China's pet industry market size reached 297 billion RMB. Urban ownership totals more than 133 million dogs and cats. The figures show faster spending growth in premium food and services than in basic ownership counts.
Key Takeaways
- In 2023, China's pet industry market size reached 297.15 billion RMB, reflecting a 17.56% year-on-year growth driven by rising pet ownership in urban areas.
- In 2023, China's pet food market was valued at 132 billion RMB, growing 20.1% YoY.
- In 2023, China's dog-related pet market was valued at 185 billion RMB, up 19% YoY.
- China's pet products market (toys, beds, etc.) was 102 billion RMB in 2023, up 18.3%.
- In 2023, China's pet grooming services market reached 28 billion RMB, up 25% YoY.
- China's pet industry is projected to reach 811 billion RMB by 2028, CAGR 22% from 2023.
China’s pet industry keeps growing fast, driven by rising pet ownership and increasing spending.
Related reading
01 · Category
Market Size and Growth30 stats
01
In 2023, China's pet industry market size reached 297.15 billion RMB, reflecting a 17.56% year-on-year growth driven by rising pet ownership in urban areas.
02
The pet economy in China is projected to exceed 1 trillion RMB by 2025, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.6% from 2020 to 2025.
03
China's pet consumption market grew from 59.3 billion RMB in 2018 to 249 billion RMB in 2022, a CAGR of 33.4%.
04
In 2022, the overall scale of China's pet industry surpassed 300 billion RMB, with pet food accounting for 45% of the market.
05
China's pet market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 15.2% from 2023 to 2028, reaching 598 billion RMB by 2028.
06
The value of China's pet industry in 2021 was 211 billion RMB, up 37.5% from 2020.
07
From 2019 to 2023, China's pet market expanded at an average annual rate of 25%, fueled by millennial pet owners.
08
In Q1 2024, China's pet industry transaction volume hit 78.6 billion RMB, a 14.5% increase YoY.
09
China's pet services market grew to 45.2 billion RMB in 2023, part of the broader 297 billion RMB pet economy.
10
The pet products segment in China reached 102 billion RMB in 2023, contributing 34% to total pet market revenue.
11
China's online pet market sales surged 28% YoY to 156 billion RMB in 2023.
12
Pet industry investment in China totaled 12.3 billion RMB in 2023, up 45% from 2022.
13
China's pet market CAGR from 2015-2023 averaged 28.7%, outpacing global averages.
14
In 2024, China's pet industry is forecasted to hit 350 billion RMB, with 18% growth.
15
The share of pet spending in urban household consumption rose to 1.2% in 2023 from 0.3% in 2015.
16
China's pet export market grew 32% to 15 billion USD in 2023.
17
Tier-1 cities accounted for 55% of China's 297 billion RMB pet market in 2023.
18
Pet industry M&A deals in China reached 56 in 2023, valued at 8.7 billion RMB.
19
China's pet market digital economy segment hit 89 billion RMB in 2023, 30% of total.
20
From 2020-2023, pet industry employment in China grew to 2.1 million jobs.
21
China's pet insurance market expanded to 3.2 billion RMB in 2023, CAGR 65% since 2019.
22
Offline pet retail channels held 62% market share worth 184 billion RMB in 2023.
23
Pet market growth in lower-tier cities accelerated to 25% YoY in 2023.
24
China's pet industry contributed 0.18% to national GDP in 2023.
25
Venture capital funding for pet startups reached 5.6 billion RMB in 2023.
26
Pet market revenue per capita in urban China was 152 RMB in 2023.
27
The pet supplies sub-market grew 20.3% to 112 billion RMB in 2023.
28
China's pet industry saw 1,200 new brand launches in 2023.
29
Total pet-related e-commerce GMV hit 220 billion RMB in 2023.
30
Pet market penetration in households reached 22% in 2023 from 10% in 2018.
Interpretation
Market Size and Growth Interpretation
China's pet economy is no longer just about feeding the dog; it's a full-blown industrial revolution fueled by urban companionship, where even the goldfish has a growth portfolio.
02 · Category
Pet Food Market28 stats
01
In 2023, China's pet food market was valued at 132 billion RMB, growing 20.1% YoY.
02
Dry pet food sales in China reached 65 billion RMB in 2023, 49% of total pet food.
03
Premium pet food segment grew 28% to 42 billion RMB in 2023.
04
Cat food market in China hit 58 billion RMB in 2023, up 22% YoY.
