Pets Earning 'Snack Money' in Chinese Cafes
A new trend is emerging in China where pet owners are sending their cats and dogs to 'work' in animal cafes. This phenomenon, known as 'Zhengmaotiaoqian' or 'earning snack money,' allows pets to socialize and play while their owners are away.
Jane Xue, a 27-year-old PhD student, recently started sending her 2-year-old Samoyed dog named OK to a dog cafe in Fuzhou. Xue believes this arrangement benefits both her and OK, as the dog gets to interact with other animals and people, preventing loneliness.
Pet cafes have become increasingly popular in China, with customers paying an entrance fee or purchasing drinks to spend time with the animals. This trend reflects the growing pet ownership in the country, with Goldman Sachs predicting that China will have more pets than toddlers by the end of the year.
Some pet owners are even creating resumes for their animals and posting job applications on social media platforms. While the concept may seem unusual, it represents a creative solution for pet care and socialization in urban environments.