The trend of ‘animal communicators,’ often termed as ‘pet psychics,’ has been gaining traction on Chinese social media platforms. These individuals assert that they can understand animals’ “psychological” states and address various issues, from locating lost pets to communicating with those that have passed away, all with just basic information about the pet.
This service is readily available on online platforms like Taobao, with prices varying widely. On Xiaohongshu, a search for “animal communication” reveals over 60,000 related posts, with mixed reviews from users – some attest to its effectiveness, while others dismiss it as a gimmick or have shared stories of deceit.
Despite its growing popularity, many in the pet industry question the scientific basis of these claims. Experts warn of the potential for scams, emphasizing the need for consumer caution.
Hong Kong and Taiwan have been familiar with animal communication for some time, and it’s also found in countries like the US and Japan. These pet psychics often claim to use psychic abilities rather than animal behavior training, with some organizations claiming to rely on “electromagnetic waves” to sense information from animals, translating it into sound, images, and smells.
On Xiaohongshu, users have shared various experiences with animal communicators. One user recounted how a communicator accurately described their cat’s habits and purported “internal thoughts.” Such posts often garner significant interest, with many expressing a desire to seek these services, especially those grieving the loss of their pets.
However, skepticism abounds, with consumers raising concerns about the legitimacy of these services. Issues range from arbitrary pricing and communicators disappearing post-payment to factual inaccuracies and a lack of refunds. Training institutions offering courses and certification for animal communicators have emerged, but their certificates are often seen as only indicative of completing a training program rather than being a recognized qualification.
One Jiangsu Province resident shared her experience of feeling deceived by a pet psychic. The communicator charged per question, but the responses seemed perfunctory, and attempts to ask further questions led to the upselling of additional services.
Zhang Hai, a therapist specializing in pet psychological adjustment, contrasts this field with pet psychology, where analysis is based on sounds, emotions, and body language. He suggests that animal communicators often anthropomorphize animals, catering more to the emotional needs of pet owners than to the actual needs of the pets.
Veteran pet behavior analyst Wen Jianguo echoed these sentiments, stating that animal communication leans more towards mysticism than science. As the pet industry continues to grow, the emergence of such services is not surprising, but it underscores the importance of discerning and informed decision-making by pet owners.
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