Fast-developing niche travel market offers plenty of potential

More pet owners are taking their animals on travels, with related services such as specialized tours, accommodations and medical care now available.

Owners said it is good for the pets to see more of the outside world, as this broadens their experience of life.

For example, owners are accompanying their animals on Ferris wheels, cable cars, in kayaks and on paddle boards. They also take them to view the sea, on camping trips, and to visit grassland areas.

By immersing themselves in the wild and interacting with other animals, pets, who live urban lives most of the time, get up close with nature. Some owners said that taking their pets on trips helps avoid the guilt of having to leave them at home when they go traveling.

Pet-friendly hotels, charter flights and package tours are among the many personalized services now available — proof that demand is strong and there is plenty of potential in this niche business sector. Chinese society also appears to have become more inclusive and tolerant in dealing with animals.

In May, Bonnie Yao, 28, from Shenzhen, Guangdong province, traveled across western China for 50 days with her border collie Nian Nian after being laid off and wanting to spend time exploring wilderness areas.

"I think taking pets on trips is a good idea, because they belong to nature. In particular, dogs that live in cities for a long time may experience stress or depression because their working abilities and skills are not fully used. Taking them out to play frequently can give them an opportunity to express themselves," Yao said.

She added that Nian Nian "herded" several lambs on grassland in Ganzi Tibetan autonomous prefecture, Sichuan province.

"Nian Nian was very curious about the lambs. After ensuring that he wouldn't harm them, I let him play with them for a while. He ran around, constantly keeping an eye on them," she said.

Yao added that during the trip, she further appreciated the beauty of nature. "We saw the most beautiful sunset at the summit of a snow mountain. At that moment, I felt as though I had arrived at the end of the world," she said.

Cai Yi, 24, an event planner in Nanjing, Jiangsu province, has taken her beagle Pu Pu on every trip she has made since owning her in 2021.

"At first, I thought she was obedient, but I subsequently found that she is too crazy. If she does not use up all her energy, she will destroy my home. So, to prevent the house becoming a mess when I'm out, I've taken her on trips," Cai said.

She added that the cost of boarding a pet in Nanjing is too high, at about 50-80 yuan ($6.80-$10.90) per day, and about 100 yuan a day during holidays.

Cai has taken Pu Pu to Anji and Hangzhou in Zhejiang province, the coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong province, and to Shanghai. She mainly uses ride-hailing services, as she cannot drive.

She said some drivers who like dogs allow Pu Pu out of her pet carrier. "They also ask if I want to stop and let the dog answer a call of nature and get some fresh air. They are very friendly to dogs," she added.

Pu Pu generally adapts well to new environments, because beagles are relatively fearless and curious about most things, Cai said.

"The first time my dog went to the beach, she was scared of the waves and barked at the sea, but after a few waves crashed against her, she was fine. Later, she even wanted to run into the waves," Cai said.

"When we went to Qingdao, I dressed Pu Pu up nicely, and many tourists came over and took photos with her. These are beautiful memories."

Cai said Pu Pu usually behaves well, apart from a tendency to randomly answer the call of nature.

"When we went to Pet Fair Asia in Shanghai, she pooped at the security checkpoint, which was embarrassing. I have to take paper with me everywhere we go to avoid causing trouble for others," she said.

Cai added that apart from a pet carrier, she prepares little for Pu Pu. If the dog is hungry, Cai finds some boiled pork for her at a hotel.