China Launches First University Degree in Pet Sciences Amid Industry Growth

BEIJING: In a significant development for the burgeoning pet care industry, China has introduced its inaugural university degree focusing on companion animals. The unique program, launched by China Agricultural University (CAU) in Beijing, aims to address the increasing demand for skilled professionals in the pet sector, which has seen remarkable growth in recent years. The four-year undergraduate program will officially commence in September 2025, enrolling an initial cohort of 50 students.

The curriculum is specifically designed to cater to the needs of the pet industry, diverging from traditional animal science programs that primarily focus on livestock. According to Liu Guoshi, Vice Dean of CAU’s College of Animal Science, the program will encompass a wide range of topics, including pet nutrition, behavior, breeding, and welfare. "Companion animals are pets that can live with humans, communicate intimately and emotionally with them, and bring joy to their lives," Liu stated in an interview with state broadcaster CCTV.

Students will spend their first year at CAU’s main campus in Beijing before moving to a research institute in Yantai, Shandong province, for the subsequent three years. Upon completion of the program, graduates will receive a Bachelor of Agricultural Science degree.

This educational initiative comes at a time when the pet industry in China is experiencing unprecedented growth. A recent report from Petdata, released in 2024, reveals that the urban market for pet dogs and cats has surged by 7.5%, reaching an impressive 300.2 billion yuan (approximately $41.7 billion). As more affluent young consumers are willing to invest in their pets, there is an increasing trend of pet owners seeking to travel domestically and internationally with their animals, despite facing challenges in securing pet-friendly accommodations and transport.

However, the rapid growth of the pet industry has also exposed a pressing issue: a significant shortage of trained professionals. According to data reported by the Xinhua News Agency, there are approximately 500,000 pet-related businesses in China, which encompass a wide array of sectors such as pet food, grooming, and insurance. Despite this vast industry, the sector is grappling with an acute labor shortage, particularly in veterinary care. The country’s 30,000-plus pet hospitals are serviced by merely 40,000 certified veterinarians, averaging just one veterinarian per clinic.

Yan Jinsheng, Vice Chairman of the China Pet Industry Association, emphasized that the lack of skilled professionals is a major constraint hindering the healthy development of the industry. Liu also noted the urgent need for animal science experts specifically trained in companion animal care, highlighting the demand for professionals in academic institutions, veterinary clinics, regulatory bodies, and industry associations.

As the pet industry emerges as a new growth vector for animal husbandry in China, the introduction of this specialized degree may serve as a crucial step in bridging the skills gap within the sector. The increasing value placed on pets as part of family life is indicative of broader social changes, with many young Chinese now prioritizing pets over traditional family structures. This shift reflects evolving societal values and the growing recognition of the emotional and social roles that pets play in modern life.

Looking ahead, this pioneering program at CAU could not only enhance the quality of care for pets in China but also potentially influence similar initiatives globally, as countries recognize the need for specialization in pet care education. The intersection of education, industry growth, and changing social dynamics positions this degree as a timely and necessary development in the animal sciences.