Untapped research opportunities in China: promising future avenues and potential concerns for aging companion animals

Jessica M Hoffman,Katharina Brugger,Teresa G Valencak,Shanshan Song

doi:10.1007/s11357-021-00433-y

Abstract

Companion animals have recently been proposed as ideal translational models of human aging due to their shared susceptibility for certain diseases, similar environments, and sophisticated veterinary medicine diagnostics, all of which are not possible in rodent laboratory models. Here, we introduce and propose the study of companion animals in China as a largely untapped resource in academic and veterinary aging research. Pet ownership rates along with economic gains in the pet industry have skyrocketed over the last decade in China. Yet, the majority of research institutions still focus on agricultural animal research, not companion animals. In this perspective, we compare available pet ownership rates between the USA, the European Union, and China before focusing on the potential of companion animal aging research in China. In addition, we highlight some ethical considerations that must be addressed before large-scale companion animal aging research can be completed.

Highlights

Over the past century, companion animals, most often cats and dogs, have made a transition from “property” to “family” in industrialized nations
Animal veterinarians in the West, it has only recently become an issue in many other countries, including China
Rapid increases in pet ownership began in 1992 when China removed a ban on pets in urban settings [1], driving unprecedented growth in the numbers of companion cats and dogs in large cities (Fig. 1B, [3])

Summary

Introduction

Companion animals, most often cats and dogs, have made a transition from “property” to “family” in industrialized nations. We compare available pet ownership rates between the USA, the European Union, and China before focusing on the potential of companion animal aging research in China. Rapid increases in pet ownership began in 1992 when China removed a ban on pets in urban settings [1], driving unprecedented growth in the numbers of companion cats and dogs in large cities (Fig. 1B, [3]).

Results

Conclusion