暴利外衣下宠物殡葬：“七成”店铺赔钱、假火化成常态

Core Insights - The pet funeral industry is emerging as a lucrative sector within the expanding pet economy, attracting significant interest and investment, but it also harbors challenges and risks for new entrants [1][5][13] Industry Overview - The pet funeral industry is experiencing rapid growth, with a notable increase in the number of practitioners, estimated to have grown nearly tenfold in recent years [13] - The market is driven by changing societal attitudes towards pets, with many owners viewing them as family members, leading to increased demand for professional funeral services [5][13] - Major brands in the industry, such as Enchongtang and Pet Heaven, have successfully secured funding, indicating a growing market potential [5][12] Financial Aspects - The gross profit margin in the pet funeral industry can reach approximately 75%, comparable to luxury goods, which have margins of 60%-80% [3][4] - Services for pet funerals can range from 2,000 to over 10,000 yuan, depending on the offerings, with a typical service for a pet under 20 pounds costing between 2,000 and 5,000 yuan [4][5] Challenges Faced by New Entrants - Many new entrants face significant hurdles, including high initial investment costs and regulatory requirements, which can lead to financial losses [6][8] - Reports indicate that around 70% of pet funeral businesses are operating at a loss, with many owners struggling to sustain operations beyond a few months [8][9] - The lack of recognized certification for pet funeral practitioners has led to the proliferation of unregulated training programs, further complicating the industry landscape [11][12] Regulatory Environment - The pet funeral industry currently lacks specific legal regulations, leading to a fragmented oversight structure involving multiple government departments [13][14] - Efforts are underway in some cities to establish guidelines and standards for the industry, indicating a move towards greater regulation and professionalism [15][16]