China was once the world’s most populous nation, but in recent years its birth rate has been falling. While more people are choosing to have fewer or no children, there has been a rise in pet ownership. Pets are on track to outnumber toddlers two to one by the year 2030.

Beijing

China has seen a decline in its birth rate in recent years, resulting in a shift in household trends. As more people choose to have fewer or no children, pet ownership has increased significantly. Currently, there are an estimated 100 million domesticated dogs and cats in China, with approximately one in every eight urban residents owning a pet.

The growth of pet ownership has led to a booming industry, now valued at about $49 billion. Entrepreneurs have developed various businesses catering to pet owners, including specialized malls, restaurants, clothing stores, and even pet kindergartens. These businesses aim to provide not only basic needs but also lifestyle experiences for pets and their owners.

Despite the Chinese government ending its one-child policy and now allowing up to three children per family, many young people are opting not to have children. Analysts predict that by 2030, the number of pets in China will outnumber toddlers two to one. Factors cited by young Chinese residents include the higher opportunity cost of settling down and starting families compared to previous generations.

Some individuals, like Beijing resident Tao Zhu, consider their pets to be family members and have created businesses to meet their needs. While she has not ruled out having children in the future, her current focus remains on her pets and her business.



China's pets set to outnumber toddlers in just five years

Beijing local Tao Zhu considers her pets members of her family. When she failed to find quality food to feed them in 2016, she and her partner decided to start their own company, providing fresh meals for dogs and cats. I understand they are like dogs and cats, they're not humans, but truly you know the connections between you and your dog or your cat and you know it's like unconditional love and yeah, it's family. Households like hers, a young couple with pets but no children, are increasingly common in China. Today, there are an estimated 100 million domesticated dogs and cats here, with roughly one in every eight urban residents owning a pet. It's spurred the growth of an industry worth about $49 billion. China's pet industry isn't just about providing food and shelter. Thanks to young entrepreneurs, it's become a trendy lifestyle, exemplified by places like this. This is an entire mall catering to people who socialise with their pets. Devoted owners can now take their furry friends to upmarket pet-only restaurants, clothing and accessory stores, photo studios and even pet kindergartens. All at a time when China's birth rate is dropping. Some analysts say pets are set to outnumber toddlers 2 to 1 by the year 2030. The government ended its one-child policy in 2016 and families can now have up to three children. But not many young Chinese find the idea appealing. For young Chinese today, the opportunity cost of settling down and having a family is just much, much higher than the opportunity cost was in the past. In the past, there wasn't much of a choice. That was what you did, you know, you got married, you had children, you found a job. Hao Zhu says she enjoys the freedom of running her own business and travels internationally often. She hasn't ruled out having children in the future, but for now, her customers and her pets are keeping her busy. Katrina Yu, Al Jazeera, Beijing.

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