The “Pet Humanisation” Wave in Asia: Why Pets Are the New Family Members

The “Pet Humanisation” Wave in Asia: Why Pets Are the New Family Members

If you’ve walked down the street recently, you might have noticed something interesting: pet strollers are everywhere, dogs are wearing designer outfits, and cat owners are buying organic, gourmet treats.

It’s not just your imagination—it’s a massive economic shift called “Pet Humanisation,” and Asia is currently leading the global surge.

A report by Allianz Global Investors highlights how the pet industry in Asia is exploding as owners treat their furry companions less like domestic animals and more like their own children.

Here is a breakdown of what is happening and why the pet market is booming across Asia.

1. From “Pet Owners” to “Pet Parents”

In Asia, about 60% of people have a pet at home, and over 30% view their cats and dogs as their best friends. In China, the bond is even stronger: 55% of pet owners consider their pets as their children.

Why is this happening?

Changing Lifestyles: Declining birth rates and urbanization mean more young professionals and empty-nesters are adopting pets for companionship.
Testing Parenthood: For Millennials and Gen Z, caring for a pet is often a stepping stone before (or alternative to) having kids.
A Symbol of Lifestyle: In South Korea, a remarkable milestone was reached recently when sales of pet strollers surpassed baby strollers for the first time.

2. The Rise of “Premiumisation”

Because people treat their pets like human family members, they want higher-quality products for them. The days of simple dry kibble are passing; pet care is moving toward “Premiumisation.”

Pet parents are actively seeking:

Human-Grade Food: Organic, locally sourced ingredients, special desserts, and protein supplements.
Wellness & Healthcare: Veterinary care, pet insurance, specialized nutraceuticals, and even pet funerals are becoming mainstream.
Lifestyle Gear & Toys: High-end accessories, ergonomic gear, and smart toys designed for physical play, mental stimulation, and comfort.

While demand for premium pet products in the US grew by 27%, demand in China is projected to jump by 38%.

3. Gen Z and Millennials Are Driving the Boom

Younger generations are the primary drivers of this trend. In China, over 50% of pet owners are Millennials or Gen Z. They are well-educated, have higher disposable income, and prioritize their pets’ happiness and wellbeing.

Social media plays a huge role here too—”pet influencers” with millions of followers inspire owners to pamper their pets with top-tier products.

Blog - Gen Z and Millennials Are Driving the Boom

4. An Industry Resilient to Economic Shifts

The Asian pet care market is projected to surpass $132 billion by 2027.

Financial analysts note that the pet industry is surprisingly resilient. Even during tough economic times, owners are hesitant to cut back on their pets’ food, health, or happiness.

Blog - An Industry Resilient to Economic Shifts

What This Means for the Future

The shift toward pet humanisation isn’t just a temporary trend—it represents a permanent cultural change in how we view animals in our homes. As demand grows for safer, higher-quality, and more thoughtfully designed products, the industry will continue to innovate and expand across Asia.

Looking for high-quality pet toys to keep your furry family members engaged and entertained? Explore our latest collection on our Pet Play Product Highlights page.

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