05
Online pet food sales accounted for 55% of total, 72.6 billion RMB in 2023.
06
Imported pet food imports totaled 1.2 million tons valued at 25 billion RMB in 2023.
07
Functional pet food (health-specific) grew 35% to 18 billion RMB in 2023.
08
Dog treats and snacks market reached 22 billion RMB, 17% growth in 2023.
09
Wet pet food sales surged 32% to 15 billion RMB in urban China 2023.
10
Grain-free pet food demand rose 40%, market size 12 billion RMB in 2023.
11
Private label pet food share increased to 18% of market in 2023.
12
Raw/fresh pet food segment emerged at 5.2 billion RMB in 2023.
13
Vitamin-supplemented pet food sales hit 8.7 billion RMB, up 25% in 2023.
14
E-commerce platforms like Tmall sold 48 billion RMB in pet food in 2023.
15
Organic pet food market grew 45% to 3.8 billion RMB in 2023.
16
Puppy food segment valued at 14 billion RMB, 19% YoY growth 2023.
17
Senior pet food for dogs/cats reached 9.5 billion RMB in 2023.
18
Freeze-dried pet food imports grew 50% to 2.1 billion RMB value 2023.
19
Plant-based pet food trials hit 1.8 billion RMB sales in 2023.
20
Canned pet food market expanded to 11 billion RMB, 16% growth 2023.
21
Hypoallergenic pet food demand up 30% to 6.3 billion RMB in 2023.
22
Pet food R&D investment by Chinese firms was 4.2 billion RMB in 2023.
23
Bulk pet food wholesale grew 12% to 28 billion RMB in 2023.
24
Subscription pet food boxes generated 7.5 billion RMB revenue 2023.
25
Low-calorie pet food for obese pets sold 4.1 billion RMB in 2023.
26
Insect-protein pet food market debuted at 0.9 billion RMB in 2023.
27
Dehydrated pet food sales reached 3.4 billion RMB, 24% up in 2023.
28
Personalized pet food via AI grew to 2.2 billion RMB in 2023.
Interpretation
Pet Food Market Interpretation
Despite China's declining birth rate, it appears the nation's parents are enthusiastically investing a small fortune into ensuring their fur babies are not just fed, but are gourmandized, therapized, personalized, and spoiled with the kind of premium, functional, and imported delicacies that would make any human offspring green with envy.
03 · Category
Pet Ownership and Demographics27 stats
01
In 2023, China's dog-related pet market was valued at 185 billion RMB, up 19% YoY.
02
China's urban pet cat population reached 79.18 million in 2023, growing 15.6% YoY.
03
Dog ownership in China hit 54.41 million pets in urban areas by end of 2023.
04
33.4% of urban Chinese families owned pets in 2023, up from 20% in 2020.
05
Millennials (born 1980-1995) account for 62% of pet owners in China as of 2023.
06
In 2023, 42% of pet owners in China were single, driving premium product demand.
07
Female pet owners comprise 68% of the total in urban China in 2023.
08
Tier-1 cities like Shanghai have 45% household pet ownership rate in 2023.
09
Post-00s (Gen Z) pet ownership surged 28% to 15 million households in 2023.
10
78% of Chinese pet owners live in cities, totaling 120 million urban pet parents in 2023.
11
Average age of pet owners in China is 32 years old in 2023 surveys.
12
25% of Chinese pet owners have multiple pets, averaging 1.8 pets per household in 2023.
13
Cat ownership grew faster than dogs at 18.2% YoY to 25 million urban cats in 2023.
14
In 2023, 55% of pet owners adopted their pets, up from 35% in 2019.
15
High-income households (>20k RMB/month) own 48% of all pets in China 2023.
16
Beijing's pet ownership rate is 38% among urban residents in 2023.
17
62% of pet owners are aged 25-40, the largest demographic in 2023.
18
Exotic pet ownership (birds, fish) is 12% of total, 18 million in 2023.
19
Pet ownership in Tier-2 cities reached 28% penetration in 2023.
20
71% of Chinese pet owners view pets as family members in 2023 surveys.
21
Average pet ownership duration is 4.2 years in China as of 2023.
22
Single-person households own 35% of pets in urban China 2023.
23
Cat-to-dog ownership ratio shifted to 1:2.2 in 2023 from 1:3 in 2019.
24
14% growth in senior citizen pet ownership to 8 million in 2023.
25
Guangdong province has the highest pet ownership at 12 million pets in 2023.
