are calling for a more pet-friendly society.

Savvy businesses have recognized the unmet needs, particularly in travel, and are quickly adapting to address them.

This year's Spring Festival travel rush saw many Chinese airlines launch premium "Pets in Cabin" services. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport opened the country's first dedicated pet lounge last year — a spacious facility equipped with air quality monitors, species-specific zones and play areas.

Pet-friendly accommodation is also becoming more common. Shen Jiangrong, vice-president of the homestay association in Moganshan, a popular tourist destination known for its silvery creeks, pale green trees and laid-back vibe, says that out of the 800-plus homestays, over half now allow guests to bring their pets.

"You can see the 'pet-friendly' label on online booking platforms," Shen says. "The promotion of pet-friendly services has really picked up over the last three years."

According to Shen, homestay owners were worried before about extra cleaning costs and potential trouble, so they were not keen on the idea of accepting pets. But owners do not want to leave their beloved animals behind when they travel and always check ahead to see if they can bring them along, which has given rise to the provision of more pet-friendly services.

Short-distance travel is also becoming more convenient. Ride-hailing platform Didi's "pet express "service officially went live in early November last year. According to Didi, the platform held a user poll about desired features last June, and "pet express" ranked third in popularity. Whether for enjoying outdoor time or rushing pets to the vet, there is great demand for reliable transportation services.

"As the number of pets reaches a certain level, it will inevitably drive society to become more and more pet-friendly," says Qi Yuge, deputy secretary-general of the animal welfare division of the Chinese Veterinary Medical Association.

However, conflicts between humans and animals persist. Incidents of pets injuring people occur from time to time, sparking heated discussions on social media, and improving social management and making pet owners more responsible are often contentious topics.

"A pet-friendly community is not just about allowing pets everywhere. Public spaces need to plan for risks and step up management," says Xu. For example, malls should check whether pets have the necessary licenses, ID tags, and vaccination records. They should also prepare for unexpected issues, like pets getting stressed, and service staff need training to handle possible issues, he says.

Xinhua