The pet economy is undergoing a technological transformation. From app-controlled feeders and smart collars to self-cleaning litter boxes with health monitoring features, smart pet products are revolutionizing how people care for their furry companions. As consumer expectations evolve, the demand for intelligent, tech-powered pet care solutions is rapidly gaining momentum.
At the forefront of this wave is Zhihang Electronics Technology Co., Ltd. (hereinafter “Zhihang Tech”), an emerging player based in Qiaotou Town, Dongguan. As a core supplier to global pet tech brand PETKIT, Zhihang Tech is redefining the pet ownership experience through technological innovation, quietly but swiftly positioning itself as a dark horse in the global smart pet industry.
Deeply rooted in the smart pet hardware sector
Inside Zhihang Tech’s production facility, workers are assembling smart feeders with ease and precision. “With a mobile app, pet owners can remotely dispense food, set portion sizes and feeding times, watch their pets via a built-in camera, and even interact with them through two-way voice features,” explained Liu Chunbiao, Chairman of Zhihang Tech, while giving a demonstration.
Nearby, a fully automated litter box demonstrates the future of convenience - detecting when a cat leaves, sealing waste without odor or manual intervention. “These are just a few pieces of our product portfolio,” Liu said, pointing at the production line. Zhihang Tech has developed a full range of smart pet care products, from self-circulating water fountains and temperature-controlled pet dryers to wearable collars that track health data in real time, covering all aspects of daily pet care.
Since setting up operations in Qiaotou Town in 2019, Zhihang Tech has been focused on the smart pet hardware sector and has grown into a high-tech enterprise integrating R&D, precision manufacturing, and full-cycle service. Guided by the philosophy of “tech-powered pet life”, the company has formed a comprehensive strategic partnership with PETKIT Network Technology (Shanghai) Co., Ltd., a global leader in pet product design and manufacturing. Together, they have integrated mobile internet, sensors, and wearable technologies into the pet market, building a smart product ecosystem that supports all aspects of pet health and care.
According to the 2025 Pet Supplies Industry Research Report, smart pet products have led market growth across all segments from 2018 to 2025. Liu noted that Zhihang Tech invests more than RMB 6 million annually in R&D to solve pain points for pet owners. Today, its products are exported via cross-border e-commerce to over 20 countries and regions, including the U.S., Europe, Japan, and South Korea. Its smart feeders have consistently ranked among the bestsellers on Amazon.
RMB 420 million investment to expand production
As artificial intelligence, IoT, and big data technologies continue to evolve, China’s smart pet industry is entering a phase of explosive growth. In 2024, Zhihang Tech reported an output value of RMB 220 million, more than tenfold its 2020 figure.
To keep pace with surging demand, Zhihang Tech is investing RMB 420 million in a large-scale smart manufacturing base spanning over 60,000 square meters. The facility will include production lines for smart water dispensers, feeders, fully automated litter boxes, pet dryers, antimicrobial accessories, aquarium supplies, and a smart warehousing center.
What’s more impressive is the speed of execution. The land parcel was acquired on June 9, and by August 11, construction was already underway. Within just three months, the entire process, from land acquisition to groundbreaking, was completed, a testament to the efficiency known locally as “Qiaotou Speed”. “Our new site is right next to a highway exit, giving us a major logistics advantage,” said Liu. “Thanks to strong government support in land access and policy facilitation, it only took us a year and a half from application to land bidding, and just one week to complete all the post-bidding procedures. This ‘nanny-style’ service has given us full confidence in ramping up production quickly.”
Building a smart pet industry cluster
The groundbreaking of Zhihang Tech’s new facility not only marks a major milestone for the company but also sets the stage for full-scale development of the Dongtaihu Modern Industrial Park in Qiaotou, laying a solid foundation for the town’s strategic entry into the pet economy.
Riding the momentum of the High-quality Development Project for Guangdong Counties, Towns and Villages, Qiaotou is actively expanding industrial space, lowering costs, optimizing the business environment, and launching targeted initiatives to support local enterprises. The town has designated the Dongshen and Dongtaihu areas as key modern industrial parks. Against the broader backdrop of Dongguan’s economic revitalization and industrial growth, Qiaotou has prioritized project execution with a “speed and results” mindset to boost investment and stabilize growth. As a result, quality enterprises including Zhihang Tech have successfully established a presence in the Dongtaihu Modern Industrial Park.
In recent years, Qiaotou has focused on industrial upgrading. With a strong foundation in electronic information and electromechanical manufacturing, the town has strategically targeted the pet economy as a growth frontier. With global pet brand PETKIT serving as a lead enterprise, Qiaotou has successfully attracted its core suppliers, including Zhihang Tech, Jieli Industrial, and PETKIT’s subsidiary Fufei Intelligent Manufacturing, forming an initial industry cluster.
Looking ahead, Qiaotou aims to further strengthen this cluster by attracting industry leaders, encouraging ecosystem development, and accelerating the localization of smart pet manufacturing. With growing global influence, “Made in Qiaotou” is poised to claim a larger share in the global pet economy, powering the town’s pursuit of high-quality growth.