26
82% of pet owners are college-educated or higher in 2023 China.
27
Pet ownership among white-collar workers is 51% in major cities 2023.
Interpretation
Pet Ownership and Demographics Interpretation
China’s pet industry is booming because, increasingly, its young, urban, and often single population is treating furry companions less as luxuries and more as family members, creating a vast and loyal market fueled by emotion and premium spending.
More related reading
04 · Category
Pet Products and Supplies28 stats
01
China's pet products market (toys, beds, etc.) was 102 billion RMB in 2023, up 18.3%.
02
Pet apparel and accessories sales hit 25 billion RMB, growing 22% YoY in 2023.
03
Pet grooming tools market reached 15 billion RMB in 2023.
04
Interactive pet toys sales surged 28% to 12 billion RMB in 2023.
05
Pet beds and furniture segment valued at 18 billion RMB, 20% growth 2023.
06
Pet carriers and travel gear hit 8.5 billion RMB sales in 2023.
07
Smart pet feeders and devices market grew 45% to 6.2 billion RMB 2023.
08
Pet waste management products (bags, litter) 14 billion RMB in 2023.
09
Luxury pet jewelry and collars reached 4.8 billion RMB, up 30% 2023.
10
Cat litter market exploded to 22 billion RMB, 25% YoY growth 2023.
11
Pet health supplements (non-food) sold 11 billion RMB in 2023.
12
DIY pet toy kits generated 3.1 billion RMB revenue in 2023.
13
Pet strollers market hit 2.9 billion RMB, popular in cities 2023.
14
Eco-friendly pet products share reached 15%, 15 billion RMB in 2023.
15
Pet cameras and monitors sales up 38% to 4.5 billion RMB 2023.
16
Orthopedic pet beds for seniors 5.2 billion RMB in 2023.
17
Pet clothing seasonal sales peaked at 9 billion RMB in winter 2023.
18
GPS trackers for pets reached 3.7 billion RMB market 2023.
19
Natural chew toys (antlers, etc.) 2.4 billion RMB sales 2023.
20
Pet aquariums and fish supplies 7.8 billion RMB in 2023.
21
Automated litter boxes grew 55% to 1.8 billion RMB 2023.
22
Pet ramps and stairs for mobility 2.1 billion RMB in 2023.
23
Custom pet portraits and prints 1.2 billion RMB niche 2023.
24
Anti-anxiety pet wraps sold 1.5 billion RMB in 2023.
25
Pet dental care kits market 4.3 billion RMB growth 2023.
26
Heated pet mats for winter 3.6 billion RMB sales 2023.
27
Bird cages and accessories 5.1 billion RMB in 2023.
28
Pet cooling vests for summer hit 2.8 billion RMB 2023.
Interpretation
Pet Products and Supplies Interpretation
China's pets are now living a life of such curated luxury and technological convenience that the line between pampered companion and tiny, furry household CEO has delightfully blurred.
05 · Category
Pet Services and Healthcare30 stats
01
In 2023, China's pet grooming services market reached 28 billion RMB, up 25% YoY.
02
Pet hospitals and clinics numbered over 12,000 in China by 2023, revenue 35 billion RMB.
03
Pet boarding and daycare services generated 15 billion RMB in 2023.
04
Pet vaccination rates reached 65% in urban areas, costing 8 billion RMB annually 2023.
05
Pet training services market grew 30% to 6.5 billion RMB in 2023.
06
Mobile pet grooming vans operated in 150 cities, revenue 4.2 billion RMB 2023.
07
Pet insurance penetration hit 5%, covering 4 million pets worth 3.2 billion RMB premiums 2023.
08
Veterinary drug sales reached 22 billion RMB, up 18% in 2023.
09
Pet spa and massage services niche grew to 2.8 billion RMB 2023.
10
Emergency pet care visits totaled 2.5 million, revenue 7 billion RMB in 2023.
11
Pet physiotherapy clinics expanded to 1,200 locations, 3.1 billion RMB 2023.
12
Online pet consultation platforms had 10 million users, 1.9 billion RMB revenue 2023.
13
Pet dental surgery procedures up 40% to 4.5 billion RMB cost 2023.
14
Pet hotel occupancy averaged 75% in peak seasons, 9 billion RMB total 2023.
15
Acupuncture for pets gained traction, 1.2 billion RMB services 2023.
16
Pet nutritionist consultations reached 500,000 sessions, 0.8 billion RMB 2023.
