The pet funeral industry is experiencing rapid growth in China as more people view their pets as family members. When a beloved cat or dog dies, owners strive to give them a proper farewell instead of discarding them as regular trash. However, despite the development of this market, government regulation and standardization in this sector remain quite limited.
According to one report, in May, a couple in Dalian, China, held a farewell ceremony for their house cat, which had lived with them for about eight years and died from heart disease. During the farewell, the couple was deeply moved; they gently stroked the animal one last time and said goodbye, considering it part of their family. Such emotional scenes are now regularly observed at pet funeral facilities in many Chinese cities.
Today, pet funeral services in China include more than just cremation. Many companies organize a complete farewell cycle: this includes floral arrangements, dedicating a separate room for the final viewing of the animal, and preserving paw prints and photographs as keepsakes. In some cases, families can hold small farewell ceremonies for their pet. Some companies also offer very expensive service packages.
As reported in the document, one premium package can cost around $1500 USD, equivalent to approximately 1.2–1.3 lakh Indian rupees. This service includes transporting the body by limousine and escorting the final procession with four uniformed staff members.
The main reason for the increased demand is the deepening emotional bond between humans and animals. In many Chinese cities, dogs and cats are perceived not just as pets but as family members. A study published in 2026 surveyed 504 urban pet households and showed that the decision to purchase services such as funerals depends on the emotional attachment and closeness the person felt with the animal. Thus, for people, it is no longer a matter of simply disposing of remains; they want to send off their companion with dignity.
The main problem is that rules and supervision are not keeping pace with this rapidly growing business. Regulations concerning licensing, disposal of animal remains, ecology, and the burial procedure itself can vary across different locations. This raises several questions for consumers. For example, if a company claims to conduct an individual funeral, was it truly done for that specific animal? Were the remains handed over to the legal owner? Does the furnace used and the entire process comply with environmental standards?
The report on this sector in China also noted issues related to the activities of organizations operating without the necessary qualifications, lack of transparency in pricing, and environmental risks. The growth of the pet funeral business indicates a shift in people's worldview, who consider their pets family members and wish to provide them with a dignified farewell after death. However, alongside satisfying this emotional need through commerce, having clear rules for companies is crucial. Transparency must be ensured in funeral procedures, environmental protection, pricing, ash transfer, and client rights. For some, it may just be a business, but for a family that has lost a pet, it is an extremely personal and emotionally difficult moment, making order, trust, and openness paramount in this field.