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As the Spring Festival, or Chinese New Year, approaches, a growing number of Chinese families are opting to include their furry companions in their holiday celebrations. This shift reflects a broader trend towards pet humanization and the increasing availability of pet-friendly services across the country, particularly in cities like Anshan.
The desire to avoid leaving pets behind during the most important family holiday of the year is driving demand for pet boarding, grooming, and even specialized training. This surge in pet-related needs is not only changing how families celebrate but is likewise fostering a new wave of “pet-friendly” professions, creating economic opportunities in the process. The trend of “携宠团聚” (xie chong tuan ju – traveling with pets to reunite) is becoming increasingly common, according to recent reports.
Anshan, Liaoning Province, is emerging as a hub for this burgeoning pet industry. Recognized as one of the largest dog and cat trading centers in China, the city sees an annual transaction volume exceeding 1.5 million animals according to Xinhua News. This high volume of pet transactions has spurred the growth of related industries and a variety of new career paths.
At the Zhuangyuan Training Base in Anshan’s Qianshan District, dog trainers are preparing pets for smoother integration into family life. Trainer Dai Hongjing works with a German Shepherd named DJ, teaching basic commands like sit, stay, and heel. “Our base is like a school for dogs, helping them learn basic instructions, correct awful habits, and avoid behaviors like bolting or biting, so they can better integrate into human families,” Dai Hongjing explained as reported by Sina News.
The demand for professional pet care extends beyond training. At the Lele Pet Beauty Training School in Anshan, stylists are providing grooming services to a variety of poodles. Qian Xinyan, a 25-year-old graduate of the Anshan Engineering and Technical School’s pet care and management program, now works as both a groomer and an instructor. “Giving pets beauty treatments requires not only love but also familiarity with their temperament and skilled techniques to properly care for each pet,” Qian Xinyan stated according to Xinhua. The school trains hundreds of students annually, providing Qian with a sense of fulfillment and career growth.
The Zhuangyuan Training Base itself covers 3.5 square meters, featuring five outdoor training fields and two indoor facilities according to Sina News. The base is contributing to the quality and warmth of the pet industry in Anshan by providing professional training and services.
This trend isn’t limited to Anshan. Across China, pet hospitals are offering services like acupuncture for cats to ensure “furry children” enjoy a comfortable holiday season as highlighted by Xinhua Net. Pet boarding and feeding services are becoming commonplace for owners unable to travel with their animals.
As more Chinese families prioritize the well-being of their pets, the demand for specialized services and “pet-friendly” options is expected to continue growing. The evolving relationship between humans and their animal companions is reshaping not only holiday traditions but also the economic landscape of the pet industry in China.
What remains to be seen is how this trend will influence the development of pet-friendly infrastructure and policies in other cities across China, and whether the demand for specialized pet services will continue to rise in the coming years.
What are your thoughts on traveling with pets? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below!