China’s billion-dollar pet funeral industry stays largely unregulated without public oversight
In May, at a pet funeral home in Dalian, northeastern Liaoning province, a grieving couple wept as they tenderly combed the fur of their deceased pet cat, a Silver British Shorthair, bidding farewell to their beloved “fur kid.” The feline, cherished by the couple for eight years, succumbed to heart disease. “Pidan (the
In May, at a pet funeral home in Dalian, northeastern Liaoning province, a grieving couple wept as they tenderly combed the fur of their deceased pet cat, a Silver British Shorthair, bidding farewell to their beloved “fur kid.”
The feline, cherished by the couple for eight years, succumbed to heart disease.
“Pidan (the cat’s nickname), you will no longer feel pain in that world. Please visit us in our dreams to share your news. I hope we will be a family again in the next life,” said the wife.
“Pidan, don’t forget Mum and Dad. Remember to stand your ground when bullied in that world,” the husband implored his cat.
After about 10 minutes, the husband gently carried the cat’s body to a van awaiting its transport for cremation.
Such sorrowful scenes are a daily occurrence in the pet funeral service industry. The sector has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, spurred by pet owners’ desires to engage professionals for posthumous arrangements for their pets.