Pet cafes and indoor zoos are an emerging trend in Kunming. These places attract a large number of people who love animals but cannot afford the time and money to keep their own pets.

The Cowboy Rabbit Pet Club in Kunming keeps more than 30 species of animals including alpacas, ponies, foxes, martens, sugar gliders and raccoons. They mostly live in semi-open captivity. Assisted by the keepers, the visitors can approach and even touch the animals.

Besides the indoor zoos, cat bars, doggie bars and other pet cafes in various residential neighbourhoods are also increasingly popular in Kunming. For many young people, it has become a new way of relaxing—hold a cup of coffee in one hand, and caress a pet with the other.

How do the pet bars and indoor zoos ensure hygiene and safety? According to Zhou Mo, owner of the Cowboy Rabbit Pet Club, his shop requires the visitors to clean and disinfect their hands and put on special gloves before entering the animal interaction area. They must follow the instructions of animal keepers when they touch the animals.