Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-09-30 13:29Core Insights - The pet economy in China is experiencing significant growth, with the urban pet consumption market expected to exceed 300 billion yuan in 2024 and potentially surpass 400 billion yuan by 2027, reflecting a strong growth potential in the sector [1][7] Market Trends - There is a notable shift in the role of pets from functional companions to family members, driven by the rise of "self-economy" and "emotional consumption" [1] - The demand for pet-related services, including travel, photography, and fitness, is increasing, indicating a consumption upgrade in the pet industry [1][3] Pet Travel Market - The introduction of pet transportation services by railways and airlines has made traveling with pets more accessible, with high demand observed during peak travel seasons [3][5] - The average spending on pet travel can range from 3,000 yuan to 20,000 yuan per trip, indicating a lucrative market opportunity [5][6] Supply Challenges - Despite the growing demand for pet travel, there are significant supply-side challenges, including transportation limitations, accommodation difficulties, and inconsistent standards across tourist attractions [4][8] - The pet tourism industry is primarily composed of small, startup companies that are still developing stable service offerings [8][9] Investment Landscape - The pet industry has seen a decline in investment activity since 2021, with a significant drop in financing events, particularly in the pet tourism sector [12][13] - Established pet companies in food and healthcare sectors are more likely to attract investment due to their scalability and standardization, while pet tourism is viewed as better suited for smaller, self-sustaining businesses [12][13]