China
China Index Details
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Estimated homeless cats and dogs
75 million
Estimated street or stray cats
52 million
Estimated street or stray dogs
20 million
Estimated cats and dogs in shelters
3 million
4.8
Index Score
Score Scale:
Number of cats and dogs on the street or in shelters
0
10
0=High
10=Low to nil
4.3
All Pets Wanted:
Stray Populations & Responsible Breeding
4.7
All Pets Cared For:
Pet Adoption & Access To Care
5.5
All Pets Welcome:
Pet Ownership Barriers & Policies
Data Highlights
China’s Index data shows a higher rabies vaccination rate, with 96% of pet owners and caregivers reporting they have vaccinated their pet for rabies (compared the global average of 85%). This is helping drive the ‘All Pets Wanted’ score in China up.
China data shows 70% of the population believe that stray dogs are a danger – which is higher than the global average of 45%. These public perceptions and perceived concerns around stray dog populations are bringing the ‘All Pets Wanted’ score in China down.
The Index data for China shows a higher-than-average interest in owning or fostering a cat - 48% of people in China would consider owning a cat compared to only 43% globally. This is helping to drive its ‘All Pets Cared For’ score up.
Index data for China shows current stigmas exist around adopting a pet from a shelter or rescue center – 42% of people in China say they would not be able to find their preferred pet in a shelter (compared to only 23% globally), while 57% think stray dogs are aggressive (versus 34% globally) and 50% think the same about stray cats (versus only 27% globally). These perceptions are currently bringing the country’s ‘All Pets Cared For’ score down.
China’s Index data shows a high desire for and consideration of local pet amenities, such as veterinarians, groomers and parks which drives the country’s ‘All Pets Welcome’ score up.
China’s Index data shows less strong animal welfare legislation and policy. It also reveals a lack of space and housing limitations are current barriers to pet ownership in China – 55% of respondents said it’s difficult to find a rental home that allows you to own a dog, and 53% said the same for owning a cat. These factors are contributing to bringing down the country’s ‘All Pets Welcome’ score.