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].

年轻一代是"它经济"的消费主力。报告显示，90后与00后在养宠人群中占比超六成，更注重宠物生活质 量与个性化需求，愿意在宠物服装、美容、IP联名等周边消费领域投入更多资金，推动宠物消费观念持 续升级。 在宠物消费环节，社交平台正在重塑决策链路。报告提出，养宠人不仅仅关注产品的技术细节，而是更 注重品牌整体形象和价值观的契合度。口碑传播和专业推荐在养宠人决策过程中扮演了越来越重要的角 色。 毕马威中国华南区零售及消费品行业审计合伙人刘琬婷表示，社交媒体成为消费决策的核心影响因素， 80后、90后养宠人更倾向于通过线上渠道购买宠物产品。尽管如此，线下渠道(包括宠物店、宠物医 院、商超、犬猫舍等)仍占据重要地位，因其能提供更好的购物体验和附加服务。未来，品牌方需要同 时注重线上和线下渠道的协同发展，不断优化产品和服务，以更好地适应市场变化和消费者需求。 供应链的重构与国产替代加速正成为驱动宠物行业发展的"双引擎"。报告提到，一方面，中国宠物企业 正逐步从过度依赖单一市场转向全球化布局；另一方面，在政策护航与技术创新共振下，国产高端产品 在品质上不断追赶甚至超越进口产品。 毕马威中国日前发布的《2025年中国宠物行业 ...

Core Insights - The article emphasizes that economic cycles do not eliminate demand but reshape its form, leading to the emergence of industries that thrive during downturns [3][4][26]. Group 1: Economic Trends - During economic downturns, certain industries experience unexpected growth, indicating a shift in consumer behavior towards more cost-effective options [5][10]. - The concept of "value-for-money economy" emerges as consumers prioritize savings, leading to a rational flow of consumption rather than a complete decline in demand [7][8]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - The rise of the "middleman profit" model, particularly on platforms like Xianyu, showcases how young individuals capitalize on price differences between low-cost goods and resale opportunities, with some earning over 10,000 yuan monthly [9][10]. - The second-hand economy is booming, driven by a strong desire for cost-effective purchases among younger consumers, as they increasingly opt for second-hand items over new ones [12][13]. Group 3: Emotional and Anxiety Economies - The "emotional economy" is highlighted through the growing pet care industry, where services like pet boarding and grooming are in high demand, reflecting consumers' emotional investments in their pets [16][17]. - The "anxiety economy" is characterized by a surge in self-investment as individuals seek to enhance their skills amid job insecurity, leading to increased enrollment in practical training courses and the rise of flexible employment [22][23]. Group 4: Market Dynamics - The article concludes that the current economic landscape in China is undergoing a process of creative destruction, where industries that adapt to changing consumer needs and behaviors will thrive [26].