Gone are the days of Fido being relegated to the backyard. Today’s pets are no longer just companions; they’re furry (or feathery, or scaled) members of the family. This shift in pet ownership is reflected in the rise of internet slang like “DINKWAD” (Double Income, No Kids, With a Dog), a humorous yet telling term used by millennials and Gen Z who prioritize their pets alongside their careers. Whether you call them your “furbabies” or your “non-human children,” it’s clear that these furry friends are playing an increasingly important role in modern families.
Photo: AI-generated by Khushboo Khanna
The acceptance of pet parenthood isn’t just a heartwarming trend; it’s a blooming business landscape. The global pet care industry is expected to reach a staggering $427.75 billion by 2032, and China is a major player in this growth. Here, the motto seems to be “It’s my pet’s world, and I’m just living in it!” This burgeoning industry offers an array of innovative services to pamper our furry companions. With China making significant strides in pet friendliness, even shopping malls and restaurants are opening their doors to our four-legged friends.
China’s Embrace of Pets Creates a Pawesome Life for All
Get ready for some tail-wagging excitement as we explore seven amazing businesses in China, leading the charge. These businesses cater to every aspect of a pet’s life, from providing healthy meals and luxurious daycare, to facilitating unforgettable adventures, virtual sponsorships with AI chatbots, and dignified farewells.
SpareLeash: Worry-Free Pet Care for Busy Shanghai Lives
Erin Leigh, Founder
Founded by the passionate animal rescuer Erin, SpareLeash understands the challenges busy pet owners face in Shanghai. Juggling work and travel with caring for your furry friend can be a struggle. SpareLeash offers a convenient and cuddly solution.
What inspired the creation of SpareLeash?
Erin, a dedicated animal rescuer, noticed a gap at adoption events. Many potential pet owners hesitated due to lack of reliable pet care options. Combining her love for animals with an entrepreneurial spirit, she created SpareLeash to address this.
Who is SpareLeash for?
SpareLeash caters to all pet lovers! Whether you’re a current pet owner, have experience caring for animals, or are considering adopting for the first time, they offer support and resources. They’re here to help you on your pet parenting journey.
What services are offered?
SpareLeash provides a comprehensive suite of services designed for busy pet owners. They offer everything from dog walking and cat check-ins to in-home pet sitting, boarding, and even assistance with pet insurance, relocation, and vet visits. Their services prioritize cage-free, in-home care to ensure your pet’s comfort.
What’s next for SpareLeash?
SpareLeash is expanding! They’re growing their team and services to reach more cities across China. Additionally,they’re enhancing their online store to offer a wider range of pet products, aiming to become the ultimate one-stop shop for all your pet’s needs.
WeChat: SpareLeash
Pawsome: Fresh Food for Fur-ever Friends
Franziska Glöckner, Co-Founder
Karolina Weiß, Co-Founder
Founded in Shanghai by Franziska Glöckner, a PhD candidate in animal nutrition, and Karolina Weiß, a German licensed animal nutritionist, Pawsome offers a unique solution for health-conscious pet owners. They provide small-batch, freshly prepared meals for cats and dogs, catering to the needs of your furry family member.
What inspired the creation of Pawsome?
Franziska’s experience with her golden retriever, Kolya, sparked the idea. After a near-death experience from potentially contaminated pet food, Franziska started making nutritious homemade meals for Kolya. Meeting Karolina, an expert in animal nutrition, solidified their mission to provide safe, fresh food options for all pets.
Who is Pawsome for?
Pawsome caters to health-conscious pet owners in China. Their meals are ideal for pets with various health concerns, often caused by today’s fast-paced lifestyle.
What services does Pawsome offer?
Pawsome offers a convenient and healthy solution for pet nutrition. They provide fresh, small-batch meals prepared daily in their Jiangsu factory. These meals are shipped China-wide via cold chain express delivery, or delivered directly within Shanghai by their team.
What’s next for Pawsome?
Innovation is key at Pawsome! In response to challenges during the pandemic, they expanded their freeze-dried product line. These convenient, shelf-stable meals offer a perfect option for busy pet parents or those with limited storage space.
WeChat: Pawsome拍窝森
Buddy City: Unleashing Socialization and Fun for Urban Pups
Elisa, Co-Founder
Calling all Shanghai dog owners, especially those in the city center! Elisa, a dog trainer, artist, and co-founder of Buddy City, understands the challenges of finding safe spaces for your furry friend to socialize. Buddy City offers a solution as playful as it is practical!
What inspired the creation of Buddy City?
