Another user on the Chinese social media app, Lang Lang, highlighted how the pet industry is “really in demand”.
“(You) don’t need to have kids, but pets are a must,” the person wrote.
TOO MANY PETS, NOT ENOUGH PROS?
China’s pet industry has boomed in recent years, fuelled by young, affluent consumers increasingly willing to spend on their furry companions.
According to the latest China Pet Industry White Paper released by Petdata, the urban market for pet dogs and cats rose by 7.5 per cent to 300.2 billion yuan (US$41.7 billion) in 2024.
More pet owners are looking to travel with their animals, even abroad, despite challenges in securing pet-friendly transport and accommodation. In a sign of the times, the country’s state rail operator recently expanded high-speed train access for pets.
But even as the pet industry thrives, it’s struggling to find enough trained hands.
About 500,000 pet-related businesses – from pet food and supplies to grooming and insurance – are currently registered in China, but the sector is facing “acute labour shortages”, state news agency Xinhua reported on Monday (Jun 23).
The talent crunch is also reflected in pet care. The country’s 30,000-plus pet hospitals rely on just 40,000 certified veterinarians, averaging one per clinic, according to Xinhua.
“The shortage of skilled professionals is one of the biggest constraints on the industry’s healthy development,” said Yan Jinsheng, vice chairman of the China Pet Industry Association.
Similarly, Liu told CCTV that a large number of animal science experts with a background in companion animals are “urgently needed”.
He said there is growing demand for professionals in academic institutes, vet clinics, regulatory bodies, and industry associations.
“The pet industry has become a new growth point for animal husbandry,” Liu said.
https://www.channelnewsasia.com/east-asia/china-first-pets-university-degree-skilled-professionals-demand-5202331
