A growing number of Chinese pet owners are enrolling their dogs in preschools, reflecting a broader trend of premium pet care. The concept, reported by Inside Retail Asia, was inspired by founder Jann Zhang’s difficulty finding help for his six-year-old golden retriever.
Zhang launched Paw, a puppy preschool that offers structured activities and socialization for dogs, tapping into the willingness of affluent pet owners to spend on their animals. The service aims to address a gap in the market for high-quality pet care beyond basic boarding or grooming.
The trend underscores the humanization of pets in China, where spending on pet education, health, and luxury goods continues to rise. As disposable incomes grow, more owners seek services that treat pets like family members, fueling niche businesses like Paw.