In Japan and South Korea, the pet ownership rate has reached nearly 30%, while in China, it is steadily rising, indicating significant potential for the development and investment in pet-friendly travel.
Observing the evolution across the three East Asian countries, South Korea is currently leading the way. Even before the pandemic, Korean Air and Asiana Airlines allowed pets—defined as dogs, cats, and birds other than service animals like guide dogs—to travel in the cabin on both domestic and international flights, rather than being restricted to cargo transport. In 2023, T'way Air set a record with 33,000 pet transports, four times the pandemic level.
Compared to South Korea, Japan has established a more comprehensive legal framework for pet ownership and animal welfare protection. However, it has been relatively conservative in developing pet-friendly tourism and dining businesses. This year, Japan's JR Central line conducted a short-term trial for a "pet-friendly Shinkansen" (ペットと乗れる新幹線), allowing dogs to leave their cages and roam freely within designated carriages alongside their owners. However, when train attendants entered the carriage, the dogs had to be leashed.
In China, the recent launch of pet transport pilot services on certain high-speed trains along the Beijing-Shanghai route is a positive sign. Indeed, in first-tier cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen, some accommodations, dining establishments, and transportation services have begun allowing pets.
However, the overall environment remains underdeveloped: hotel policies are inconsistent, transportation restrictions are numerous, and pet owners have yet to form travel habits. Nonetheless, this suggests that China is entering the "travel-driven awakening phase" of pet tourism, similar to the early stage of development seen in South Korea.
