In China, the rapid growth of the pet population—reaching 126 million urban dogs and cats by 2025—has led to an increase in legal disputes when couples separate. Younger generations, particularly Gen Z and millennials, increasingly view their pets as integral family members, often referring to themselves as the "parents" of their animals. This emotional bond creates significant conflict when a relationship ends, as the individuals involved seek to maintain custody of the pet.

However, the legal system in China currently lacks a framework to handle these situations as "custody" battles. Under existing civil law, pets are categorized as personal property. Consequently, judges are often forced to treat a pet dispute similarly to a disagreement over furniture or financial assets. This creates a disconnect between the emotional reality of the pet owners and the legal reality of the court system. While some owners attempt to negotiate informal agreements, those that reach the courtroom often result in rulings that prioritize ownership rights over the "best interests" of the animal, as would be the case in child custody proceedings. Legal experts note that as the cultural status of pets continues to evolve, the current "grey area" in the law may require legislative updates to better address the unique nature of these disputes.