Core Viewpoint - The pet medical industry is a core sector of the pet economy, characterized by both rigidity and growth potential, following a development path similar to human consumption structure, transitioning from "goods to services" [2] Demand Side: Growth Potential in Penetration Rate and Average Spending - The aging of pets is leading to an increase in disease incidence, which is expected to trigger a surge in demand for pet medical services. The shorter lifespan of pets compared to humans means that changes in age structure will result in more pronounced demand shifts [3] - The significant growth in the penetration rate of prescription pet food reflects the rapid dissemination of pet medical knowledge in China. Prescription pet food, which is a "functional diet" prescribed by veterinarians for specific diseases, is increasingly being recognized by pet owners, especially during illness or recovery periods [3] Expansion Phase: Balancing Scale and Profitability - The domestic pet medical market is characterized by small revenue size and weak profitability. According to the 2023 China Pet Medical Industry White Paper, 82% of pet hospitals in China have annual revenues below 2.4 million yuan, and 71% have profit margins below 10%, with 26% currently operating at a loss [4] - Drawing from the U.S. market experience, while profitability is under pressure during the expansion phase, measures such as controlling the pace of expansion, standardized mergers and acquisitions, and refined operations can gradually enhance profitability [4] Cost Structure: Challenges in Variable Cost Optimization - In the domestic market, employee and procurement costs are the main constraints on optimizing variable costs for pet hospitals. The operating costs are primarily concentrated in labor and consumables, with a shortage of veterinary talent and low domestic procurement rates for consumables being significant challenges [5] - The long-term reliance on imports for veterinary vaccines and the dominance of foreign brands in pet medications contribute to higher procurement costs for domestic pet medical enterprises. In contrast, the U.S. has a mature local supply chain, which provides cost advantages in consumable procurement [5]