With an increasing number of pets taking to the skies, Shenzhen airport has opened a special lounge to ensure their comfort and safety.
The 210-square-meter lounge is equipped with a comprehensive system that can provide 24-hour monitoring of temperature, humidity, PM2.5, PM10 and ammonia, and provide early warnings if the situation demands.
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Each pet is provided with a separate space, and services like security check and boarding, regular inspections, feeding and free foster care due to flight delay are on offer.
The Chinese pet economy hit 592.8 billion yuan ($82 billion) last year, increasing 20.1 percent year-on-year, data from market intelligence firm iiMedia Research showed. The market is expected to expand further to 811.4 billion yuan by 2025
The opening of the lounge marks the first of its kind in the country.
“Pets are often treated as ‘live cargo’ in air transport, but ‘fur babies have already become a member of many families,” Zhou Jie, general manager of Shenzhen Airport Domestic Cargo Terminal Co Ltd said.
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“The establishment of the pet lounge has changed the mode of mixed transport of pets and air cargo in the past. Based on the digital platform and Internet of Things technology, remote medical diagnosis system and epidemic prevention measures have been introduced to provide pets with foster care, nursing and other services to ensure the safety and comfort of pets.”
Meanwhile, a pet entertainment space has been set up to relieve any pre-travel anxiety.
The launch of the pet service comes at a time when China’s pet market is growing fast.
The Chinese pet economy hit 592.8 billion yuan ($82 billion) last year, increasing 20.1 percent year-on-year, data from market intelligence firm iiMedia Research showed. The market is expected to expand further to 811.4 billion yuan by 2025.
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In Shenzhen, the number of pet dogs and cats has reached over 500,000, with the Millennial Generation and Generation Z being the main group of pet owners, according to Shenzhen-based think tank China Development Institute.
As the pet economy continues to grow, Shenzhen has unveiled a series of measures to build itself into a pet-friendly city. Last month, the southern metropolis opened a special bus route, enabling pets to take the bus with their owners.
More than 50 shopping malls and over 1,000 restaurants in Shenzhen have welcomed pets, while more than 10 parks tailored for pets have been opened so far.
“I have to highly praise the pet-friendly move by the Shenzhen airport. The pet lounge makes me feel assured of my pet traveling,” said a woman surnamed Liu, who was among the first group of people to use the new service.
“Through the services, I feel that Shenzhen is a city filled with humanistic care.”
