These shopping malls in Shanghai are still pet-friendly.

This article is reprinted from: News Morning Post

No touching down ≠ no entry!

These shopping malls in Shanghai are still pet-friendly

Previously, due to the impact of the revised “Shanghai Dog Management Regulations” and the new “Pet-Friendly Mall Operation Standards” effective in 2026, some shopping malls in Shanghai have gradually canceled or reduced their pet-friendly areas, raising concerns and discussions among pet owners. So, are there still malls in the city that allow pets inside?

Recently, after visiting several trendy shopping malls such as Nanxiang Impression City MEGA, Changning Raffles City, Changning Longemont, LuOne CapitaLand Crystal Plaza, and the Huaihai Road shopping district, the reporter found that in many pet-friendly malls, the common requirement is that pets must “not touch the ground” indoors. The malls have set up dedicated pet pathways within compliance to provide thoughtful services for pet owners. At the same time, the reporter also noticed that some malls still have areas in service facilities, signage, and other details that need optimization.

In addition, pet owners should also follow the civilized pet ownership rules while shopping to maintain a good public consumption environment together.

Many malls in the city uphold pet-friendliness

But these details still need improvement

Nanxiang Impression City MEGA, as a top choice for pet-friendly shopping in Jiading, has established a relatively complete pet-friendly service system. Inside the mall, pets are required to “not touch the ground,” providing pet owners with free pet stroller rental services, effectively freeing their hands and making shopping easier. As long as they make a reservation in advance on its mini-program and pay an 800 yuan deposit, they can pick up the stroller at the service desk on the first floor. However, the strollers are not very large, so for larger pets, it is still recommended to bring your own stroller.

The mall has also planned dedicated pet elevators S15/S16 to avoid crossing paths with other customers, but during the reporter’s visit, it was found that the pet elevator lacked clear signage. Since it is a converted freight elevator, its location is relatively hidden, and even with staff guidance, it took quite a while to find it, affecting the convenience of pet owners. It is suggested that the mall could set up more guiding signs to help pet owners locate the pet elevator more quickly.

There are also many pet-friendly businesses within the mall, and the rooftop on the sixth floor features a large pet playground, originally a popular spot for pets to play and socialize outdoors. However, the playground is currently undergoing renovation and is expected to reopen in a few weeks. Additionally, the reporter saw that Haidilao next to the pet playground is creating a pet-friendly dining area. Staff revealed that the plan has just been finalized, with a construction period of about two months, which will meet the needs of pet owners dining with their pets, making “having hot pot with pets” no longer a luxury.

Changning Raffles City has become a popular destination for pet-friendly leisure in the city due to its large outdoor area and rich pet facilities, especially favored by young pet owners. The mall has an open lawn and leisure space outdoors, allowing pets to run freely and meet companions. Many surrounding businesses are also pet-friendly, allowing pets to accompany their owners while dining, achieving the dual goals of “shopping and dining while walking pets.”

There is also a standalone power pet department store that is particularly eye-catching, two stories high, covering 1,000 square meters. It not only has retail but also offers grooming, adoption, boarding, and other services, with designated areas for restaurants, parks, bathrooms, hotels, and pharmacies.

Pets are also allowed indoors in the mall, of course, with the prior condition of “not touching the ground.” In terms of services, the mall supports pet stroller rentals, located inside the west district at Gate 9. The first two hours are free, after which it costs 5 yuan every half hour, with a deposit of 299 yuan for a single use. The pet service guide at the stroller rental point indicates that the service desk on the fourth floor will also provide free waste bags, pee pads, disinfecting wipes, along with rental leashes, muzzles, and deodorants.

However, the service desk on the fourth floor is located in the east district, and the reporter encountered a situation where a citizen was wandering around the west district with their dog and couldn’t find the service desk. There is hope that the mall can make the instructions clearer. Moreover, the pet stroller rental point and the service desk are set in two different areas, requiring citizens in need to run back and forth between the two areas, wasting a lot of time. The mall might consider adjusting the layout.

Just a street away, Changning Longemont has created a “pet-friendly street” on the sixth floor, gathering pet-themed venues such as a Husky experience center and a cat cafe, attracting many pet owners.

Notably, the mall’s dedicated pet elevator can directly reach the “pet-friendly street,” and the signage is clear and prominent. There are text signs and cute pet images at the parking lot, mall entrance, passageways, and elevator doors, making it easy to find, ensuring smooth navigation without detours, providing great convenience for pet outings.

However, the “pet service guide” next to the elevator states that “designated stores can provide disposable supplies,” claiming to provide pet waste bags, disposable care pads, disinfecting wet wipes, and other materials for pet owners. But upon verification, the reporter found that one of the two listed stores had already closed, and the staff at the other store stated they did not offer this service. The information on the guide was clearly inconsistent with the actual services, which may disappoint pet owners in need.