Elisa struggled to find places where her dogs could safely socialize without constant leashes. She envisioned a space where dogs could learn and play under the supervision of experienced trainers, fostering positive social experiences.
Who is Buddy City for?
Buddy City caters to dog owners in Shanghai, particularly those in the city center. While initially popular with foreigners, Buddy City’s focus on early-stage socialization is attracting a growing Chinese clientele.
What services does Buddy City offer?
Buddy City is a haven for canine fun and learning. They’re known for their daytime dog daycare programs, designed to encourage socialization and positive play. Additionally, they offer a variety of training options to help families build strong connections with their dogs. Rounding out their services, Buddy City also provides boarding and grooming options.
What’s next for Buddy City?
While details are under wraps, exciting things are brewing at Buddy City! They’re constantly innovating and expanding their services to cater to the needs of Shanghai’s furry residents.
WeChat: Buddy_City
Tel: 189 1654 0189
Address: 76-78 Yongxing Road
Doris Was Not Meat: More Than Just a Name, a Mission for Change
Ranjit & Chiara, Founders
Meet Chiara and Ranjit, a dynamic duo united by their love of animals, business, and technology. Fueled by a shared passion for “always doing the right thing,” they co-founded Doris Was Not Meat, a unique organization with a heartwarming story.
What inspired the creation of Doris Was Not Meat?
The story begins with Doris, a hyper black poodle rescued from a meat market by animal advocates. Though Doris’s life with Chiara was tragically short, her spirit burned bright. Determined to honor Doris’s memory and advocate for countless animals facing similar fates, Chiara and Ranjit established Doris Was Not Meat.
Who is Doris Was Not Meat for?
This innovative charity reaches out to Gen Z, a generation passionate about supporting causes they believe in. Doris Was Not Meat offers Gen Z a platform to make a real difference in the lives of animals.
What does Doris Was Not Meat offer?
Doris Was Not Meat goes beyond traditional adoption. They offer a multi-faceted approach to animal rescue:
Virtual Sponsorship: Connect with a real rescue dog (and their AI-generated personality!) and provide financial support for their rehabilitation.
Doris Metaverse: Explore this immersive virtual space, designed by an award-winning architect, to learn about animal welfare and meet adoptable dogs.
Doris AI Bot: Get answers to all your dog-related questions from this informative and playful AI tool.
What’s next for Doris Was Not Meat?
The Doris Was Not Meat Metaverse is expanding! They’re opening their virtual doors to animal-friendly brands who share their mission. Looking to make a difference? Doris Was Not Meat welcomes partnerships to amplify their reach.
WeChat: DorisWasNotMeat
Email: chiara@doriswasnotmeat.org
Rascals on the Road: Adventures Await for Pups and People
Melissa, Founder
Calling all Shanghai dog lovers, especially those with adventurous pups! Mel, the founder of Rascals on the Road, understands the struggle of finding exciting outdoor activities for your furry friend. Driven by a passion for canine well-being, Rascals on the Road offers the perfect solution: adventures designed for both furry friends and their human companions!
What inspired the creation of Rascals on the Road?
As a dog owner in Shanghai, Mel craved opportunities for her dog, Hugo, to explore the outdoors freely. Disappointed by the lack of dog-friendly hiking options, Mel took the initiative. She got her driver’s license and started organizing weekend getaways for Hugo and his canine pals. This blossomed into Rascals on the Road, a company dedicated to providing safe, dog-friendly adventures and promoting rescue animal adoption.
Who is Rascals on the Road for?
Rascals on the Road caters to dog owners and enthusiasts in Shanghai. They offer a chance to escape the city and bond with your furry friend in nature, perfect for those seeking adventure.
What services does Rascals on the Road offer?
Rascals on the Road curates dog-friendly trips designed for both canine comfort and human enjoyment. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a curious newcomer, they offer safe and enriching experiences for all. They’ve been successfully running trips for three years, and donate a portion of their profits back to animal rescue organizations in Shanghai.
What’s next for Rascals on the Road?
Get ready for even more tail-wagging adventures! Rascals on the Road is expanding their offerings. They’re scouting new locations to develop exciting dog-friendly trips, ensuring unforgettable experiences for both pups and their owners.Additionally, they’re planning monthly meetups at various locations throughout Shanghai, fostering a stronger sense of community among local dog lovers.
WeChat: RascalsontheRoad
Sam's Pet Relocation: Bridging Borders, Bringing Families Together
Sam Liu, Founder
Meet Sam, a passionate animal lover with over 13 years of experience in pet relocation! Fueled by a desire to ensure happy reunions for pets and their families, Sam’s Pet Relocation offers a personalized service built on expertise and compassion.
