Once synonymous with the steel industry, Anshan, a city in Northeast China’s Liaoning province, is now forging a new identity as the nation’s pet breeding capital. This transformation is driven by the booming ‘pet economy,’ which has reshaped the city’s economic landscape and provided new opportunities for its residents. As China prepares for the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), Anshan is positioning itself as a leader in the pet industry, leaving behind its industrial past. The city’s shift began in the 1980s when the steel industry faced overcapacity, declining demand, and fierce competition, leading to widespread layoffs. Many displaced workers, like Han Zongli, turned to alternative livelihoods. Han, a former steelworker, ventured into pet breeding after a chance encounter with a customer’s dog. His success inspired others, and soon, a thriving pet-related industry emerged, offering a lifeline to thousands of unemployed workers. Today, Anshan’s pet breeding sector is a major economic force, with over 30,000 residents involved in breeding, trade, and services for purebred dogs and cats. The city supplies approximately 70% of China’s pet dogs, with an annual output of 1.5 million animals in 2024, expected to rise to 2 million this year. The industry has also expanded to other cities in Liaoning, creating a comprehensive ecosystem that includes breeding, pet products, healthcare, and cultural activities. Employing over 150,000 people and generating more than 30 billion yuan annually, Anshan’s pet industry is a testament to the city’s resilience and adaptability.