Additionally, the mall has specified that pets should not touch the ground and must be placed in strollers, carriers, or backpacks. Furthermore, before entering stores, one must consult the merchants’ willingness, aside from mall public areas. Pet stroller rental services are available at the mall entrance and next to the “pet-friendly street,” with rental fees being free for the first five minutes, then 15 yuan per hour, capped at 45 yuan for the day. However, the strollers available for rent are only suitable for small to medium-sized pets. During the rental period, the stroller user must not leave the pet unattended, and if the pet has any secretion, it must be cleaned up promptly.

LuOne CapitaLand Crystal Plaza has become a core area that many pet owners visit, thanks to its A IRPARK rooftop park on the seventh floor. The mall similarly follows the “no touching the ground” entry rule for pets. To facilitate pet owners, there are multiple free pet stroller rental points on the first floor and B3, located near various entrances, available for immediate use. The strollers available for rent come in different sizes, ensuring that even larger pets can fit comfortably.

The reporter observed that in the A IRPARK on the seventh floor, visitors can not only let their pets play on the lawn but also enjoy pet-friendly meals and day care services. The mall is equipped with a dedicated pet elevator, and there are large signs at the parking lot entrance, making it very easy to find.

However, due to floor planning restrictions, this elevator only reaches the sixth floor. This means that to get to the seventh floor, one must exit the pet elevator and then take an escalator, which slightly increases the inconvenience of the trip.

The Huaihai Road shopping district, as a trendy landmark in Shanghai, is also a gathering place for many trendy pet owners. Malls such as TX Huaihai, HAI550, and niko and… have successfully enabled them to “shop for trendy brands while walking their pets.” Among them, HAI550 clearly requires pets to not touch the ground, with pet strollers and pee pads available at the entrance for pet owners’ emergency use. However, these emergency supplies are placed in a relatively hidden location, in a corner on the right side of the mall entrance, making them difficult to find without careful searching.

The entrance of TX Huaihai clearly indicates “pet-friendly,” and the security personnel are very friendly towards pet owners. Of course, they will also proactively suggest that large dogs wear muzzles and follow safety guidelines to avoid disturbing other customers. This rigorous management approach not only meets the travel needs of pet owners but also considers the experience of non-pet owners.

The niko and… store on Huaihai Middle Road is enhancing the pet-friendly experience by combining situational activities. Recently, they are holding a special event called “PETNIC,” where everything from outdoor clothing to pet bags, and from food bowls to small bibs can be found for pets. Pet owners who bring their pets to the event can also receive free pet wet wipes. Many pet owners expressed: “You can shop for good items at the market while also getting benefits for your pets, maximizing the experience!”

A must-learn course for civilized pet owners while shopping

Abide by these rules when going out with pets

Of course, to maintain this pet-friendly atmosphere in the long run, not only do malls need to continuously optimize service details, but every pet owner also needs to consciously adhere to relevant rules and fulfill their responsibilities for civilized pet ownership, achieving a mutual commitment of “mall friendliness and pet owner self-discipline.” In line with the relevant provisions of the “Shanghai Dog Management Regulations,” the reporter reminds pet owners to keep the following points in mind when taking pets to shopping malls, to jointly maintain a good public consumption environment.

First, strictly adhere to the “no touching the ground” rule, which is a general prerequisite for pets to enter most malls. Pet owners can either bring their own pet strollers, backpacks, or carriers, or choose from the pet strollers provided by the mall. Pets must not be placed on the mall’s indoor floors, seats, or other public areas to avoid contaminating the public environment with pet hair or waste. At the same time, rented pet strollers must be used properly, returned promptly after use, and kept clean for subsequent use by other pet owners.

Secondly, ensure the health of pets while considering the safety of others. Actively avoid elderly people, children, pregnant women, and other vulnerable groups, preventing pets from chasing or barking to cause disturbances. If a pet becomes agitated, it should be promptly taken away from public areas. Additionally, it is recommended that pet owners carry their pets’ vaccination proof for verification by mall staff to ensure the pet’s health and avoid safety hazards.

At the same time, fulfill hygiene responsibilities to protect the public environment. Pet owners should carry waste bags, pee pads, and other cleaning supplies to promptly clean up pet waste, and use pee pads to line the bottom of the pet stroller to prevent pet urine and feces from contaminating the mall’s floors and public facilities. Also, try to avoid bringing pets into dining areas and children’s play areas, respecting the consumption needs of other customers.

Finally, respect store rules and actively communicate for confirmation. Pets are allowed in public areas of the mall, but some merchants may prohibit pets due to operational needs. Before entering a store, pet owners must proactively ask the shopkeeper whether pets are allowed and should not forcibly enter pet-restricted stores to avoid disputes with merchants and other customers. Additionally, within the mall, try to minimize the pet’s activity range, avoiding contact with products or damaging facilities. If damage occurs, pet owners should take the initiative to bear the responsibility for compensation.

Morning Post Reporter: Shang Yilin