Anshan’s Tiexi district in Liaoning province is leveraging its burgeoning pet industry to drive economic growth and urban transformation. With an annual revenue of 4 to 5 billion yuan ($562 million to $702 million), the district has become a hub for pet-related activities, accounting for two-thirds of the city’s pet industry earnings. This strategic shift marks a significant departure from Tiexi’s historical reliance on heavy industry, particularly its association with Ansteel Group, a state-owned steel manufacturer. The district’s focus on the pet industry exemplifies the broader industrial transformation underway in Northeast China, as it seeks to diversify its economy and cultivate emerging sectors. Ding Kunbin, head of Tiexi district, highlighted the region’s natural advantages for pet breeding, including a climate conducive to fur growth and a rich canine gene pool with around 200 breeds, many of which are rare. The pet industry’s roots trace back to the 1990s when laid-off steelworkers began home-based breeding operations, which later evolved into large-scale enterprises. Today, the sector is driven by a new generation of professionals and e-commerce platforms. With China’s aging population and declining marriage rates, the pet industry is poised for significant growth. The 2025 China Pet Industry White Paper reveals that China’s urban pet population reached 120 million in 2024, with a corresponding consumption market valued at 300 billion yuan. To support this growth, Tiexi is developing a pet theme park, a pet-friendly hotel, and an indoor pet transportation facility in collaboration with airlines. These initiatives aim to enhance animal welfare, improve urban pet-friendliness, and provide recreational spaces for pet owners. The district is also implementing a clear industrial spatial layout to minimize environmental impact and neighborhood disruption, with plans for centralized pet breeding bases to standardize practices and control disease outbreaks. Through spatial and industrial planning, detailed policies, and regulatory oversight, Tiexi is guiding its pet industry toward high-quality and high-value development.