China’s pet economy is surging: in 2023, the market was estimated at roughly US $83 billion, and it’s on track to reach US $161 billion by 2028 as rising pet ownership — especially among young urban consumers — fuels demand.
Growth is being driven by shifting lifestyles: with declining marriage and birth rates and more people living alone or delaying family-making, many are turning to pets for companionship — transforming pets from symbolic “house animals” into beloved family members.
As a result, spending is rising fast across almost every category: premium pet food, holistic nutrition, smart pet products, grooming, veterinary care, and even lifestyle services like pet-friendly spas, hotels, and social activities.
For brands — both global and local — this represents a major opportunity. The evolving “pet parent” consumer is willing to spend more, value quality, and treat their pets as part of the household — opening the door for luxury, wellness-oriented, and lifestyle-driven pet products and services.
At Red Ant, we help brands navigate these changing dynamics — connecting global pet, wellness, and lifestyle brands with China’s evolving consumers through market insight, tailored positioning, and local cultural fluency.
This article originally appeared in Jing Daily (link: https://jingdaily.com/posts/inside-china-s-booming-usd161b-pet-market-expansion).
China’s Pet Market