The pet industry in China

The pet industry in China

An overview of the pet industry in China in 2024, including the most recent statistics and trends.

In China, pet ownership is booming. Dogs and cats are now considered part of the family, leading to a surge in luxury pet products, tech gadgets and even pet hotels. It’s no wonder pet parents are now investing in smart collars and pet massages – the pampering is real!

Pet population in China

According to Statista, China’s cat and dog population exceeded 121.55 million in 2023. Due to stricter regulations on dog ownership and breeding, cats are anticipated to be favored over dogs. 

Number of cats and dogs kept as pets in China graphic

The pet industry in China is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing investments and shifting consumer demographics. This is particularly true among Millennials and Gen Z pet owners, who prioritize “fur babies” over traditional family structures. 

China’s pet market

China’s pet market is projected to grow by 6.6% in 2025 and expand at an average annual rate of 6% through 2030, reaching $49 billion (€45B). By 2030, China will maintain about 10% of the global pet market. 

The number of pet food manufacturers in China has tripled over the past 5 years. Nearly 400 companies are now in operation, and annual production has increased by 50%. 

The pet food industry in China is expected to reach $8.8 billion (€8.5B) by 2030, and domestic brands such as Gambol are poised to benefit from premiumization trends and the shift toward e-commerce. 

Nanhe District in Hebei has emerged as a key hub for pet food production, accounting for 60% of the country’s pet food output. The region is expanding its pet economy, with growth in categories such as cat litter, pet beds and clothing. It aims to reach $10.2 billion (€9.9B) in operating income by 2035. 

Wet pet food, particularly for cats, is becoming increasingly popular due to its affordability and suitability for small living spaces. By 2028, China’s share of the global wet pet food market is expected to grow from 7.6% to 11%. The country’s pet care market is projected to reach $13.2 billion (€12.7B), fueled by pet humanization and product innovation.

Import and export data

China’s pet food import market has seen remarkable growth, with imports increasing from $100 million (€96.2M) in 2016 to $1 billion (€961.9M) in 2022. This surge is largely driven by a shift in consumer preferences, particularly a growing demand for premium pet food.

The United States has notably benefited from this trend, with exports to China experiencing a significant rise, especially following the Phase One trade agreement signed in 2020. 

Other key suppliers to the Chinese market include Canada and South Korea. Additionally, Poland’s pet food exports to China are expected to grow, supported by the positive new export relations between the two countries since June 2023.

The pet retail landscape in China

Top players in China’s pet retail landscape are online retailers Taobao, Tmall (Alibaba Group) and JD.com. These retailers are particularly popular for selling imported pet food, health products and smart pet supplies. Wet pet food, especially for cats, is experiencing growing demand, and the country’s global market share is expected to increase from 7.6% to 11% by 2028.

According to Mordor Intelligence, brick-and-mortar stores like American companies Petco and PetSmart are expanding their footprints in China, focusing on more premium food and health products.

Chinese pet trends

Despite inflation, pet owners in China remain committed to high-quality food for their pets. A 2023 survey found that while most felt the pinch of rising prices, only 1 in 6 opted for cheaper brands. 

Instead, many focused on functional pet food that offers health benefits, particularly for digestion and plant-based proteins. Pet owners are increasingly willing to pay a premium price for food with proven health benefits and sustainable ingredients.

China's pet food market value by animal graphic.

Sustainability is also gaining traction, with Chinese pet owners increasingly considering the environmental impact of their purchases. According to Euromonitor’s 2024 data, 68.3% of pet owners in the Asia Pacific region believe their actions positively affect the environment.

The demand for luxury pet products and services is growing in China as owners prioritize their pets’ well-being. This shift toward “pampering pets” mirrors trends in neighboring East Asian countries, like South Korea and Japan, where sophisticated pet care is on the rise. 

Major brands like Panasonic, Xiaomi, Samsung, LG, Dyson and Whirlpool are entering the market with innovative products designed to improve the lives of both pets and their owners.

Shifting consumer preferences in China’s growing pet market

Following public demand for pet-friendly travel options, China Railway is considering allowing pets to travel on high-speed trains under certain conditions. This follows Shanghai’s introduction of pet-friendly public transport and Shenzhen’s unveiling of the first pet lounge at its airport, reflecting China’s increasing efforts to accommodate its growing pet population in public spaces.

In other news, China Information Technology Development Limited (CITD) has partnered with Petaverse, a virtual pet entertainment company. Together, they are creating a joint venture to revolutionize pet entertainment

The venture aims to offer pet owners an immersive experience by blending virtual and physical reality. It will also provide new platforms for pet engagement, education and entertainment.

As China’s pet market continues to expand, driven by a growing pet population and shifting consumer preferences toward premium, sustainable products, the country is positioning itself as a major player in the global pet industry. 

China’s focus on pet humanization, sustainability and innovation is expected to shape future trends. Meanwhile, Cargill has expanded its operations with a second pet food facility near Shanghai, Purina is ramping up investment in premium products and e-commerce and Symrise has partnered with Sunner to produce sustainable egg proteins for pet food.