To invigorate pet-related markets, some Chinese cities have launched animal-friendly public transportation services — but their economic viability remains unclear.
In a bid to boost pet consumption and revitalize public transportation, numerous Chinese cities have this year launched pet-friendly bus routes.
In May, several eastern cities — including Shanghai, Hefei in Anhui province, and Wuxi in Jiangsu province — launched dedicated pet-friendly bus routes, allowing citizens easier travel with their companion animals.
Shanghai’s custom pet bus service has already provided rides to over 120 passengers since its launch, according to Liao Weihua, a representative from the transportation company that operates the service.
“The idea behind the pet-specific route was to support the creation of pet-friendly cities, stimulate the pet economy, and meet the mobility needs of pet owners. It’s also part of our company’s broader transition strategy,” Liao told domestic media.
An exterior view of a pet bus operating in Shanghai. From The Paper
The Shanghai bus route stops at several pet-friendly commercial hubs, taking around 100 minutes from start to finish. Tickets are priced at 20 yuan ($2.80) per person and a pet, and the service currently operates only on weekends.
To ride, passengers must book tickets online in advance. Only pets with a shoulder height under 40 centimeters and with valid documentation, such as dog licenses or cat vaccination certificates, are allowed to ride. Animals must remain on a leash at all times.
Safety staff are present on board to check documentation and monitor the animals’ well-being. In some cities, buses are also staffed with veterinarians and dog trainers.
Currently, the Shanghai route can accommodate 16 owners and their pets, with pet cushions and complimentary treats also provided.
In China, taking pets on public transport remains difficult, forcing many to rely on taxis, where it’s not uncommon for such clients to be rejected. Now, with dedicated pet buses making stops at popular parks and pet-friendly shopping centers, travel has become more convenient for some owners.
A dog on the pet bus in Shanghai. From the Paper
On social media, videos documenting the pet bus experience have garnered tens of thousands of likes, with many users praising the initiative.
According to a 2025 report from Petdata, China’s urban cat and dog population surpassed 120 million in 2024, up 2.1% year on year, while the pet-related consumer market reached 300.2 billion yuan — a 7.5% increase.
The rollout of pet buses reflects a growing recognition of pet ownership as a key driver of consumer spending — and potentially, a way to revitalize struggling public transport services.
In 2022, passenger volume on urban public transport declined nationwide by 48.9% compared with 2019, according to Cheng Shidong, director of the Urban Transport Research Center of the National Development and Reform Commission. And since 2021, more than 18 cities have reported incidents of public bus service suspensions and wage arrears, according to domestic media.
Other cities that have experimented with policies to support pet mobility include the southern megacity of Shenzhen, which piloted its own pet bus line in April last year. And as of spring, pets have for the first time been officially allowed aboard China’s high-speed railway under new guidelines.
However, limitations remain. In Shanghai, for example, only two pet buses depart per day on weekends, spaced four hours apart. Traffic uncertainties and the lengthy route also mean potentially long waits and limited flexibility for some users.
Hefei’s pet bus line, which has been open for a month, already faces an uncertain future due to low ridership. Some passengers told domestic media that their tickets were canceled because fewer than 10 people had booked seats.
Editor: Tom Arnstein.
(Header image: An exterior view of a pet bus operating in Shanghai. From The Paper)