A New Business Involving Animals: Dogs Are Available for Rent in China

26 June 10:42

An unusual service—hourly dog rentals—is gaining popularity in China’s major cities. People who cannot or do not want to keep a pet permanently now have the opportunity to take someone else’s dog for a walk. This was reported by the South China Morning Post, according to "Komersant Ukrainian".

The service is available through the Wangbu platform, which operates in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, and other major cities. Owners create profiles for their pets themselves, set the price, and determine the terms of the meeting.

The cost of spending an hour with a dog ranges from 10 to 60 yuan—approximately $1.50 to $9.

How Dog Rental Works in China

The Wangbu platform essentially functions as an online directory of pets available for short walks.

The owner posts the following on the profile:

photos of the dog;
information about the breed;
the animal’s age and temperament;
behavioral guidelines;
availability;
hourly rate;
requirements for the renter.

After selecting a dog, the user arranges with the owner the meeting place, the time of the walk, and when the animal will be returned.

In some cases, users are allowed to pick up the dog on their own. Other owners agree to the walk only if they are present.

How much does it cost to rent a dog?

Prices depend on the breed, the dog’s temperament, the duration of the walk, and the owner’s rules.

Typically, the hourly rate is:

from 10 yuan—about $1.50;
up to 60 yuan—about 9 dollars.

For example, a West Highland White Terrier named Ivan in Shenzhen is available for 45 yuan per hour. He can only be walked in the presence of his owner.

The owner also forbids feeding the dog anything other than the food he provides himself.

Another dog—a Corgi named Baiwan—is available for 60 yuan per hour. He can be walked without his owner and even transported by car.

Why the service has become popular

The service is primarily aimed at residents of large cities who love animals but cannot have a dog of their own.

Reasons may include:

a small apartment;
a busy work schedule;
frequent business trips;
the high cost of pet care;
a ban on pets in rental housing;
reluctance to take on a long-term commitment.

Hourly rentals allow you to spend time with a dog without the costs of food, medical care, vaccinations, grooming, and ongoing care.

Some users also claim that walking with pets helps them reduce stress and anxiety.

What rules do pet owners set?

Strict restrictions may be listed in the pets’ profiles.

In particular, renters may be prohibited from:

feeding the dog any food other than what’s provided;
let the dog off the leash;
visiting unfamiliar places;
interacting with other animals;
transporting the dog without permission;
leave the dog unattended;
change the agreed-upon route.

Some owners accompany their dog throughout the entire walk.

This format is more like a paid interaction with a dog than a full-fledged handover of the animal to a stranger.

How the platform promises to protect animals

Wangbu representatives state that safety is the service’s top priority.

Among the stated measures are:

user registration with accurate information;
insurance;
tracking the dog’s geolocation;
route approval;
the option for the owner to accompany the dog;
mandatory contact with the owner in case of unusual behavior by the animal.

The platform claims that people who pay for the service and undergo verification are interested in interacting with the animal safely.

“Owners who list their dogs on our platform do not want to put their beloved pets or anyone else at risk. Safety is our top priority,” they noted.

However, critics believe these measures are insufficient.

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Veterinarians Warn of Stress

Animal welfare experts are concerned that dogs are forced to interact with strangers on a regular basis.

Frequent changes in people, routes, smells, and daily routines can lead to:

anxiety;
confusion;
excessive barking;
attempts to hide;
aggressive behavior;
reluctance to go for a walk;
destructive behavior at home.

Timid, elderly, or under-socialized dogs may find it particularly difficult to adapt.

Even a friendly dog doesn’t always react the same way to different people.

This format isn’t suitable for all dogs

Active and well-socialized dogs that are comfortable around strangers may adapt better to hourly walks.

This service may not be suitable for animals that:

are afraid of people;
have health issues;
are not used to city noise;
react aggressively toward other dogs;
are prone to running away;
suffer from separation anxiety;
require constant supervision by their owner.

The decision to participate in the service should be made by the owner, taking into account the dog’s temperament and condition, not just the potential earnings.

Who is liable in the event of an incident

This unusual model has also raised questions regarding legal liability.

During a walk, the dog may:

run away;
get injured;
eat a dangerous object;
damage someone else’s property;
bite a person;
get into a fight with another animal.

In such a situation, a dispute may arise over who should compensate for the damages—the owner, the renter, or the platform itself.

Critics point out that under Chinese law, pets are generally treated as property. Because of this, it can be difficult to protect their interests in cases of cruelty or mistreatment.

Attempts have already been made in China to rent out animals

This is not the first such experiment in China.

In 2021, a pet store in Chengdu offered cats for rent at 9.9 yuan per day.

The idea sparked a wave of criticism from animal lovers. People feared that the cats would frequently be handed over to strangers and kept in unsuitable conditions.

Following public outcry, the service was shut down.