Pet transport services have also improved. Since Jan 28, China"s railway department has expanded its high-speed rail pet transport trial to include 67 additional stations, such as Taiyuan, Harbin in Heilongjiang province, and Shenyang in Liaoning province. It totals 110 stations nationwide, with 170 routes offering pet transport services.

　　Teng Zhewen (left) and his colleague take care of a dog at Kangda Pet Hospital"s Jinzhong branch in Shanxi on April 1. ZHU XINGXIN/CHINA DAILY

　　In the provincial capital of Shanxi, the "pet economy" is transcending traditional retail. Driven by a younger generation that views animals as family members, the market in Taiyuan is pivoting toward a professionalized ecosystem that includes high-speed rail transport, standardized in-home care, and advanced geriatric veterinary medicine.

　　Chen Hong, a 40-year-old pet sitter, has become a key figure in this burgeoning industry. On a recent job, she donned disposable shoe covers and gloves and sprayed disinfectant before entering a client"s home. Immediately, two cats approached and began affectionately rubbing against her legs.

　　"More and more people consider their pets as family members and emotional anchors. As a result, pet owners are increasingly demanding higher quality services," Chen said, as she gently played with the cats.

　　With eight years" experience with her own cat, Chen made the transition to full-time pet sitter last winter. Her services primarily cater to owners who are traveling or on business trips, providing in-home feeding, cleaning and play time.