A woman in China has gone viral after spending 12,000 yuan (around ₹1.64 lakh) to enrol her pet dog in a specialised “dog kindergarten” - complete with training sessions, social activities, and even a dedicated school bus.
The unusual story highlights the growing trend of premium pet care services, particularly in urban centres.
What’s the story?
The woman, identified as Taotao from Shanghai, enrolled her six-month-old Samoyed in the programme due to her demanding work schedule.
She said she opted for the service because she couldn’t spend enough time with her pet.
According to a report by Mint, the woman was quoted saying “I am usually too busy with work and do not have much time to keep it company."
What does the ₹1.64 lakh package include?
The dog kindergarten offers a comprehensive care and training programme, including:
1. Personality and temperament assessment
2. Behavioural training (such as managing barking or aggression)
3. Social interaction with other dogs
4. Daily pick-up and drop-off via a dedicated school bus
5. Health monitoring and check-ups
6. Real-time online tracking for pet owners
As per reports, food is typically charged separately.
Why are such services becoming popular?
The trend reflects a broader shift in how pets are viewed, especially in cities like Shanghai, where animals are increasingly treated as family members rather than just companions.
China’s urban pet market has been expanding rapidly, crossing 300 billion yuan in recent years, driven by rising incomes and changing lifestyles.
Busy professionals, in particular, are turning to premium services like pet schools, daycare, and training centres to ensure their animals are well cared for
Are we humanising pets?
While the price tag may seem extravagant, the story underlines a growing global trend: the “humanisation” of pets, where owners are willing to invest heavily in their animals’ wellbeing, training, and lifestyle.
As pet ownership continues to rise worldwide, services like dog kindergartens may become less of a novelty and more of a niche industry catering to modern urban life.


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