In China, a service for renting cats and dogs for the weekend is gaining popularity: young people can temporarily walk a pet without owning one. The platform «汪步» in Changsha offers around 50 animals of various breeds, with hourly rates from 10 to 35 yuan, while in Beijing free walks are held with dogs awaiting adoption.
The service allows choosing a pet by age, vaccinations and temperament through an app. Consumers pay by the hour or day, avoiding long-term costs for food, veterinary care and grooming. Calm animals are available right away, while timid puppies are often accompanied by their owner.
In Beijing, the initiative «送你一隻狗» organizes walks with homeless and retired dogs. Participants help the animals adapt to people and a new environment, increasing their chances of adoption. Spots at such events are snapped up quickly.
The trend reflects young Chinese people's desire for contact with animals amid restrictions on renting housing, unstable schedules and budgets. According to a pet market report for 2026, China's urban dog and cat market reached 3126 billion yuan in 2025, with more than 126 million animals in cities.
However, owners fear the risks: inexperienced renters may handle the leash improperly, feed prohibited items or cause stress in sensitive animals. Platforms often absolve themselves of liability for injuries or losses, shifting it onto the participants.
Questions of liability in cases of bites, escapes or damage remain unresolved and depend on local laws and specific contracts. The balance between demand for short-term companionship and animal welfare will determine the future of this service.
