Will Shelters Fill Up Because Of The Year Of The Dog?

People who sell dogs in wet markets, pet stores and online say sales have been booming as the end of the year approaches. Some local pet markets say dog sales are up by about 30 percent from normal, and their stores are packed with people looking to pick up a puppy.

Many customers say they think it would be lucky to start raising a dog in the Year of the Dog.

With sales booming, prices are also on the rise for many species of dogs.

Those who take care of abandoned or stray pets in the city say they are worried many people will quickly grow tired or raising a puppy and abandoned their new dog in a few months time.

"I am deeply concerned about the situation of those dogs that are taken home by owners who only think it lucky to have a puppies in the Year of the Dog and make a quick decision at the market," said Zhou Min, one of the founders of the city's largest animal welfare NGO, the Shanghai Pets Aid Center.