China faces legal disputes over pet custody after breakups

Disputes over pet custody following relationship dissolutions are emerging as a complex legal issue in China. As the number of urban cats and dogs is projected to reach 126 million by 2025, driven largely by Gen Z and Millennial owners, pets are increasingly viewed as family members rather than mere property.

Currently, Chinese law classifies pets strictly as personal property, lacking specific regulations for custody or visitation rights similar to those for minors. This legal gray area forces courts to rely on physical evidence such as purchase receipts, adoption records, microchip registrations, and veterinary bills to determine ownership. However, quantifying the emotional bond between owners and their animals remains a significant challenge for the judicial system.