Shanghai's pet-friendly policies put back on leash
Regulation changes force rethink on obligations of animal lovers, venues
Cradling her 2-year-old white poodle in her arms, Shao Yunyun was recently denied entry to the indoor area of a cafe near Suzhou Creek in downtown Shanghai, an establishment which she and her dog had previously frequented.
Opened in 2023 and previously known for its pet-friendly environment across its entire premises, the cafe now only allows pets in its outdoor seating area.
Cafe staff explained to Shao that if police find customers with dogs indoors, whether on a leash, in a stroller, or being held, both the pet owner and the store will face fines.
Shanghai, a magnet for young talent, has seen a rise in pet ownership among its youth in recent years. The tightening of pet-friendly policies in the city has become a hot topic among pet owners.
Previously pet-friendly malls like HKRI Taikoo Hui in Jing'an district and Grand Gateway 66 in Xuhui district, which were popular among pet owners, recently removed their pet-friendly signs, prohibiting all animals except guide dogs. The malls cited the need to ensure a pleasant shopping experience and maintain public order as reasons for the change.
It is widely believed that the changes were brought about by the implementation of the operational standard of pet-friendly malls, set by the China Commerce Association for General Merchandise, that started in February.
The document emphasizes that malls should manage their premises and provide necessary facilities, while pet owners must prioritize safety and health, practice responsible pet ownership, and maintain effective control over their pets.
Pets are only allowed in outdoor plazas, open-air streets, designated pet areas, and non-food shops, according to the standard. Malls are required to provide facilities, including pet restrooms, cleaning stations, and equipment rentals, such as strollers, backpacks, leashes, and muzzles. However, many malls failing to meet such requirements have opted to retract their pet-friendly policies, which some pet lovers view as a step backward.
According to official announcements from local governments and local media reports, the regulations have been implemented in multiple cities across the country. However, local regulations regarding pet dogs have influenced the degree of enforcement of the new rules.
For instance, in cities with strict regulations such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Wuhan in Hubei province, local laws clearly prohibit dogs indoors, allowing them only in outdoor or designated areas, with pet-friendly facilities concentrated outdoors.
In cities with more lenient regulations like Shenzhen and Guangzhou in Guangdong province and Chengdu in Sichuan province, there is no local law prohibiting pet dogs from entering shopping malls, so these cities align with the new standards set by the association.
Despite the stricter measures, pet owners like Shao and some social observers argue that clear rules are essential for true pet-friendly establishments. Transparent regulations help shift human-pet coexistence in big cities from vague, "fake friendliness" to a more structured, balanced, and sustainable approach, they argue.
Zha Zhenliang, secretary-general of the Shanghai Yicai Flying Foundation, which focuses on issues including promoting responsible pet ownership, said that being pet-friendly does not mean allowing pets to enter all public areas without limitations or requiring individuals who are fearful of or allergic to animals to completely compromise.
"Balancing the need for order and hygiene in public spaces with the growing demand for pet-friendly outings challenges both urban management and the responsibility of all pet owners," he said.






















