Core Insights - The article discusses the emergence of a new undergraduate program in "Companion Animal Science" at China Agricultural University, which is part of the broader trend of universities offering pet-related majors to attract quality students [2][5][10]. Group 1: Industry Trends - The pet economy in China is experiencing robust growth, with the urban pet market projected to exceed 300 billion yuan by 2024 and potentially surpass 400 billion yuan by 2027 [4][10]. - The changing demographics, such as an aging population and increasing numbers of single-person households, have led to pets becoming significant emotional companions for many families [4][10]. - The demand for pet-related professionals is rising, with over 40% of job postings requiring only a college diploma, while only 6% require a bachelor's degree [6][10]. Group 2: Educational Developments - There are currently over 150 vocational colleges offering pet-related programs, while the number of undergraduate programs remains limited, primarily starting after 2020 [9][10]. - The curriculum for pet-related majors often builds on existing animal science and veterinary medicine courses, with a focus on companion animals [11][18]. - The geographical distribution of these programs shows that Henan province leads with 17 institutions offering related majors, followed by Heilongjiang and Jiangsu [11][10]. Group 3: Career Opportunities - The pet industry has diversified into over 20 specialized careers, including roles such as veterinarians, pet trainers, and pet groomers, reflecting a shift from traditional pet care roles [26][23]. - New job roles, such as "pet influencers," are emerging due to the growth of digital media and content platforms, indicating a fusion of the pet industry with technology and media [27][23]. - Despite the variety of career paths, many professionals face challenges such as low pay and high job stress, which can lead to disillusionment [31][32]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The pet-related major at China Agricultural University is currently a niche choice, but with a market penetration rate of only 20% in China, there is significant potential for growth in the pet industry [33][10]. - As the pet economy continues to expand, it is anticipated that more universities will focus on developing pet-related programs and talent cultivation [34].