Page 14 - PET worldwide issue 2/2021

Markets

Ample opportunities in

China’s pet sector

A move by China to raise the status of dogs from livestock to
companion will not only save their lives, but is also likely to

contribute to the expansion of the pet sector in the world’s most
populous nation.

At the height of the Covid-19 pan-
demic last year, China’s agricul-
ture ministry announced the re-
classification of dogs from live-
stock to companion. The move is
widely seen as a response to the
coronavirus outbreak, which is be-
lieved to have originated from bats
and spread to humans by interme-

“DURING THE PANDEMIC-LED YEAR, PET-RELATED
CONTENT SURGED ON SOCIAL MEDIA”
Xinyao (Criss) Wang, market researcher

diary species. The change, wel- Dogs are gaining a higher status in China, with a greater focus being
comed by animal welfare socie- placed accordingly on canine care.
ties, is also expected to encourage
pet ownership in the country. sion to own bigger dogs, and limiting the Covid-19 contagion.
“It is a big change in terms of others follow, which is likely.” This increase in demand also sup-
the earlier official stance on this ports the sector.
issue,” Devi Subhakesan, ana- Opportunities galore Other growth drivers in-
lyst for Asia consumer research The analyst authored a report clude the treatment of pets as
at Investory, told PET worldwide. entitled “Pet Care Sector in Asia: family members, which boosts
“Technically, this would be an Saga has just started. Opportuni- premium product spending;
official acknowledgement that ties galore”, which was published the need for companionship by
dogs and cats are human com- on research network Smartkarma. young singles, couples who de-
panions. As regards its impact The report, which has a strong lay having children, and the el-
Jennee Grace U Rubrico is a
researcher, journalist and on pet ownership, this move focus on China, notes that there derly, who see pets as mental
editor. When she is not could possibly make it easier is rising demand for pets due to support; the influence of social
travelling for work, she lives and less expensive to own a pet, reduced social activities – hence, media and celebrities who post
in Brunei with her husband
and cats. assuming other changes like heightened loneliness – given about their pets; higher income
lower registration fees, permis- movement restrictions aimed at and more affordable pets; and

14 PET worldwide 2|2021

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