From the start of the year, Shanghai's Putuo district has been expanding its pet-friendly spaces at a rapid pace. From themed pet stores and shopping malls to pet-focused hotels, the district is fast becoming a hub for China's growing "pet economy".

New pet-focused shops open in Putuo

The first Shanghai store of Chong Pang Pang, a large pet-themed store, opened on May 1 in Global Harbor shopping center. Covering over 1,000 square meters, the store offers more than just pet supplies — it includes areas for health checks, interactive games, training courses and even pet photography.

A 200-sq-m "pet science center" inside the store features nearly 100 animal species, including white peacocks, groundhogs, amphibians and reptiles. The area has fast become a favorite destination for families with kids.

Just 3 kilometers away, in the newly redeveloped Tongyili block, Wagtopia — Shanghai's first bakery specializing in freshly made pet treats — recently opened.

Unlike traditional pet stores, Wagtopia focuses on on-site baking, with pet cakes and cookies displayed in glass cabinets. Though pricey — with cupcakes costing 65 yuan (about $9) and cakes that are up to 300 yuan — many pet owners are willing to pay for freshness and quality.

Pet-friendly malls, hotels and cruises expand options

Since April 2023, The Land of Blossoms shopping mall has been promoting itself as a pet-friendly space. It now hosts themed events every April, including pet contests and social gatherings. What's more, staff members receive special training in pet-related services.

These efforts have paid off: During the 2024 Pet Lifestyle Festival run by the mall, the complex saw a 28 percent increase in foot traffic and a 15 percent rise in sales compared with the same period last year.

Hotels in Putuo are also becoming more pet-friendly. The recently opened Moxy Hotel offers three pet-dedicated rooms on the ground floor, each equipped with items like sanitized bowls, dog mats, toys and training pads. According to the hotel, all pet rooms were fully booked during the recent May Day holiday.

Meanwhile, pet-friendly cruises on Suzhou Creek are gaining in popularity. Since launching in last October, there have been 180 trips run across three routes from locations like Changhua Road and Changfeng Park. With an over 70 percent average occupancy, the operators are planning to use bigger boats and to offer more themed cruises as the weather warms up.

Source: Shanghai Observer