這份《2025寵物經濟洞察報告》所揭示的現象，帶來的不僅是數字上的變化，更反映出中國社會在家庭觀念與消費結構上的深刻轉型。報告指出，2024年中國的寵物總量首次超過4歲以下的嬰幼兒數量，這一數據本身就極具象徵性，意味著在許多家庭裡，「寵物孩子化」的地位愈發明顯。按照當前的發展趨勢來看，至2030年，寵物數量甚至有可能達到嬰幼兒數量的兩倍，這不僅是一個人口與動物數量的對比，更是人們在情感寄託與生活方式選擇上的重大轉變。

寵物不再僅僅是陪伴的角色，而逐漸被視為家庭成員，甚至是「孩子」的替代。這使得許多飼主在日常生活中，會投入大量的精力與資源來照顧牠們的飲食、健康與情感需求。報告中特別提到，有部分年輕人將養寵視為一種「自我養育」的過程，透過與寵物的互動，彌補自身成長過程中的缺憾，或是獲得心理上的安慰與陪伴感。換言之，養寵已經超越單純的興趣或娛樂，而成為一種與自我、與家庭、甚至與社會互動的方式。

隨著人寵關係的深化，圍繞寵物形成的消費市場也迎來全方位升級。從最基本的寵物食品與用品，到高階的醫療照護、美容護理、休閒娛樂，甚至專屬的寵物旅行服務，完整的「人寵共生」產業鏈正在快速成形。根據投資銀行高盛的數據，這個市場規模已經達到三千億元人民幣，且仍在持續擴張。這不僅僅是商業機會的爆發，更代表著社會對於寵物需求的精細化與多樣化。

從養寵人群結構來看，90後依然是絕對主力，占比達41.2%，但更值得注意的是，00後的比例正在急速上升，從2023年的10.1%一舉躍升至2024年的25.6%。這個變化說明，新一代年輕人正快速接受「養寵即生活」的理念，並將其融入日常消費與情感生活之中。他們對寵物的態度更偏向「家人化」，同時也更願意投入在品質化、個性化的消費領域。

地理分佈上，過去以一線與新一線城市為養寵核心，但近年的變化值得關注。艾瑞諮詢的《2024年中國寵物行業研究報告》顯示，70%的寵物主仍集中在一二線城市，不過隨著一線城市養寵限制的趨嚴，以及住房、養育成本等現實壓力，養寵意願在這些城市出現下降趨勢。與此同時，三線城市以及下沉市場因為消費力的提升，逐漸成為新的養寵熱點。這種結構性轉移，意味著未來寵物經濟的增長動能，將更多來自三四線城市的消費需求。

總的來看，這份報告揭示的不只是寵物經濟的「數量擴張」，更是「文化轉向」與「消費升級」。養寵逐漸演變成一種生活方式，牽動著食品、醫療、美容、旅遊等多領域的產業創新。它既反映了人口結構變化下的社會現象，也映射出年輕世代對於陪伴、情感連結與自我認同的新追求。寵物不再只是「寵物」，而是融入家庭與社會日常的重要存在，這種「人寵共生」的新市場格局，未來還將持續重塑中國的消費與生活圖景。

The 2025 Pet Economy Insight Report reveals not only a shift in numbers but also a profound transformation in Chinese society’s perception of family and consumption patterns. According to the report, in 2024 the total number of pets in China surpassed the number of children under the age of four for the first time. This figure is highly symbolic, indicating that within many households, pets are increasingly seen as “children.” If current trends continue, by 2030 the pet population may even double that of infants. This comparison highlights more than just demographics—it reflects a significant shift in how people seek emotional bonds and define their lifestyle choices.

Pets are no longer viewed merely as companions; they are increasingly regarded as family members, even substitutes for children. As a result, many pet owners devote considerable time, energy, and resources to their pets’ diets, healthcare, and emotional well-being. The report notes that some young people consider raising pets as a process of “re-parenting” themselves, using the interaction with animals to heal childhood gaps or find comfort and emotional support. In other words, pet ownership has transcended hobby or leisure—it has become a way of engaging with the self, family, and even society.

As the human–pet relationship deepens, the consumer market around pets has undergone comprehensive upgrades. From basic food and supplies to advanced medical care, grooming, leisure activities, and even pet-friendly travel, an entire “co-living” industry chain has rapidly taken shape. According to Goldman Sachs, this market has already reached 300 billion RMB in scale, and it continues to expand. This represents not only a commercial boom but also growing refinement and diversification in how society meets pet-related needs.

In terms of demographics, the post-1990s generation remains the dominant group of pet owners, accounting for 41.2%. However, the most striking change comes from the post-2000s generation, whose proportion has surged from 10.1% in 2023 to 25.6% in 2024. This sharp increase shows that younger generations are rapidly embracing the idea of “pet ownership as a lifestyle,” integrating it into their daily spending and emotional lives. Their attitudes lean more toward treating pets as family, and they are more willing to invest in high-quality, personalized products and services.

Geographically, pet ownership has long been concentrated in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities. According to iResearch’s 2024 China Pet Industry Report, 70% of pet owners still live in these urban centers. However, recent trends suggest a shift. With tighter pet ownership restrictions and rising living costs in Tier 1 cities, enthusiasm for pet ownership has declined. Meanwhile, Tier 3 cities and lower-tier markets, boosted by stronger spending power, have emerged as new hotspots. This structural change implies that future growth in the pet economy will increasingly come from these smaller urban markets.

Overall, this report highlights not just the expansion in pet numbers but also a deeper cultural shift and consumption upgrade. Pet ownership is evolving into a lifestyle that drives innovation across food, healthcare, grooming, tourism, and beyond. It reflects demographic changes while also mirroring younger generations’ pursuit of companionship, emotional connection, and self-identity. Pets are no longer simply “pets”; they are integral members of families and daily life. This new framework of “human–pet co-living” will continue to reshape China’s consumption patterns and social fabric in the years to come.