National Standard for Pet Boarding to Take Effect in May with Mandatory Requirements

The State Administration for Market Regulation recently issued the national standard Pet Boarding Service Specifications, which will take effect on May 1, 2026. The standard stipulates that pet boarding institutions must provide each pet with an independent activity space of no less than 1 square meter, install 24-hour video surveillance accessible to pet owners, conduct mandatory health checks before boarding, ensure pets get at least 30 minutes of daily outdoor exercise, and keep detailed records of their diet and defecation. Detailed requirements for fire safety and hygiene conditions of boarding institutions are also specified. This standard will address the long-standing problems of overcrowded cages and inadequate care in the pet boarding industry, driving the transformation from extensive custody to refined care.