Core Viewpoint - The pet farewell industry is emerging as a specialized service sector that addresses the emotional needs of pet owners during the grieving process, emphasizing the importance of empathy and professionalism in providing these services [2][6]. Group 1: Industry Overview - The pet funeral industry is relatively new, with less than 300 institutions in China having formal cremation qualifications, while over 12,000 businesses are registered with "pet funeral" in their names, indicating a lack of regulation and significant price variation [3][4]. - The average cost for basic farewell services for a small cat is around 1,300 yuan, which includes a farewell ceremony, cremation, and memorial items [6]. Group 2: Service Quality and Emotional Support - Pet farewell services require strong empathy and patience from professionals, as they must navigate the complex emotions of pet owners while maintaining a professional demeanor [2][5]. - The process includes cleaning the pet's body, conducting a farewell ceremony, and allowing private time for the owner to say goodbye before cremation [6][7]. Group 3: Environmental Considerations - Cremating pets is considered more environmentally friendly and hygienic compared to burial, as improper burial can lead to exposure of remains due to soil erosion and other factors [3][4]. Group 4: Ethical Practices - The industry faces challenges with unregulated operators who may provide substandard services, such as returning fake ashes or improperly disposing of remains, highlighting the need for ethical standards [4][5]. - The commitment to individual cremation for each pet, despite higher costs, is emphasized as a fundamental aspect of providing respect and dignity to the deceased pets [4][5].