What inspired you to create Sam’s Pet Relocation?
Sam’s background in veterinary medicine instilled a deep love for animals. However, the limitations of veterinary care sometimes left him feeling helpless. A chance encounter helping someone relocate their pet sparked a new path. The joy of facilitating a happy reunion ignited a passion for pet relocation, allowing Sam to directly contribute to the well-being of both pets and their families.
What services does Sam’s Pet Relocation offer?
Sam’s Pet Relocation offers a comprehensive pet travel solution for dogs, cats and rabbits. They can help you navigate the complexities of flying with your pet, whether accompanying you in the cabin (excess baggage) or traveling separately as cargo. With extensive knowledge of airline regulations and country-specific requirements, Sam ensures a smooth and stress-free experience for your furry friend.
WeChat: 155 0215 8547
Email: sam.petrelocation@hotmail.com
YOOOAIII: A Gentle Goodbye for Your Furry Family Member
Helen, Co-Founder
Jophia, Co-Founder
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is never easy. YOOOAIII, founded in 2023 by two passionate animal lovers, Jophia and Helen, understands the profound bond between pets and their families. Driven by the desire to ensure a dignified and loving farewell for furry companions, YOOOAIII offers compassionate end-of-life care and memorialization services in Shanghai.
What inspired the creation of YOOOAIII?
Jophia and Helen, both pet parents themselves, were deeply affected by the loss of their own furry friends. They recognized the need for compassionate and respectful end-of-life services in Shanghai to help families navigate this difficult time.
Who is YOOOAIII for?
YOOOAIII caters to all pet owners in Shanghai, including both Chinese residents and foreign expats. Their multilingual team (including English) ensures clear communication during this emotional journey.
What services does YOOOAIII offer?
YOOOAIII offers a comprehensive and respectful service. This includes a 24/7 hotline for immediate support, body collection and cremation, and various ash disposal options. They go beyond the basics by offering beautiful flower farewell ceremonies and creating unique memorial keepsakes, like jewelry crafted from your pet’s ashes and custom portraits.
What’s next for YOOOAIII?
Always innovating, YOOOAIII is excited to introduce a new line of memorial crystal jewelry. This beautiful option allows you to keep a permanent and elegant reminder of your beloved pet close.
Why Choose YOOOAIII?
YOOOAIII understands the deep love between you and your pet. Their compassionate team is dedicated to providing respectful services and beautiful keepsakes to help you honor your pet’s memory during this difficult time.
Tel: 159 0086 9503
WeChat: YOOOAIII
Charlie's: Woof it Up With Your Pup!
Charles Zheng, Founder
For nine years, Charlie’s has been a haven for both humans and their furry companions in Shanghai. Inspired by founder Charlie Zheng’s love for dogs, Charlie’s offers a welcoming space to enjoy delicious food and drinks alongside your canine best friend, with a doggy food menu of its own across all outlets.
What inspired Charlie’s dog-friendly environment?
From day one, Charlie’s opened their doors with water bowls and leashing stations, welcoming all pups inside. The team’s own love for dogs fueled their desire to create a space where furry friends can enjoy a good time with their human families.
Who is Charlie’s designed for?
Charlie’s caters to everyone who enjoys good food, drinks, and furry friends! Their welcoming atmosphere allows patrons to relax and socialize with their canine companions.
What dog-friendly services or products do they offer?
Charlie’s provides water bowls, leashing stations, a special doggy menu and a positive attitude towards dogs. Recently, their dog park branch started offering special dog cakes for birthdays and other celebrations.
What exciting things are in the pipeline for Charlie’s?
Get ready for more tail wags! Charlie’s is hosting more dog family events, including “dog weddings” to celebrate your pup in style!
Why should pet owners visit Charlie’s?
Charlie’s offers a welcoming space where you and your dog can relax, enjoy delicious food, and feel like part of the family. They actively support pet adoption and foster a sense of community for dog lovers. Find them on their mini program (Charlies 粉红汉堡), Eleme, or Meituan. You can book dog cakes at their dog park branch (Caohengjing branch) and stay tuned for upcoming dog events!
The love between people and pets is truly a powerful force, enriching lives and strengthening communities. This deep connection between humans and animals extends beyond individual pet ownership. Events like the upcoming Pet Fair Asia, held in Shanghai from August 23rd to 25th, celebrate this love and showcase the vast array of pet products and services available.
