My Experience as a Pet Owner in China
A story of love, change, and one very smart doggie named Pangpang (aka Daemon, but he doesn't like this English name too much...)
Hi! Jane here — I’m one of PawliBar’s bartenders, and Pangpang is my doggie.
Today, I want to share a bit about my experience being a pet owner in China.
🐶 First, a little bit about Pangpang
Pangpang is now 14 years old — a Chinese mix-breed dog. His name means chubby in English, and you'll see why.
When he was little, he LOVED to eat.
My grandparents adored him and spoiled him with meat. At one point, he got so chubby his belly almost touched the ground when he walked. We used to joke that he was a four-legged vacuum cleaner. He was mischievous, but incredibly lovable.
🏘️ Neighborhood Life: Sweet Moments & Tricky Times
We live in a gated apartment community, and Pangpang has grown up watching the little saplings outside turn into tall sycamore trees.
But to be honest, people here aren’t always friendly toward dogs.
We’ve had people randomly kick Pangpang just for being in the same elevator.
Sometimes, curious kids come over to pet him — only to be scolded by their parents: “Don’t touch it, dogs bite.”
But of course, some people do love Pangpang. Over time, our neighbors started referring to us as “Pangpang’s mom” or “Pangpang’s grandpa.” That always makes me smile — as if he gave our whole family a new identity.
That said, there are still rough moments.
Just the other day, Pangpang couldn’t hold it in and peed in the hallway. We cleaned it up right away, but someone still took a photo and reported us to the property manager.
At this point though, we’re kind of used to it.
🏙️ A Not-So-Pet-Friendly City
Honestly, most Chinese cities aren’t very welcoming to pets.
You can’t bring dogs into malls, restaurants, public transport, or even most parks.
Pangpang loves going out. He even eavesdrops when my mom calls her friends to make plans. The moment he hears the words “go out,” he runs to the door wagging his tail like, “I’m coming too!”
But more often than not, we have to say, “Sorry, Pangpang, you can’t come. They don’t allow dogs.” And the look he gives us? It breaks your heart a little.
🧩 A Close-Knit Community
One beautiful thing though — pet owners recognize each other.
Even though the environment in China still isn’t super dog-friendly, more and more pet owners are showing up. And when we see each other, there’s this instant connection.
That’s the kind of warmth dogs bring into the world.
We look out for one another.
We warn each other about which grumpy old lady might spray your dog with a hose if you walk past her garden. We share vet tips. We complain about vet fees.
It’s honestly one of the best parts of having a dog.
🌱 Things Are Getting Better — But There’s Still a Long Way to Go
In the past few years, things have improved.
Pet-friendly cafés are popping up. Some parks now have special dog zones. Younger people are generally more understanding. Dogs are slowly being seen less as “trouble” and more as companions.
But honestly? There’s still a long way to go.
Public awareness, infrastructure, policies — they all need time to catch up.
💛 Final Thoughts: Just a Little More Kindness
Sometimes I watch Pangpang napping — his belly rising and falling, ears twitching slightly — and I just feel so lucky.
He understands us. He knows what “go out” means. He knows when we’re upset.
He can’t talk, but he listens with his whole heart.
If you’re a pet owner, you know what I mean.
We’re not just raising a dog., We’re growing old together with someone who loves us unconditionally.
I hope this world can become just a little gentler. Even if it’s just one more park bench we can sit on with our dogs. Or a restaurant that puts up a sign saying, “Pets Welcome.”
And I hope every dog like Pangpang gets to live a long, warm, loved life —
and be treated as what they really are: family.
— From an ordinary dog’s sister (yes, he’s technically my brother — he’s my mom’s dog 😅) in China, and her very special boy, Pangpang 🐶
