China launches first 4-year ‘pet’ undergraduate programme
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Higher education institutions in China are responding to growing market demands for pet-related education.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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BEIJING – China Agricultural University (CAU) has introduced China’s first undergraduate programme focused on companion animals to meet the growing talent needs of the pet industry, CCTV News reported.
Offered by the university’s College of Animal Science and Technology, the programme will last four years, with graduates awarded a bachelor’s degree in agricultural science.
It covers courses on variety breeding, nutrition and metabolism, feed processing, reproductive physiology and welfare and behaviour of companion animals. In 2025, the programme will enrol 50 undergraduate students.
“Companion animals, which live with human beings, conduct close communication and emotional exchanges, and bring happiness to people’s lives, are often referred to as pets. This is why this programme is commonly called the ‘pet’ major,” said Professor Liu Guoshi, vice-dean of CAU’s College of Animal Science and Technology.
Prof Liu said the new major aligns with market needs. The pet industry has become a new driving force of animal science, with a huge demand for professionals with expertise in companion animal care.
“In addition, there is a growing demand for pet-related professionals in universities, research institutions, animal clinics and relevant management departments and organisations,” he added.
A staff member at CAU’s College of Animal Science and Technology said the programme’s curriculum focuses on animals such as cats, dogs and horses. Graduates in this major are expected to have access to pet-related companies and equestrian clubs.
Previously, CAU offered similar programmes as the “pet” major, including a master programme of companion animals at its Yantai Institute in Shandong province and a minor course of companion animal science, both of which have been well-received.
Research shows that China’s urban pet (dog and cat) consumption market exceeded 300 billion yuan (S$53.5 billion) in 2024, with an annual compound growth rate of 11.9 per cent over the past decade. Additionally, there are over 500,000 pet-related companies across the country. CHINA DAILY/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
