Core Insights - The rise of the "pet economy" in China is driven by social changes, consumption upgrades, and technological empowerment, with pets increasingly viewed as family members rather than mere tools [2][6][10]. Group 1: Emotional Value Drivers - The demand for emotional companionship is growing, as pets provide significant comfort and reduce stress in modern society [8]. - Factors such as the increase in single-person households, an aging population (over 310 million aged 60 and above), and declining birth rates contribute to the rising need for emotional support from pets [9]. Group 2: Key Influencing Factors - Increased consumer spending power leads to a rise in demand for pets, with a positive correlation between pet industry growth and GDP per capita [10]. - Urbanization accelerates the pet market's development, especially in lower-tier cities where growth potential remains high [11]. - The aging population drives the expansion of the pet market, with older adults increasingly viewing pets as family members and investing in quality pet care [15]. - The single economy presents new growth opportunities for the pet industry, as pets become integral to family life amid low birth rates [17]. - Diverse family structures, including childless couples, elevate the demand for pets as emotional companions [19]. Group 3: Consumer Demographics - The primary consumer base for the pet market consists of individuals born in the 1990s and 2000s, who account for 67.7% of market share and prioritize pet quality and personalized needs [21]. - The elderly population is increasingly investing in pet care, with significant growth in spending on pet food and health management [24]. - First- and second-tier cities dominate the pet ownership landscape, but there is notable growth in pet ownership in lower-tier cities, with a 30% increase in 2023 [26]. Group 4: Market Size and Segmentation - The Chinese pet market surpassed 592.8 billion yuan in 2023 and is projected to reach 811.4 billion yuan by 2025 [30]. - Pet food and medical care are the two largest segments, with pet food accounting for 52.2% of the market, driven by a shift towards higher quality and specialized nutrition [35]. - The pet medical sector holds a 28.5% market share, with increasing demand for specialized care due to the aging pet population [36]. - Pet supplies and services are also growing, with smart pet products expected to reach nearly 7 billion yuan by 2024, reflecting a 13.9% annual growth rate [38]. Group 5: Future Trends - The trend of domestic brand preference is rising, with 32.9% of dog owners and nearly 35% of cat owners favoring local brands by 2024 [41]. - The pet industry is experiencing a dual empowerment of consumption upgrades and technological advancements, with a growing acceptance of high-end services and personalized pet care [44]. - The concept of "pet-friendly" spaces is becoming integral to urban development, with businesses increasingly catering to pet owners [46]. - The "silver economy" and lower-tier markets are emerging as new frontiers for the pet economy [47].