When lawyer Cui Can recalled his first pet-related case, his tone turned reflective.

It was February this year, and the dispute involved a client who had entrusted two cats, a mother and her offspring, to a pet sitter found on the social media app Xiaohongshu, or RedNote. Just three days into the boarding period, both cats fell from a 19th floor and died.

"The emotional toll on the owner was immense. Those cats had been with him since they were kittens. He was devastated," Cui said. The case never made it to court. Instead, Cui helped negotiate a settlement worth a few thousand yuan, paid out in small monthly installments by the sitter, a recent university graduate who claimed financial hardship.

"In many pet-related disputes, litigation is impractical. The emotional and financial costs often outweigh the compensation," said Cui. "My role usually involves mediation to help parties reach an outcome that acknowledges the loss, not just in monetary terms."

Cui, 27, has been practicing law in Chengdu, Sichuan province, since 2020. After graduating in 2021, he worked at a firm for several years before going independent in 2023.Like many young lawyers, he initially handled a broad range of civil cases. But the intense workload began to take its toll. It was during a late night at his desk, accompanied only by his long-haired cat, Ultraman, that he had an epiphany.

"I was overworked, constantly stressed. Ultraman was there with me; quiet, comforting. That's when I started asking myself what I really wanted to do," he said. "Pets had always been part of my life. Why not focus on legal issues affecting them?"

Earlier this year, Cui decided to specialize in pet-related disputes — a niche few lawyers in China have entered. Since then, he has handled cases involving medical malpractice, sales fraud, custody battles, and wrongful death. He enjoys being called a pet lawyer.

Among the most heart-wrenching was a case from Xi'an, Shaanxi province. A young man's dog died during a routine dental procedure after the clinic failed to conduct pre-anesthesia assessments. The owner, who had raised the dog since high school, developed severe depression afterward.

"That case was never about the money. He wanted an apology, an explanation, some form of accountability," Cui said. "But the clinic wouldn't admit fault. They just said, 'Sue us if you want.'"

Such incidents are occurring against the backdrop of a rapidly expanding pet population. According to a report issued by Goldman Sachs in February 2024, the number of pets in China surpassed that of children under the age of four for the first time that year. By 2030, the pet population is projected to be nearly twice as large as the population of young children.

As pet ownership surges in China, such disputes are becoming more common. Pets are increasingly viewed as family members, yet the legal system has been slow to adapt.

China still lacks a dedicated animal protection law. In cases of abuse or negligence, lawyers often resort to general provisions in the Civil Code or rely on charges like "picking quarrels and provoking trouble". It's a catch-all offense that leads to minimal penalties, according to Cui.

"The legal vacuum is the biggest challenge," Cui said. "Without clear statutes, it's difficult to protect pets or their owners effectively."

Even when laws do apply, practical obstacles remain. Many owners lack crucial evidence — medical records, contracts, transaction details — or struggle to identify the real parties behind pet stores or online sellers. Veterinary forensics is underdeveloped, and judges often lack expert opinions to rely on.

Yet Cui remains optimistic. In March, he founded the Pet Legal Alliance, a WeChat network of more than 1,000 legal professionals nationwide. Members must be practicing lawyers and pet owners themselves, "because you have to understand the emotional bond to do this work," Cui said.

The group shares resources, discusses landmark cases, and pushes for stronger industry standards. Some are already advising local governments on drafting animal protection regulations.

Cui's approach is pragmatic. He prefers mediation to litigation and often encourages clients to consider emotional closure over prolonged legal battles. "Not everyone can endure repeated court hearings, especially when they're grieving," he said. "Sometimes moving forward is more important than fighting on."

Still, he believes change is coming. "Pets are not property. They are life companions. The law should reflect that," he said. "This isn't just a professional shift for me. It's personal."

In his Chengdu office, surrounded by legal texts and a photo of Ultraman, Cui said with determination, "We're building something meaningful, one case at a time."

Zhang Tianyu in Nanchang contributed to this story.

zhaoruinan@chinadaily.com.cn