In this era where "everything can be cute," pets have long transcended mere companionship; they have become indispensable members of the family, carrying a wealth of love and warmth. With the growing number of pet owners, the once low-key field of pet healthcare is rising at an astonishing rate, becoming a highly anticipated "new blue ocean."
Data indicates that the pet healthcare market is continuously expanding. The "2025 China Pet Industry White Paper" indicates that by 2024, the number of pets (dogs and cats) in urban areas in my country will exceed 122 million, with pet market spending reaching 300 billion yuan, of which the pet healthcare market will account for 28%. The increase in pet ownership, rising consumption, and a significant increase in pet owners' awareness of their pets' health are creating further room for expansion in the pet healthcare market.
Vet healthcare technology is also constantly advancing. Once, pet healthcare visits might have consisted of simple examinations and basic treatments, but now, high-end equipment such as pet-specific blood analyzers, ultrasound machines, CT scans, and MRIs are becoming increasingly common. Diagnosis and treatment are no longer limited to the traditional general practice model; specialization is becoming a trend. Internal medicine, surgery, dentistry, ophthalmology, cardiology, dermatology, and oncology are continuously deepening their expertise, and multidisciplinary collaboration is enabling more precise diagnosis and treatment. For example, specialized hospitals specializing in pet heart disease have emerged in some major cities. Doctors focus on the diagnosis and treatment of pet heart disease, providing more professional services for pets with heart problems.
The continued rise in pet healthcare is driven by a surge in demand. Pets now hold a significantly higher status in the family, and people's medical needs for pets have expanded from basic vaccinations and deworming to physical examinations, cancer treatment, and even psychological rehabilitation. Although 62% of pet owners consider medical care expensive, over 60% still take their pets to the vet two or three times a year. This demonstrates that, despite cost considerations, pet owners are still willing to invest in their furry companions' health.
The geographical distribution of the pet healthcare market exhibits certain characteristics. There are over 30,000 pet hospitals nationwide, of which Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen account for approximately 11.3%, and new first-tier cities account for 25.1%, demonstrating a trend of "clustering in first-tier cities and accelerated expansion in new first-tier cities." The trend toward chain operations is also accelerating, with leading companies like New Ruipeng and Ruipai increasing market concentration through mergers and acquisitions. However, independent and non-chain clinics still dominate.
Despite numerous challenges, the prospects for the pet healthcare industry remain promising. With the development of society, people's emotional needs for pets will continue to grow, and the number of pet owners is likely to rise further. Coupled with continuous technological innovation and advancement, we believe that the pet healthcare industry will provide more comprehensive, high-quality, and caring health care services for our beloved furry companions, creating even greater possibilities in this trillion-dollar industry.
Compiled by：Luna
2025.8.12
