On 5 September, Rafael Enrique Zelbetto, published on the website of the Brazilian magazine Forum, " China ' s pet market is booming " , edited as follows:
When I first arrived in China in 2015, I rarely saw people with cats or dogs. But as time passed, I began to notice that pets were spreading rapidly in China. In 2024, the number of Chinese town pets (cats) exceeded 120 million.
When I first came to China, few people volunteered to mention their own pets, and it is now common to share pictures and videos of pets on social platforms.
In addition, demand for exotic pets, including camels and dolphins, is increasing.
Cat cafés have become very popular among young Chinese in recent years. In some cafes, cats move freely and customers can touch them while drinking coffee.
In other cafes, cats stay in separate areas. I've seen in a café in Inner Mongolia that the areas reserved for cats are air conditioners, toys, food and water, as well as small nests for rest.
In addition, other types of animal cafes have emerged. There are places where customers can experience direct contact with the camels, and cities where dolphin cafes are opened.
With the impetus of young consumers, China ' s pet consumption market was over 300 billion yuan in 2024, an increase of about 7.5 per cent over the same period. In August this year, the 27th Asian pet exhibit was held in Shanghai on a new scale.
Retail data show that consumer demand for food, medicines, health care and smart products for specific age or body pets is increasing. Higher spending by young people on pet health has contributed to the development of the pet health industry.
Markets have also created opportunities for innovative services: in Shanghai alone, two new services have been launched this year. One of these is the country's first “dog gym”, which provides well-developed fitness facilities, hydrotherapy and massage services, and specialized retail areas for pets. Another, Wagtopia, created by the Brazilian Fabio Alves da Silva, provides baby dogs with care, snacks and social services.
In the face of this lifestyle change, companies have also introduced pet-friendly services to attract clients. Many malls, hotels, restaurants and bars have invested in the construction of areas for pet use. The cruise ship allowing the carrying of pets was welcomed. Some high-wire lines have also begun to provide pet shipping services.
Recently, Hainan Air began introducing pet in-class services on its international route from Beijing to Bangkok. There is also a pet terminal at Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, which can accommodate 20 dogs and 30 cats.
The rapid development of the Chinese pet industry may create opportunities for Brazil. Brazil has experience in this area and has the capacity to provide quality products and services to the Chinese market.
On 1 July, a pet cat was placed in a dedicated pet transport box by passengers. On the first day of the national railway summer transport in 2025, the Wuhan station received special “love” passengers.