Passengers flying from or to Shanghai can have their "furry friends" accompany them on designated flights starting in May, according to Shanghai-based carriers including China Eastern Airlines and Juneyao Airlines.

Tapping into the rising demand for treating pets as important family members among Chinese pet-owners, China Eastern Airlines launched the "pet in cabin" service on flights between Shanghai and Qingdao, Shandong province.

Thanks to the collaboration among six Chinese airports including the Shanghai Pudong International Airport and the Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, pet-owners can now travel with their "fur babies" onboard starting May 1, Juneyao Airlines announced.

The pet-friendly service initially covers four domestic flights operated by the Shanghai-based airline, between Shanghai Pudong and Lijiang of Yunnan province, Shanghai Hongqiao and Taiyuan in Shanxi province, Taiyuan and Nanjing of Jiangsu province, along with Nanjing and Huizhou of Guangdong province. The exclusive ticket for pets is available for purchase at the official Juneyao Airlines app.

Both China Eastern and Juneyao Airlines said the pet-in-cabin service currently allows a maximum of two pets for every flight, and one passenger can only bring one pet each time.

To better facilitate the pet-in-cabin service launched by Chinese airlines, the Shanghai Airport (Group) Co Ltd has improved its service since May 1. By offering specialized services including check-in counter, security check, rest areas and boarding procedures, pet-owners can have a smooth travel experience with their pet companions.

China's urban pet population is expected to exceed 70 million by the end of 2030, a Goldman Sachs report said earlier in 2024.