Rise in pet ownership creates economic opportunities

"My cat is a high-demand pet. It becomes inactive when I'm not home and needs about an hour of play time daily," she said. Zhang also mentioned her concerns about the stress pets can experience outside their familiar environment and the hygiene standards of pet boarding facilities. Keeping her pet at home provides peace of mind.

The widespread availability of home surveillance has further alleviated pet owners' concerns, making the process of in-home pet sitting more transparent and safer.

Many independent pet sitters operate solo, with the industry lacking standardized regulations and oversight. In response, some leading pet service companies have begun to standardize operations by implementing service agreements and purchasing liability insurance to protect the interests of both parties.

"The pet industry has a promising future, and the demand for personalized services is growing," Chen said. To ensure service quality, she drafts agreements with clients in advance, detailing the pet's health status and the sitter's service responsibilities.

Pet owners' increasing willingness to spend has also driven growth in everything from clothing and food to housing and transportation. Xue Yijing, from Yuci district in Jinzhong city, Shanxi, has a 15-year-old Labrador. She spends nearly 3,000 yuan annually on dog food, treats and hygiene products, and regularly takes her dog to pet stores for grooming.

As the pet market in Shanxi continues to expand, the number of related specialty stores and veterinary clinics has increased and many supermarkets are offering dedicated pet product sections.

Pet transport services have also improved. Since Jan 28, China's railway department has expanded its high-speed rail pet transport trial to include 67 additional stations, such as Taiyuan, Harbin in Heilongjiang province, and Shenyang in Liaoning province. It totals 110 stations nationwide, with 170 routes offering pet transport services.