Shanghai moves to make China’s capital more pet-friendly

A recent session of Shanghai’s legislative and political advisory bodies suggested making public places and public transportation more pet-friendly.

Local media reported that a member of the Shanghai Municipal Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) proposed that a certain ratio of public spaces and transport is expected to be opened to furry companions as part of legislative efforts.

A committee member suggested creating unified logos to demarcate pet-friendly spaces in shopping malls, parks, restaurants, and hotels and setting up details to regulate areas that restrict pets. 

Officials also pushed city authorities to design pet management regulations to improve registration, licensing, epidemic prevention, medical treatment, and pet adoption. Furthermore, they called for the creation of regulations or penalties for pet abandonment and abuse.

The committee also discussed the creation of a complete regulation and supervision system for pet-related industries, such as mandatory licensing and supervision for institutions providing veterinary treatment for pets. Members also agreed on the need to promote e-chips for pets to raise awareness of responsibility among pet parents. 

Optimizing the economy around the pet boom

Local analysts suggest this could influence the younger generation’s decision to live and work in the city.

A 2022 report revealed that 50% of Chinese pet owners were in their mid-30s or younger, half were single and the majority (57%) held college degrees.

The city committee members suggested that creating a pet-friendly environment is expected to enable growth in new consumer areas and drive the growth of jobs and tax revenue in related industries.