Pet wellness: How animal care is catching up with human trends

Well-being provisions for pets have historically been rather simplistic: walks and toys for dogs, scratch posts and catnip-infused mice for cats.

But pet ownership is shifting from caretaking to curating lifestyles. This change is redefining what pet services look like in 2025, with emerging categories that would once have seemed excessive now becoming viable business opportunities.

Pet gyms

One of the most striking developments is the rise of dedicated pet fitness centers, also known as pet gyms, which offer state-of-the-art facilities with tailored exercise programs for dogs and even cats.

A dog on an underwater treadmill for low-impact joint support or a cat navigating a multi-level agility course designed to stimulate its natural hunting instincts might have seemed unlikely or even far-fetched in the past, but this is 2025.

Countries like China are leading the charge, with facilities like Shanghai’s Gogogym featuring pools, treadmills and professional coaches.

Developed by Singapore-based Heal Petcare, the facility aims to promote canine health through structured exercise and relaxation therapies. It features a fitness zone equipped with treadmills, a spa and rehabilitation area, a massage room, and a retail space for pet products.

Professional trainers will design personalized workout routines tailored to each dog’s needs, emphasizing preventive care and overall well-being.

Taking a vacation

While the evolution from pet training and dog parks to gyms continues, so too does another key pillar of human well-being that is growing for pets: vacations.

Moving on from humans heading off to lie on a beach while their pets are sent to a local boarding facility, pets are now being treated to five-star accommodation in resorts such as Germany’s Canis Resort.

Staying in luxury dog lodges with specially trained dog sitters providing a concierge service, these pampered poochies can enjoy massage, physiotherapy and grooming.

In the UK, dogs can check into No More Kennels, a luxury facility offering everything from breakfast in bed to socializing, health checks and relaxation in a bedroom that would not seem out of place in a budget hotel for humans.

Pet travel

And, as with humans, reaching the destination is an important part of the experience.

A recent survey ranked Delta as America’s most pet-friendly airline, scoring 99 out of 100, following an analysis of reviews that mention ‘pet friendly’ and other metrics, such as the variety of pets allowed on board and the cost.

For an extra level of luxury, Bark Air aims to revolutionize dog travel with a dedicated luxury airline offering European and trans-Atlantic routes. Dogs travel with a concierge, and cabins include calming aids such as pheromones, music and warm lavender-scented towels. Meals are served on ascent and descent to minimize ear discomfort that can occur at these times.

Airport terminals for pets

China recently became home to its first dedicated airport pet terminal, highlighting just how far pet travel services have evolved. Opened in April 2025 at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, the terminal is designed specifically for the departure and arrival of pets, particularly dogs and cats, offering an experience more aligned with human VIP lounges than traditional cargo handling facilities.

The facility features pet check-in counters, individual waiting areas, feeding and grooming stations, as well as on-site quarantine and veterinary services. It also ensures pets are cared for in temperature-controlled environments with minimal stress throughout the travel process.

The terminal is responding to growing demand for safer, more humane options. It’s not just about efficiency – authorities in Guangzhou say the facility aims to “build a full-process service model” for pet transportation, integrating care, comfort and compliance with international standards.

Meanwhile, pet parents traveling between mainland Europe and the UK can book their cat or dog on Le Pet Express, which uses minibus, Eurotunnel and domestic train services.