An awards ceremony for a pet sports event is held in Chengnan subdistrict, Yuecheng district, Shaoxing, Zhejiang province, on May 5. [Photo/Wang Jun for WeChat account: sxfabu]

Chengnan subdistrict in Yuecheng district, Shaoxing, launched a pet economy promotion and Love Your Pet Day event on May 5, drawing more than 100 pet owners and their pets.

Pet owner Zhang Fengxian said her dog enjoys going out, and the event gave it a chance to play and meet new friends. She said she hopes more pet activities will be held near home in the future.

Nearly 20 stalls offered services including veterinary consultations, grooming, fresh pet food, DIY pet clothing, and pet toys. Exclusive discounts and vouchers also drew pet owners to line up for advice and services.

Pet owner Qi Lin said the market's one-stop services made life easier for local pet owners and their pets, saving them trips between shops and clinics.

The subdistrict also held ceremonies to recognize pet-friendly merchants, launch a pet shop alliance, open a pet-friendly park, and honor a pet-friendly demonstration community. A pet-friendly map was also released.

A Chengnan subdistrict official said the area has recruited 167 pet-friendly merchants and 16 "Pet Club" member units. The 12th day of each month has been designated "Love Your Pet Day", with regular pet-themed markets and community activities planned.

The subdistrict will build on its pet economy base by attracting more upstream and downstream businesses, creating more pet-friendly spaces, and providing more pet-related services.