Lack of standards in the pet industry: the market's abundant resources cannot withstand "barbaric development"

With the joint efforts of the demand and supply sides of the pet industry, the scale of the pet industry has grown rapidly, and it is expected that the market size will reach 800 billion yuan by 2025. At present, there is a significant gap in the standards for pet feed in China, which seriously lags behind the development needs of the industry, especially the standards for pet food additives. Out of over 400 additives, only over 100 standards have been formulated, "said Su Shenglan, Deputy Director of the Quality Standards Department of the National Animal Husbandry Station. (February 27th, Farmers' Daily)

Like bamboo shoots sprouting after rain, commercial stores related to pets have emerged in many cities, reflecting the strong demand for pets among the people. Just like 'filling one's stomach', meeting spiritual and emotional needs has also become a necessity. The booming "other economy" is ultimately a response and strategy of people to the current economic, cultural, and social changes.

In an era of constant change, the weakening of social relationships and the dilution and privacy of emotional life have led to a stronger demand for substitutes for emotional support. Famous sociologist Xia Xueluan believes that nowadays we are in a period of transformation, during which people begin to empathize with their personal interests and personal lives; The thriving pet industry is rooted in meeting market demand.

The gradual enrichment of material life has led to a new understanding and discovery of spiritual and cultural life, which is becoming a new social trend. Whether it's the "empty nest elderly" with their children away, the "empty nest youth" living alone in the city, or the children who lack playmates, their spiritual and emotional needs need need to find an outlet; Pets, as a substitute, can provide spiritual comfort and emotional support.

With the process of marketization and commercialization, the "other economy" has formed a complete chain of interests; Various types of pets not only require a lot of time and effort, but also require a certain amount of economic investment. However, enthusiasts find this very worthwhile. Why? Different people have different "web of meaning" and different spiritual worlds; Some people disdain things, while others prioritize them in their value ranking.

The social changes from acquaintance society to stranger society have gradually relaxed some traditional social connections. In order to step out of the "spiritual desert", some people use pets as a means of "self redemption"; Pets add joy and companionship, making their spiritual world more colorful. Research has shown that the proportion of households raising pets will further increase with the increase of per capita GDP. According to the 2021 China Pet White Paper, the number of dogs and cats raised in urban areas in China has exceeded 100 million in 2021, with a pet ownership rate of 17%, while the level in developed countries is approximately over 40%. This not only means that "its economy" is a market rich mine, but also means that it is urgent to create a "pet civilization" that matches social development.

Although the prospect of the pet industry is attractive, it cannot be allowed to grow wild; its economy should be included in the standardized track, and cannot become a blank area for governance and a marginal area for market regulation. Keeping up with the times and making up for shortcomings such as lagging standards not only helps the "organic growth" of the pet industry, but also allows consumers to enjoy higher quality services. In addition, building a civilized awareness that matches social development, making treating animals well a social consensus, and building an "animal friendly society"; Only by taking multiple measures can people get along better with pets.