A woman and her dog raft at a scenic area in Huzhou, Zhejiang province. [Photo/Tide News]

Huzhou in Zhejiang province is expanding pet-friendly practices across tourism, residential communities, industrial development, and urban management.

The city's agriculture and rural affairs bureau and six other departments recently issued an implementation plan for developing the pet economy from 2026 to 2028, aiming to build a full-chain pet industry hub in North Zhejiang.

The shift can already be seen at tourist sites. At Anji Panda Tribe Adventure Park, dogs can join their owners on a 1.2-kilometer transparent glass rafting route.

Anji county has introduced its first batch of 24 "pet-friendly demonstration sites" covering scenic areas, homestays, and rural cafes. In Deqing county's Mogan Mountain scenic area, more than half of homestays have adopted pet-friendly policies.

Pet-friendly measures are also extending to communities and public services. A residential project in Huzhou has incorporated pet facilities into its design, including pet activity areas and shared spaces.

The city has emphasized that pet-friendly policies should come with clear rules. Many venues allow pets as long as they are kept on a leash and their owners clean up after them. The city has promoted standardized pet management through one-stop services for dog vaccination, microchipping, registration, and licensing.

Huzhou is also developing pet-related industries. From pet food and supplies to apparel and services, companies across Huzhou are expanding into the sector, helping form a pet economy covering food, accommodation, travel, shopping, entertainment, and care.