从看门到家人，“它经济”比你想象更猛烈

Core Insights - The Chinese pet industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by emotional connections, technological empowerment, and cross-industry integration, leading to a "new consumption revolution" [3] - The market is rapidly approaching a trillion yuan scale, reshaping lifestyles and business logic [3] Industry Evolution - The evolution of pet ownership in China reflects a clear emotional upgrade path, transitioning from "tool-based" to "emotion-based" and now to "personification" and "pet-centric" models, where pets are seen as equal family members [3][9] - This shift in perception has led to a qualitative change in consumer behavior, with a growing willingness to invest in high-quality food, professional medical care, and thoughtful services [3] Technological Advancements - The proliferation of smart hardware is creating a new digital ecosystem for pet care, with devices like smart litter boxes and feeders enabling automated feeding, cleaning reminders, and health monitoring [5] - Advanced AI technologies allow for 24/7 behavior monitoring and health alerts, enhancing emotional connections between pets and their owners [5] Market Segmentation - The pet food market is experiencing a significant formula revolution, moving from traditional dry food to a diverse range of options including baked, air-dried, and freeze-dried products [5] - Functional products targeting specific life stages and health needs are becoming mainstream in the high-end market, with a growing variety of pet snacks and health supplements [5] Service Trends - The trend of "personification" in pet services is particularly evident, with customized services for events like birthday parties and advanced grooming options such as spa treatments and essential oil massages [7] - The industry is expanding its boundaries, with services like pet insurance, pet funerals, and pet parks emerging as new growth engines [7] Cross-Industry Integration - The concept of "Pet+" is integrating with various sectors, creating new business models and incremental markets, with 72 brands from 11 industries entering the pet space [7] - A "big pet ecosystem" is forming, where different industries leverage their strengths to enhance the pet market through technology transfer and shared user experiences [7] Emotional Value - The explosion of the pet consumption market in China is fundamentally a reconstruction of the value of "companionship," addressing the emotional needs of urban dwellers [9] - The industry's growth is a response to this emotional demand, focusing on health, longevity, and quality of companionship, reflecting a deeper connection between lives [9]