Huge amounts of cash spent on pets in China

Life on four paws is getting very easy for spoilt pets across China. Money spent on domestic animals is growing at an exponential rate. Now crazy hair-dos and clothes are becoming a status symbol for their owners. CCTV's Ray Kuka went to a puppy salon in Shanghai to see exactly why pet pampering has become a growth industry.

This is a hairdresser for the modern Shanghainese. No time for humans here, this is all about pampering pets. A quick bath followed by a cut and dry. Dogs are now an important part of many Chinese families. Often, a sign of wealth - and the pet industry is worth billions.

Michael Liu, Paws'n Us Pet Care Center, said, "This is the very first time people have had pets – in the past dogs were kept as guard dogs, but now it's more about companionship."

This dog is trimmed to look like a pony - with a mow-hawk cut into her fur. Pets being made to look like other animals are also a popular trend. Pandas, lions and tigers are among the top requests.

"Before I had my son, she was like my daughter – the way I looked after her, I groomed her, she was like a baby."

Accessories are a must.

"These are the cat harnesses and leashes, yes, people do walk their cats in China."

"These lenses are UV rated – just like the ones people wear."

If they're indoors too much, a doggy treadmill takes them for a run. It's harder than it looks!

Ray Kuka, Shanghai, said, "In this store there are even web cams all the way throughout for owners who have left their dogs here at the daycare center. They can always log on to check that their dogs are being well-looked after and even cure some of their withdrawal symptoms while they're at work."

But not all animals in China have someone to care for them. These cats have been rescued from Shanghai's streets. Now they need to be adopted.

Michael Liu, Paws'n Us Pet Care Center, said, "It's endless – there are too many of them – we're trying to do everything we can so that we find a good home for them."

For those better off, a life of luxury beckons, high fashion clothes and perfect hair for the top dogs.