A woman in China has gained widespread attention after spending 12,000 yuan (around Tk2 lakh) to enrol her six-month-old Samoyed in a specialised dog kindergarten, according to reports from the South China Morning Post (SCMP).
The owner, identified as Taotao, explained that her demanding work schedule left her with insufficient time to provide companionship for her pet. “I am usually too busy with work and do not have much time to keep it company,” she told Cover News.
The comprehensive service package includes personality and temperament testing, as well as behaviour training designed to manage issues such as aggression or barking. The facility also organises social activities to encourage interaction between pets and provides a daily pickup and drop-off service.
While pet meals are billed separately, the service allows owners to monitor their dogs in real time via an online platform and facilitates regular health check-ups.
The trend reflects a broader shift in China, where many owners treat pets as integral family members. According to the 2026 China Pet Industry White Paper, urban pet consumption in the country reached 312.6 billion yuan (US$45 billion) in 2025, with projections suggesting it will surpass 405 billion yuan by 2028.
Public reaction on Chinese social media has been divided, with some users questioning the high cost of the pet’s “tuition”. One commentator noted that the owner must be “very well-off,” while another remarked that some people “would not even spend 12,000 yuan a semester on their own child’s kindergarten”.
