Chen"s career path is a reflection of the rise of new pet service professions in Shanxi and across China. She navigates through various communities in Taiyuan daily, handling five to six appointments on average, with demand surging to over a dozen during peak holiday seasons.

　　According to the 2026 China Pet Industry White Paper, there are nearly 126 million dogs and cats in urban China, with a market size reaching 312.6 billion yuan ($45.5 billion). The report forecasts that by 2028, the pet industry"s consumption scale will expand to 405 billion yuan.

　　Unlike traditional boarding, in-home pet sitting aligns better with the natural habits of animals and is favored by many owners. Zhang Zining, a 28-year-old resident of Taiyuan, owns an Abyssinian cat. Whenever she plans to travel for more than two days, she books in-home pet sitting services.