The spending power of China’s middle-class consumers is driving the increased adoption and purchase of pets. Currently, one in every eight Chinese people has a household pet[1]. Once primarily dominated by wholesalers, pet expos are now attracting a wider audience, including prospective pet owners, pet influencers, and current pet owners. However, this rapid growth has strained the pet healthcare system. With less than one-third the number of vets per capita compared to the U.S.[2], China still has a shortage of 1 million vets.[3] In response, demand for pet health-related products, such as premium food and training schools, has risen sharply, reflecting the evolving role of pets in Chinese households.
UMS representing their client New Zealand Riverlands pet food at Pet Fair Asia
China’s pet industry is experiencing explosive growth. The urban pet population is expected to exceed 70 million by 2030 and could double the child population by 2030[4]. Key drivers of this growth include rising disposable income, increased leisure time, and a social media-fuelled “cute culture.” Platforms like Douyin feature popular videos of cute dogs and cats, which have gained over 300 billion views, especially among younger audiences.
Among pet owners, young, educated, and financially stable urban adults dominate, with 46.6% aged 25–34 and 66.9% belonging to middle- or high-income groups[5]. While only 4.1% of pet owners are elderly, this demographic is expanding rapidly as older adults increasingly seek companionship[6]. According to Tmall, pet spending by the elderly in China’s third- and fourth-tier cities saw a staggering year-on-year growth of 450% in 2020[7].
In terms of spending, Chinese pet owners allocate an average of USD $411 annually per pet, equivalent to 2.36% of the average salary[8]. By comparison, U.S. pet owners spend 3.42% of their income on pets[9]. This narrowing gap highlights how Chinese pet owners are approaching U.S. spending levels, particularly as pet-friendly spaces like hotels and museums gain popularity.
Chinese pet owners spend the most on pet food and health-related products. In 2023, China’s pet food sector was worth approximately $26.6 billion in revenue, nearly seven times the revenue of 2015[10]. Major players like Mars and Nestlé both reported strong double-digit market lead, with Mars expanding its production capabilities by opening a new pet food facility in Tianjin[11]. The industry’s focus on quality is evident as consumers increasingly opt for premium and imported food to ensure their pets’ health. Despite the emergence of local competitors, these two foreign brands continue to lead the market.
In parallel with the rise of pet cafes, a unique “part-time job” trend has emerged for pets. Busy owners are turning to cafes where their pets can spend the day. These arrangements allow owners to skip daycare fees, while cafe owners benefit from the pets’ presence without compensating their owners. With over 4,000 pet-friendly cafes in China[12], this unconventional, cost-free pet-sharing model is rapidly gaining traction. It is a unique trend worth keeping an eye on.
Pet Cafe in Beijing
Looking ahead, China’s pet economy presents vast opportunities for innovation and growth. Smart pet technology and eco-friendly products are at the forefront of emerging trends. According to Euromonitor, pet food with sustainability claims saw a median price increase of about 22% in 2023[13]. This trend is being observed globally, including in China, where there is a growing demand for more sustainable and healthy food options. With rising consumer interest and ongoing innovation, the industry is set for steady growth and evolution.
Make sure to check out the rest of our Top Trends in China for 2025.
[1] https://www.acuitykp.com/blog/chinas-fast-growing-dog-and-cat-economy/
[2] https://www.sixthtone.com/news/1014546
[3] https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/china/2017-08/30/content_31302919.htm
[4] https://www.cnbc.com/2024/08/08/china-will-have-nearly-twice-the-pets-than-young-children-by-2030.html
[5] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1289324/china-age-distribution-of-cat-and-dog-owners
[6] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1289324/china-age-distribution-of-cat-and-dog-owners
[7] https://globalpetindustry.com/news/silver-haired-generation-drives-chinese-pet-industry/
[8] https://apps.fas.usda.gov/newgainapi/api/Report/DownloadReportByFileName?fileName=Pet+Food+Market+Update+2024_Shanghai+ATO_China+-+People%27s+Republic+of_CH2024-0162.pdf
[9] https://www.feednavigator.com/Article/2024/12/11/us-pet-food-products-dominant-in-chinese-market/
[10] https://www.statista.com/statistics/1039992/china-pet-food-market-revenue/
[11] https://www.petfoodindustry.com/production/news/15678068/mars-begins-production-at-pet-food-plant-in-tianjin-china
[12] https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202402/28/WS65de8cdfa31082fc043b97a0.html
[13] https://www.petfoodindustry.com/blogs-columns/adventures-in-pet-food/blog/15679518/how-pet-food-consumers-globally-view-sustainability
