New China dog rental trend draws warnings of animal stress from frequent handler changes

A dog-rental platform has sparked both curiosity and concern as China’s urban pet economy takes an unexpected turn.Launched on social media in March, the mini-programme known as “Wangbu,” which loosely translates to “dog walk,” enables residents in first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen to rent dogs by the hour for walks.After owners create profiles for their pets, renters coordinate pickup and return details directly with them. Fees typically range from 10 to 60 yuan (US$1.5 to US$9) per hour, depending on the dog’s breed and rental duration.One listing features Even, a White West Highland Terrier based in Shenzhen, available for 45 yuan an hour. His profile depicts him as active and affectionate. Renters may walk him only in the presence of his owner and are prohibited from feeding him anything not supplied by the owner.A new pet trend in China’s major cities allows people to rent dogs by the hour through an innovative online programme. Fees typically range from 10 to 60 yuan (US$1.5 to US$9) per hour, depending on the dog’s breed and the duration of the rental. Photo: HandoutAnother dog, a Corgi named Baiwan, is offered for 60 yuan an hour. Described as playful and appreciative of praise, he can be walked alone and taken out by car, according to his owner.Wangbu claims to have implemented safeguards such as insurance, real-time location tracking for dogs, and real-name verification for renters.Walks are generally restricted to familiar areas for the dogs, and renters must contact owners immediately if a dog shows signs of illness.A staff member informed the mainland media outlet Vista Hydrogen Business that users willing to pay for dog-walking services and provide identification tend to be genuine dog lovers who are unlikely to harm the pets.Although the platform has yet to establish specific regulations regarding renter safety, the staff member stated that most dogs listed enjoy socialising with strangers.“Owners who list their dogs on our platform are not willing to put their beloved pets, or anyone else, at risk. Safety is our top priority,” they remarked.Some users have embraced the service as a fleeting experience of pet ownership.Some users have embraced the service as a fleeting taste of pet ownership, finding relief from societal pressures and daily anxiety by spending time with dogs. Photo: HandoutA Shanghai renter named Salmon rented a dog called Jinjin and spent an hour shopping with it. She shared that she had long desired a dog but could not keep one.Further ReadingAnother user noted that walking a dog provided relief from academic pressure and anxiety.Many pet owners have also expressed confidence in the platform.Jiajia, who owns a Mame Shiba named Juju, listed her dog out of curiosity and because Juju enjoys meeting people. Since Jiajia accompanies renters during each walk, she informed mainland media that she has no concerns about safety.However, critics have raised issues regarding animal welfare and legal ramifications.Chen Shi, a vet from Wuhan, told the SCMP that frequent changes in handlers, environments, and routines could impose unnecessary emotional stress on dogs.He also cautioned that China’s legal system still treats dogs and cats as property, complicating redress in instances of abuse.In the context of pet ownership, having a dog can significantly help children develop essential character traits such as responsibility, empathy, and emotional resilience, as shown by a boy, above, patting a Shiba Inu in a park. Photo: ShutterstockThis unease is not without precedent. In 2021, a pet shop in Chengdu, southwest China, launched a cat-rental service for 9.9 yuan a day, but it closed following backlash from cat enthusiasts.Amid China’s burgeoning pet economy, which features about 126 million urban dogs and cats and supports a pet market worth around 313 billion yuan (US$46 billion), various unusual and controversial pet-related services have emerged.One netizen commented: “If people just want to experience the joy of having a dog, they should volunteer at an animal shelter.”A Shenzhen-based user, Sherry, remarked to the SCMP: “If my dog enjoys meeting people, I would gladly take it to socialise with other dog lovers. However, charging people to rent out a pet that feels like a child to you is unacceptable.”