Pets, particularly cats and dogs, subtly influence and shape how people travel in unique ways.Â
Recently, a special “Siberian Tiger”-themed cultural tourism tram in Changchun introduced an exclusive service allowing pet owners to bring their furry companions on board at designated times. Inside the carriage, pets sit or lie comfortably beside their owners, creating a warm and lively atmosphere—almost like a charming pet party on wheels.
In recent years, the concept of “pet-friendly” travel has gained increasing recognition across China, with notable progress in various sectors such as hotels, airlines, and ride-hailing services.
For instance, starting in December 2024, China Southern Airlines introduced its “Pet in the Cabin” service on round-trip flights between Guangzhou and Shanghai Hongqiao. This service allows passengers to bring their pets into the cabin under specific conditions and even purchase dedicated pet seats.
Meanwhile, several airports in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area are rolling out convenient services tailored for pet travelers. In Shanghai, select hotels now offer “pet-friendly rooms,” while ride-hailing platforms like Hello and Didi Chuxing have launched dedicated “pet travel” services.
According to the 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper, the number of pets in Chinese cities and towns reached 120 million in 2024, with the country’s pet economy market surpassing 300 billion yuan. These figures highlight not only the deep bond between people and their pets but also the immense potential of the pet-friendly travel market.
Written by Chen wang, additional reporting by CNS.
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