The 2026 Two Sessions will focus on the regulation of the pet industry.

The 2026 National People's Congress and the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (NPC and CPPCC) convened as scheduled in Beijing in March. The fourth session of the 14th CPPCC opened on March 4, and the fourth session of the 14th NPC opened on March 5 at the Great Hall of the People. These two sessions coincided with the successful conclusion of the 14th Five-Year Plan and the commencement of the 15th Five-Year Plan. Reviewing the draft outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan for National Economic and Social Development and planning the blueprint for development over the next five years were the core agenda items. Meanwhile, many delegates and members offered suggestions and advice on hot issues concerning people's livelihoods. Among these, the standardized development of the pet industry became one of the important issues of public concern.

(I) Zhao Wanping, a deputy to the National People's Congress and vice president of the Anhui Academy of Agricultural Sciences, has turned his attention to the field of animal diagnosis and treatment. He suggests:

First, strengthen the supervision of animal medical activities. The agricultural and rural departments should severely crack down on behaviors such as engaging in commercial medical treatment without a licensed veterinarian registration, providing medical treatment beyond the scope of the license, and issuing prescriptions in violation of regulations, and ensure that institutions fulfill their responsibilities.

Second, improve the cross-departmental collaborative supervision mechanism. The procuratorial organs should work together with the agricultural and rural affairs, ecological environment, and health departments to implement full-process supervision of medical waste disposal and strictly investigate illegal disposal behaviors.

Third, we will accelerate the improvement of laws and regulations. We will incorporate pet medical treatment standards and stray animal protection into the rule of law to prevent the risk of disease transmission from the source.

(II) Tang Lijun, a deputy to the National People's Congress and dean of the School of Food and Biotechnology at Sichuan Vocational and Technical College, is concerned about the chaotic pricing of pet food and funeral services.

He suggested that market regulators conduct in-depth investigations into the chaotic pricing practices in the industry, carry out regular supervision and inspections, urge businesses to clearly mark prices, and promote the healthy and orderly development of the industry.

(III) Sheng Hong, a deputy to the National People’s Congress and secretary of the Party branch of the Fourth Residential Area of Gubei Ronghua, Hongqiao Street, Changning District, Shanghai: Focusing on consumer fraud issues such as “weekly pets”.

She suggested that the procuratorial organs continue to work together with administrative departments to carry out special rectification campaigns and establish an information sharing platform; at the same time, they should enhance consumers' ability to distinguish right from wrong and their awareness of rights protection through legal publicity.

(iv) Zhang Yimin, a deputy to the National People's Congress and secretary of the Party branch and director of the village committee of Lusheng Village, Pujin Street, Minhang District, Shanghai, is concerned about pet ownership issues such as high costs of veterinary care and lack of regulation of pet hospital fees. He hopes that the entire pet industry chain, from pet hospitals to pet funerals, can operate healthily and orderly under reasonable legal frameworks. He suggests that unified national legislation be adopted to establish a regulatory framework covering the entire life cycle of pet ownership, medical care, and funeral services, so that pet owners can have more secure and comprehensive legal protection.

(V) Xu Shilong, a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and Chairman of Shanghai Port Group, submitted a proposal on "Strengthening the Regulation and Standardization of the Pet Economy." He pointed out the following pressing problems in the current pet industry and proposed targeted countermeasures:

Consumer irregularities: In response to issues such as "weekly pets" (pets that get sick shortly after being bought), malicious store closures and disappearances, and difficulties in protecting consumer rights, it is recommended to raise the industry's entry threshold.

Public Safety and Hygiene: Focus on the increase in stray animals caused by abandonment, the risk of zoonotic diseases, and the environmental pollution caused by the indiscriminate disposal of pet carcasses.

Lack of supporting industries: There are calls for legislation and qualification management for emerging fields such as pet funeral services, pet transportation, and pet medical fees to fill regulatory gaps.

During this year's Two Sessions, the suggestions and proposals from delegates and members accurately addressed the practical problems in the development of the pet industry, outlined a clear direction for solving the difficulties in industry supervision and protecting the legitimate rights and interests of pet owners, and provided important legal and policy ideas for the standardized and high-quality development of the pet economy.

Regrettably, during this year's Two Sessions, no delegates or members specifically mentioned the issue of companion animal protection, nor did they submit any related motions, suggestions, or proposals opposing the abuse of companion animals. As companion animals that live alongside humans, their protection is related to the level of social civilization, and the abuse of companion animals has always been a matter of great concern to all sectors of society. It is hoped that in future National People's Congress and Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference sessions, more delegates and members will pay attention to this area, promote relevant legislation and institutional development, formally incorporate companion animal protection into the rule of law, and allow social civilization to continue to be reflected in every detail.