In Chinese culture, numbers carry weight most Western pet owners never think about. The number 8 (八, bā) sounds like “wealth” (发, fā) — which is why it shows up on license plates, wedding dates, and price tags all over Asia. The number 4 (四, sì), on the other hand, sounds like “death” (死, sǐ) and is quietly avoided in elevators and apartment numbers across the region.

So what happens when you apply that logic to pets?

More pet owners than you’d expect already do — picking adoption dates around lucky numbers, choosing collar tags with an 8 on them, or simply feeling better about a dog whose birthday adds up to a “good” number.

Heading into Chinese New Year 2026, here’s a quick guide:

• 8 — wealth, prosperity. The most sought-after number in Chinese culture, full stop.
• 6 — smoothness, things going well (六六大顺, “six six, everything flows”).
• 9 — longevity, forever (九, jiǔ, sounds like 久, “long-lasting”). A popular number for pets you hope will be around a long time.
• 4 — the one to skip if you’re picking, though plenty of very good dogs are unbothered by any of this.

If you want to lean into it this Lunar New Year, our Magic Number Treats let you pick your pet’s number directly — 8s and 9s included.