Cats may be the unofficial mascots of the web, but canines are now having their moment. Dogspotting is a Facebook group where people share images of the random pooches they encounter in their daily lives. But what's so appealing about taking photos of other people's pets as a sport?

Barcelona City Council has started a campaign to raise awareness for pet adoption by creating life-sized models of dogs, to highlight the city’s growing pet abandonment issue. This highly visible strategy aims to tap into people’s curiosity, and appeals to their empathetic nature.

People in China own a lot of pets, and they love splashing out to spoil them. Now, some are treating their furry friends to an array of gadgets, and electronic device manufacturers are cashing-in on the growing pet economy with tracking devices, automated feeders and monitors.

Buying organic rabbit food, brushing your cat’s teeth, and sending your dog for hydrotherapy are no longer considered eccentricities. Pets are taking on human status, and they’re being treated accordingly. How can brands help enrich the lives of pet parents and their beloved fur babies?