La Vie en Paws: Inside France's love affair with pets

According to France 24, France's love for pets rivals its passion for wine and cheese. More than half of French households own at least one pet—adding up to seventy-five million animals. That means pets actually outnumber the French population itself. The thriving pet care industry reflects how owners lavish attention and resources on their animal companions. But there's a troubling seasonal flip side: many pets are abandoned during the summer months. So while France celebrates its deepening bond with furry, feathered, and scaly friends, animal shelters face a recurring crisis.

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