The pet economy in Zhengzhou, Henan is booming as young people seize entrepreneurial opportunities

China News Service, Zhengzhou, October 3rd (Kan Li, Wang Jianing) "During the National Day holiday, orders have tripled, and orders are already overwhelming." On the 3rd, Wang Zhiwei, a "post-00s" pet caretaker in Zhengzhou, Henan, was busy combing hair, feeding and watering customers' pet cats. Having just entered the industry half a year ago, he regards the pet economy as an entrepreneurial outlet for young people.

On September 30, pet caretaker Wang Zhiwei feeds pet cats in Zhengzhou, Henan. Photo by Wang Jianing

The "2026 China Pet Industry White Paper" shows that China's urban dog and cat pet consumption market will reach 312.6 billion yuan in 2025. The "other economy" has not only spawned a number of emerging industries, but has also become a characteristic consumption form that stimulates domestic demand.

“During holidays, the demand for pet care is strong.” In March this year, Wang Zhiwei and his entrepreneurial team launched a small program to formulate specific care standards, such as bringing gloves and shoe covers to the door, video recording of the entire process, and timely feedback on the status of pets.

Pet sitters, pet nutritionists, pet hairstylists... As the pet market continues to expand, not only has a variety of emerging professions been born, but the profit model has also accelerated iteration.

In 2025, Xu Xiaoyu and his wife from Zhengzhou closed two physical pet stores and turned to online operations.

"We have invested the saved costs into pet food research and development, specializing in segmented tracks." In Xu Xiaoyu's view, pet owners have increased their awareness of scientific care, and there is a strong market demand for therapeutic products for elderly pets and chronically ill pets. Customized fresh food and functional care pet snacks have become new profit points.

In addition to pet food, Xu Xiaoyu and his wife also arrange for private customization of pet clothing, designing fabrics and styles according to the pet's body shape, and tapping consumption increases.

"In addition to the layout of prescription food and functional food, our pet rice dumplings and pet mooncakes customized for the season are also very popular." An Zhongping, chairman of Zhongyu Pet Food (Luohe) Group Co., Ltd., said that the company is deeply involved in the pet food segment, and its products are exported to more than 40 countries and regions around the world. Overseas revenue accounts for about 40% of the total revenue.

"The industry is facing structural opportunities." Duan Wuju, deputy secretary-general of the Henan Pet Industry Association, believes that standardized services, traceable food, functional products, personalized customization, full-cycle maintenance, etc. can open up new outlets for the industry.

Zhang Zhancang, former president of the Henan Academy of Social Sciences, analyzed that the pet economy has entered a new stage of diversified development and steady growth. Improving industry regulations and establishing unified industry and product standards are the keys to the stable and long-term development of the "other economy". (over)