Pet trends worldwide
A global trend highlighted by the Mars Global Pet Parent Study (October 2024) indicates that pet ownership, with animals considered integral family members, is on the rise. Globally, 56 per cent of individuals owned at least one cat or dog, according to HealthforAnimals. China, the US and EU countries collectively account for over half a billion pet cats and dogs.
Globally, pet-friendly public transport is on the rise, with North American, European and Oceania
cities leading the way with the most accommodating regulations. China generally has more restrictive
policies. Although some Chinese cities, such as Hong Kong, Macau, Shenzhen and Chengdu, permit pets under specific conditions, others like Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou only allow service animals.