I'm having the exact same question, except in Economy for a friend who will travel in KE in a couple of months. She loves dogs. I see these "designated pet seating[s]" are blocked, too. I assume it would also be advantageous to select the seat next to it, with a good chance that it will be empty or have an animal? I guess the block is removed at OLCI so anyone can select it, but if the flight is relatively empty, chances are no one will proactively select a seat that has a neighbour?

Thanks in advance! Sorry, I'm usually on the CX/oneworld side, so not so familiar with KE.