Explainer | Self-styled China animal sleuths cash in on country’s growing passion for pets

China’s burgeoning population of pets has seen rising numbers of people on the mainland move into the unlikely business of animal investigations.

They call themselves pet detectives and their bread and butter is finding lost domesticated animals, mostly cats and dogs.

Almost exclusively self-employed, they promote their services on social media and e-commerce platforms.

Growing demand in recent years means many of them can now earn up to 30,000 yuan (US$4, 200) a month.

The Post takes a closer look at this unusual occupation.

Not easy