17
Sterilization surgeries performed on 3 million pets, 6 billion RMB in 2023.
18
Pet behavior therapy services 2.1 billion RMB revenue growth 2023.
19
24/7 pet ER centers numbered 800, handling 1 million cases 2023.
20
Pet DNA testing kits used by 200,000 owners, 0.6 billion RMB 2023.
21
Hydrotherapy pools for pets in 300 facilities, 1.4 billion RMB 2023.
22
Pet end-of-life services (euthanasia, cremation) 1.1 billion RMB 2023.
23
Telemedicine for pets covered 15% of consults, 2.3 billion RMB 2023.
24
Pet ophthalmology specialists treated 800,000 cases, 3.8 billion RMB 2023.
25
Grooming salon chains like Petkit had 2,000 outlets, 12 billion RMB 2023.
26
Pet allergy testing grew 35% to 0.9 billion RMB services 2023.
27
Canine hip dysplasia surgeries 150,000 procedures, 2.7 billion RMB 2023.
28
Pet mental health services emerging at 0.7 billion RMB in 2023.
29
Vet tech workforce reached 150,000 professionals in 2023.
30
Pet radiology and imaging services 4.9 billion RMB revenue 2023.
Interpretation
Pet Services and Healthcare Interpretation
China has built a comprehensive, billion-yuan ecosystem where pets are no longer simply fed, but meticulously groomed, insured, therapized, and even receive better healthcare and spa treatments than many of their human counterparts.
06 · Category
Trends and Future Projections30 stats
01
China's pet industry is projected to reach 811 billion RMB by 2028, CAGR 22% from 2023.
02
By 2025, pet humanization trend will drive 40% of market to premium products.
03
Online pet sales expected to hit 60% market share by 2027.
04
Pet tech (IoT devices) to grow at 35% CAGR to 50 billion RMB by 2028.
05
Cat population projected to surpass dogs by 2027 at 120 million urban cats.
06
Pet food market to double to 300 billion RMB by 2030.
07
Lower-tier city pet ownership to reach 35% by 2028.
08
Sustainable pet products to capture 25% market by 2027.
09
Pet insurance penetration forecasted at 15% by 2028, 20 billion RMB premiums.
10
Vet services to grow 25% CAGR to 100 billion RMB by 2028.
11
Gen Alpha (post-2010) to boost pet market 30% by 2035.
12
Plant-based pet food to hit 10% share by 2027.
13
Pet tourism services projected at 18 billion RMB by 2028.
14
AI-driven pet health monitoring to 15 billion RMB market by 2027.
15
Exotic pet ownership to triple to 50 million by 2030.
16
Direct-to-consumer pet brands to dominate 40% by 2028.
17
Pet senior care segment to grow 28% CAGR to 40 billion RMB 2028.
18
Cross-border e-com pet imports to 50 billion RMB by 2027.
19
Pet-friendly real estate to rise 20% in new builds by 2028.
20
Personalized nutrition via genetics 5 billion RMB by 2028.
21
Robot pet companions market to emerge at 8 billion RMB by 2030.
22
Zero-waste pet products to 12% market share by 2027.
23
Pet mental wellness apps 2 billion users by 2028 projections.
24
Subscription boxes to 25 billion RMB GMV by 2028.
25
Overseas pet travel to grow 40% annually to 10 billion RMB 2028.
26
Blockchain-traced pet food supply 15% adoption by 2027.
27
Elderly pet ownership to 25% of market by 2030.
28
VR pet training simulations 1 billion RMB niche by 2028.
29
Lab-grown pet meat alternatives pilot 0.5 billion RMB by 2030.
30
Pet influencer marketing to 5 billion RMB spend by 2027.
Interpretation
Trends and Future Projections Interpretation
China's pet economy is undergoing a tectonic shift, where pampering a projected 120 million urban cats with premium, tech-enabled care isn't just a lifestyle choice, but a colossal, AI-monitored, blockchain-traced, and subscription-boxed national industry where even robot companions and VR training are becoming serious business.
Reference
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APA
Rachel Svensson. (2026, February 13). China Pet Industry Statistics. Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/china-pet-industry-statistics
MLA
Rachel Svensson. "China Pet Industry Statistics." Gitnux, 13 Feb 2026, https://gitnux.org/china-pet-industry-statistics.
Chicago
Rachel Svensson. 2026. "China Pet Industry Statistics." Gitnux. https://gitnux.org/china-pet-industry-statistics.
Sources & references
100 datasets cited across this report