Xin Ou
Research expert covering Greater China
Pet industry in China - statistics & facts
China’s pet industry, like that of many other Asian nations, has exploded recently, fueled by increased affluence and a declining birth rate. The key drivers underlying the expanding pet industry in China are millennials and Gen-Z, who were mostly born during the One-Child Policy. Younger Chinese are less willing to become parents than previous generations. Instead, they prefer to satisfy their emotional needs by keeping one or more “fur babies” at home. In 2023, China’s pet industry totaled nearly six billion yuan annually, drawing numerous domestic and foreign enterprises to enter the sector.
A paw-sitive growth in China’s pet population
In the past five years, urban pet population in China has grown by approximately 50 percent. While the ownership of exotic pets has increased, the popularity of furry animals remains high. In 2023, nearly 70 million cats lived under the same roof as humans in China’s urban households, far more than the number of dog pets. The ebb of the dog craze was primarily caused by canine control regulations implemented in many Chinese cities, including banning large-breed dogs and curbing dog-walking in the daytime.The thriving pet economy
China’s pet food and supplies market has enjoyed spectacular growth. Nowadays, pet lovers no longer consider their furry friends as just animals, but treat them as family, friends, or even children. The changing perceptions have ignited pet-related consumption in China. Most Chinese consumers take palatability and ingredients into consideration when choosing pet foods. Foreign brands such as Royal Canin led China’s pet food market.Diversified industry
Today’s pet owners not only provide their pets with high-quality foods, but also medical care, beauty salon treatments, and even entertainment, with pet medical care making up over one-fourth of the total income of pet-related business in China. Furthermore, China’s pet lovers also spent a considerable amount of money on intelligent pet devices, like smart water fountains, feeders, and litter boxes. The diversified market exhibits substantial growth potential.
