Owners and their dogs jump over car tires and crawl under nets together at a dog race in Shanghai.
Events in which people and animals overcome obstacles together are increasingly popular in China. There are more and more pet owners in the country. People are also striving for a more active lifestyle.
For many participants, this race is not just fun, but a way to strengthen their bond with their four-legged friends.
Chen Yi is the founder of LetsDog. This is a monthly event that attracts more than 100 people and their pets each time. She says that such entertainment has happened so often in recent years that her team’s strength is already running out.
Consumer spending in China remains generally moderate amid a prolonged slowdown in the real estate sector and widespread macroeconomic uncertainty. However, the pet and sports markets are showing clear growth.
Last year, nearly 80% of Chinese pet owners maintained or increased their spending on pets.
According to official estimates, the Chinese outdoor sports market will reach $33 billion by 2025. Moreover, in 2023, the pet market was worth $39 billion.
