Summary in Plain Language
This in-depth report follows the real experiences of Ying Hao, a person who has been operating an animal funeral service for six years. It sheds light on the rarely discussed topic in China: “sending off a companion animal that has been by your side for many years.” The report covers how the industry, which initially copied human funeral traditions, has gradually developed a more tailored process to accommodate the unique bond between humans and pets. It also explores the growth of a market worth over 4 billion yuan, from the initial demand for cremation to the emergence of a complete range of memorial products. At the same time, it exposes the myth of “exorbitant profits” in the industry, highlighting the hidden pitfalls of unlicensed businesses. The report concludes by pointing out that while the industry cannot truly help people quickly overcome grief, its value is still significant in providing a tangible way for those who have lost a pet to cope with their sorrow.
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Detailed Explanation
1. Why do you feel so emotional but remain frozen when facing the death of your pet?
Many people have experienced this when taking their deceased pet to a funeral service for the first time: all the preparations are made (flowers, formal attire from family and friends), but everyone falls silent, not knowing what to do or say.
The reason is that human funeral traditions are based on thousands of years of customs, with clear roles and scripts for every moment. Even in the midst of grief, people follow these established patterns. However, there are no such public rituals for the relationship between humans and pets. Early on, Ying Hao’s company simply followed these human traditions, leaving owners alone in the farewell room, but they later realized that many owners didn’t truly complete the farewell process; they just endured the half-hour. The solution they found was simple: no rigid rituals were imposed, and the “farewell ceremony” was renamed a “farewell session.” They also provided owners with a card with questions like “How did it get its name?” and “What was its favorite snack?” These small, personal questions helped trigger memories, allowing for a more genuine farewell without pretense.
2. The pet funeral market worth billions is not a product of artificial manipulation by businesses
Critics often claim that pet funerals are a form of exploiting people’s grief, with products like cremated bone crystals and paw print pendants being examples of “intellectual tax.” In reality, these products emerged from real customer needs. Starting with basic cremation services, businesses gradually added more options, such as hair preservation and cremated remains storage, as well as custom items like jewelry. These offerings cater to different budgets, providing a tangible connection for owners who no longer have physical access to their pets.
3. The so-called “exorbitant profits” in the industry hide many illegal practices
Industry reports claim high margins of up to 60%, with some businesses generating monthly revenues of over 800,000 yuan. However, compliant businesses cannot achieve such profits due to regulatory requirements. Proper facilities, safety measures, and compliance costs make it impossible to achieve such high margins. Many unlicensed businesses operate in informal settings, using substandard equipment and potentially mixing multiple pets’ remains. Consumers are unaware of these practices, making it difficult to verify the authenticity of the cremated remains.
4. The ultimate purpose of pet funerals is not to “heal grief”
Ying Hao’s perspective on his work has changed over the years. Initially, he felt his role was significant in helping people overcome grief, but he later realized its limitations. A funeral ceremony, no matter how well-executed, cannot replace the emotional connection with a pet that has passed away. The value of pet funerals lies in providing a way for owners to maintain a connection with their pets even after they are gone, through tangible items and memories.
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In summary, this report provides a nuanced understanding of the pet funeral industry, highlighting its practical benefits and the challenges it faces due to regulatory and operational issues.