'Cat'ering to felines, canines no mere pet project

The population of young pet owners continues to rise, with individuals born after 1995, commonly known as Generation Z, taking the lead, accounting for 36.8 percent of all pet owners in the country, according to the white paper.

In addition to regular pet-friendly hotels, pet-themed hotels, where both design and decor are inspired by canine and feline concepts, are gaining in popularity, as well as hotel resorts that offer a range of pet services, such as dog parks and grooming, to actively engage with this demographic, Zhang said.

Hotel groups are leveraging technology and digital platforms to connect with young pet owners. Online booking systems, social media engagement and dedicated pet-friendly websites are just a few examples of how hotels are reaching out to this tech-savvy generation, Zhang added.

Ren Hong, a 30-something resident of Hangzhou in Zhejiang, stumbled upon a series of heartwarming photos and videos shared by a group of pet owners who had taken their furry friends to a hotel for the weekend. Motivated by the joyous moments captured in those online posts, Ren made the decision to take his pet along on a hotel getaway.

"I never expected there would be so many people vacationing with their pets," Ren said, adding that the thoughtful amenities provided for their furry companions — such as inviting pet beds, food and water bowls and even a personalized welcome treat — exceeded his initial expectations.

Despite the hotel's charge of approximately 1,000 yuan per night, Ren was able to experience a delightful and hassle-free vacation, thanks to the hotel's dedication to going the extra mile to provide a range of amenities and services specifically designed to cater to pets.

As the pet industry continues to witness exponential growth, spurred by consumer upgrades and a shift toward personalized consumption, demand for pet-related hospitality services shows no signs of slowing down.

According to research firm iiMedia Research, the industry scale of China's pet economy hit 493.6 billion yuan in 2022, a year-on-year increase of 25.2 percent, while its market size is expected to reach 811.4 billion yuan by 2025.

While demand for pet-friendly accommodations is on the rise, it is essential for hotels to assess their suitability for accommodating pets before promoting themselves as such, said Gu Huimin, a professor with the School of Tourism Sciences at Beijing International Studies University.

Factors such as hotel infrastructure, location and existing amenities play a significant role in determining if a hotel is genuinely pet-friendly, Gu said, adding that hotels located in bustling urban areas or those without appropriate outdoor spaces, for example, may not provide an optimal environment for pets.

While catering to pet owners can attract a specific market demographic, it may also lead to the loss of customers who do not own pets or have different preferences. Some guests may have concerns about allergies, cleanliness or disturbances caused by pets, Gu added.

Meanwhile, the expansion of pet-friendly offerings on a larger scale presents unique challenges that require careful consideration and innovative solutions so as to suit the evolving expectations of pet owners and the increasing recognition of pets as integral family members, said Bo Wenxi, chief economist at Interpublic Group China.

"One of the primary hurdles faced by hotel groups is the standardization of pet-friendly amenities and services across multiple locations. Achieving consistency in the hotel experience while accounting for variations in architecture and design is crucial," Bo said.

Effective personnel management is another vital aspect that hotel chains must address. Staff members who interact with guests and their pets require proper training to be knowledgeable about pet-related services, demonstrate empathy toward pets, and possess the ability to handle any potential issues that may arise, Bo added.

wangkeju@chinadaily.com.cn