As more and more Chinese look for some furry companionship, a booming pet economy has taken shape and spawned plenty of business opportunities.

Many new pet-related professions are mushrooming across the country, including pet trainers, pet photographers, pet health care providers, and pet product designers.
Pet trainer Qiao Manao started her career in Shanghai riding this wave of pet boom.
"Pet training generally involved dog training and cat training. Behavioral training for cats is actually a way to judge their mood through some of their expressions or behaviors. Nowadays, more and more people are fond of cats and dogs. Therefore, the pet industry is becoming increasingly diverse. It also provides young people with more career choices," said Qiao.
Qiao said pet trainers are required to be more sensitive and professional to help train the pets to develop better habits. Meanwhile, with their help, pet owners could also learn how to better communicate with their pets according to the reasons behind their pets' behaviors.
Pet photographer Wu Zhiqian is another pet boom wave rider in Shanghai.
Wu said that he knows many pet photographers like him, who entered the industry because they have pets and love photography as well.
"There are more people raising cats and dogs in Shanghai [than anywhere else], so the industry is actually developing very well. Besides, more young people are here in the industry, an emerging sector that has great potential," said Wu.