Domestic tourists carry their pet dog in a stroller down a flight of stairs during a tour in Shanghai.SHANGHAI: China’s pet industry has seen a boom in recent years, driven by young and affluent consumers willing to splurge on their furry companions.
With the aid of Qingdao-based of Cheer Up Pet Club, Lu and other like-minded owners took a tour from the eastern Chinese port city to Shanghai. The club organises tours on a monthly basis, usually in nearby cities like Dalian and Weihai, and occasionally to further areas such as down south to Yangzhou.
“A big portion of the preparation involved health inspection and quarantine procedures. For the 20 pets, we engaged in discussions with Thai customs to expedite the clearance, to about two minutes per pet,” he told CNA. “They are going to help us resolve issues for our trip, including airport procedures, inspections, quarantine, hotel rooms, and even coordinating with tourist attractions.”Xia said he was inspired to venture into the pet tour business after bringing his two beloved dogs on adventures around China.“I treat my pet like my child, so when I travel with it, I feel like the whole family is going on a trip together. It's so much fun,” said Sui Shuyun, who has gone on such tours with her dog.
A traveller and his pet at an airport. Many pet clubs and tour agencies have sprouted up across Chinese cities to help navigate the logistics of travelling with furkids. With an increasing number of young adults choosing so-called fur babies over real babies, the pet industry is set to see explosive growth in the next decade, said observers.