SHANGHAI — A fitness center exclusively for dogs has opened in Shanghai, charging 1,980 yuan ($290) per month — a premium price that has nonetheless attracted enough interest to require advance reservations.
GOGOGYM, located in Shanghai's Xuhui district, bills itself as China's first dedicated canine fitness center, according to Chinese media outlet Elephant News. The facility positions itself not as a simple play space but as an integrated exercise, rehabilitation and spa complex comparable to human gyms.
Monthly memberships include daily running programs, four swimming sessions per week and four massage treatments weekly. All programs are conducted one-on-one by professional coaches in 30-minute sessions. The reservation system staggers time slots to minimize contact between dogs, a measure the facility says addresses pet stress and safety concerns.
First-time visitors undergo a gait analysis before beginning any exercise regimen. Dogs are evaluated on a walking analyzer that assesses limb health and stride patterns. A pressure-measuring treadmill synchronized with cameras analyzes gait rhythm and force distribution, generating data to check for arthritis, spinal problems and muscle injuries before prescribing customized exercise programs.
The facility features specialized equipment including self-paced treadmills that dogs control without motors, motorized belt treadmills, balance balls and incline boards. An underwater treadmill equipped with oxygen supply functions uses water buoyancy to reduce joint stress while strengthening muscles and cardiovascular function — a feature the gym says accommodates dogs recovering from surgery.
Post-workout, dogs receive what the facility calls "five-star relaxation": spa pools with adjustable temperature and water pressure for muscle relaxation, followed by drying services and paw-pad moisturizing massages. The full care process takes approximately 20 minutes and is said to improve blood circulation and relieve muscle tension in senior dogs or those with weak joints.
Separate spaces accommodate dogs that become overly excited around other animals or have sensitive temperaments.
"We opened our first location here after seeing the pet-friendly atmosphere along the Xuhui riverside," the founder told media.
The news sparked mixed reactions online in China, ranging from surprise — "Dogs are getting personal training now?" — to criticism such as "Even dogs would shake their heads at this" and "Spend that money on your parents instead." Others defended the concept, saying "It makes sense if you care about your dog's health" and "It's no different from a human gym."
The phenomenon reflects the "pet humanization" trend, as the culture of treating pets as family members drives rapid premiumization and segmentation in related industries. In South Korea, products such as traditional hanbok clothing for dogs, holiday treats and chocolate-substitute desserts have emerged, while high-end items including Moncler padded vests (around 900,000 won) and Ralph Lauren sweatshirts (around 200,000 won) for pets have sold out.
According to market research firm Research Nester, the global pet care market is projected to more than double from approximately $275.6 billion in 2025 to $568 billion by 2035, expanding beyond basic food and supplies into medical care, fitness, fashion and travel.