Paws at Work: Chinese Pet Owners Send Dogs and Cats to Cafes for Fun and Treats

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“Pet Cafes in China: Owner Sends Dog to Save on Air Conditioning Costs”

Highlights

Pet Cafes in China: A Growing Trend Where Pets Earn Treats and Socialize

Pet cafes have become a beloved haven for animal lovers, providing a cozy and welcoming environment where visitors can enjoy quality time with furry companions. This unique trend is rapidly gaining popularity in China, where pet owners have found a novel way to make their pets more social while also giving them a “job” at these cafes.

The latest sensation, dubbed “Zhengmaotiaoqian” (translated as “earn snack money”), involves pet owners sending their dogs and cats to work at pet cafes, where they can mingle with customers, receive attention, and earn treats as rewards. This new trend offers pets a chance to socialize and enjoy the fun environment while their owners can save time or even offset costs. For instance, some pet owners claim that sending their pets to the cafe allows them to reduce air conditioning costs, as their furry friends can be kept cool in a pet-friendly cafe setting.

The concept has been embraced by pet cafe owners who are eager to tap into this emerging market. These cafes charge an entrance fee ranging between 30-60 yuan (Rs 540- Rs 1,080) per person, which includes the opportunity to spend time with the pets and enjoy refreshments. Customers can also simply opt for a drink without engaging with the animals. Additionally, pet cafes are offering a range of snacks and drinks for the pets themselves, further attracting customers who are eager to pamper their beloved animals.

The trend has spread across China, with social media platforms like Xiaohongshu buzzing with recruitment ads for pet “employees.” Pet owners are now posting CVs and applications for their pets, seeking positions in the bustling cafes. Many pet owners view this as a fun way to integrate their pets into social experiences, while the cafes gain from the growing demand for animal interaction and the business model of charging for pet-related services.

As the popularity of pet cafes continues to rise, this trend is expected to grow even further, with more pet owners seeing it as a unique opportunity to combine their love for animals with a fun and rewarding experience for both themselves and their pets. Whether it’s for the joy of socializing with furry friends or the perks of earning treats, “Zhengmaotiaoqian” is here to stay in China’s pet-loving community.

Pet Owner Sends Samoyed to Café to Beat the Heat and Save Costs

Pet owner Jane Xue from Fuzhou has found a creative way to manage her 2-year-old Samoyed, OK, during the scorching summer months. Instead of keeping OK at home where the summer heat makes air conditioning costs soar, Xue sends her dog to a local dog cafe. According to Xue, the cafe offers OK the chance to play with other dogs and stay socially engaged, which helps her dog avoid feeling lonely.

“The cafe environment is great for her. She gets to play with other dogs and won’t feel so lonely,” Ms Xue told CNN. Additionally, sending OK to the cafe is a practical solution to save on air conditioning costs, making it a win-win for both the pet and the owner. This trend highlights how pet owners are using pet cafes not just for fun but also as a cost-effective way to care for their pets while managing household expenses.

Samoyed Becomes Star Employee at Fuzhou Dog Café

Jane Xue’s 2-year-old Samoyed, OK, has found more than just a place to cool off during Fuzhou’s hot summers—she’s become the star attraction at a local dog café. The cafe owner carefully evaluated OK for about an hour, observing how she interacted with customers and her compatibility with the other four dogs already working there. After a successful assessment, OK was offered the “job.”

“My OK is the star of the cafe!” Xue proudly shared with CNN. This special role allows OK to play with other dogs and engage with customers, all while earning treats and staying cool in a pet-friendly environment. Jane Xue’s innovative approach not only helps her dog avoid loneliness but also provides her with a creative solution to manage the summer heat and air conditioning costs.

The “Earn Snack Money” Trend: China’s Pets Seek Jobs in Growing Cafe Industry

As China’s pet population continues to grow, more and more pet owners are turning to cafes to keep their animals active and engaged, joining the “earn snack money” trend. While some pets, like Jane Xue’s Samoyed OK, thrive in the pet café environment, not all animals find success. Take Xin Xin’s 2-year-old tuxedo cat, Zhang Bu’er, for instance. Ms Xin has taken a unique approach by posting her cat’s CV on Xiaohongshu, claiming Zhang Bu’er is “clingy and good at purring”—a skill set she believes could land her pet a role at a café.

However, unlike Jane, who was contacted by the café owner, Ms Xin humorously notes, “I thought owners would reach out to me – now it looks like I need to take the initiative and send the resume out.”

The rise of this trend is closely linked to the boom in China’s pet café industry. Since the opening of the country’s first cat café in 2011, the sector has seen rapid growth, with CBNData reporting an impressive 200 percent annual increase. As more pet owners embrace the concept of pets working for treats and socializing, the “earn snack money” trend is becoming an iconic reflection of the changing dynamics in China’s pet culture.

Courtesy: Firstpost

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