Pet Funeral Services Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Pet Type (Dogs, Cats, Other Animals), By Service Type (Burial, Cremation), By Region, And Segment Forecasts, 2024 - 2030

Pet Funeral Services Market Size & Trends

The global pet funeral services market size was estimated at USD 1.76 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11.36% from 2024 to 2030. The market is primarily being driven by the increasing pet companionship rates and the. The growing pet industry expenditures, rising awareness among pet owners about affordable pet death care services, and the growing popularity of pet cremation centers are major contributors to market growth.

The changing lifestyle patterns, including the growth of nuclear families, single-person households, rising geriatric population, and increasing awareness about pet care & ownership among the younger generation, are leading to a greater degree of pet humanization. Thereby, providing market growth.

Like other veterinary service industries, the market has been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 as governments enforced strict regulations. These regulations included nationwide lockdowns, closure of pet service facilities, fewer funeral home appointments, and a highly executed inter-business shift of cremation services to meet the demand for human funerals (as the number of human deaths from COVID-19 was increasing). However, revenue normalized the next year due to higher global pet adoption and ownership rates. For example, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) reported that during the COVID-19 pandemic, approximately 23 million American families got a new pet.

In recent years, pet humanization has drawn more attention from research and mainstream media outlets. Specifically, in recent decades, the link between people and companion animals has been explored. Hence, the growing trend of treating pets as a family member instead of just companion animals worldwide is one of the key factors propelling growth. According to the HealthforAnimals report, pet ownership increased by 113% between 2014 and 2019, and by 2024, experts estimated China will have the most pets in the world. This trend toward pet humanization is expected to boost market growth over the forecast period.

Moreover, Pet memorial services give owners a sense of closure and a safe place to grieve freely for their lost pets. The growing focus on giving a respectful way of memorizing the special bond between pet and owner has increased the need for pet funeral services. The CVS Group, Veternity (Acq. by IVC Evidensia), Regency (Acq by Gateway Services) (IAOPCC accredited), Vetspeed Ltd (CPC Cares), and Pets in Peace are some of the key companies that provide pet funeral services across the globe. Pets in Peace is the first Australian pet crematorium accredited by the International Association of Pet Cemetery & Crematoriums. It offers commemorative products, such as packages, urns, timber vessels, castings, plaques, memorial jewelry, keepsakes, memorabilia, and standard vessels.

Market Concentration & Characteristics

The market exhibits a moderate concentration. The market growth stage is high, and the pace of growth is accelerating. One major factor propelling the market growth is rising pet humanization. In recent years, pet humanization has drawn more attention from research and mainstream media outlets. Specifically, in recent decades, the link between people and companion animals has been explored. Hence, the growing trend of treating pets as a family member instead of just companion animals worldwide is one of the key factors propelling growth. According to the HealthforAnimals report, pet ownership increased by 113% between 2014 and 2019, and by 2024, experts estimated China will have the most pets in the world. This trend toward pet humanization is expected to boost market growth over the forecast period.

Moreover, the establishment of new pet crematoriums has created multiple opportunities for startup companies and veterinarian practices. For instance, GHMC finished constructing an innovative small animal cremation at its Animal Care Centre in Fathullaguda, according to a news published by THE HINDU BUREAU in December 2022. Moreover, according to an article published by the Times of India in December 2023, the first animal cremation facility in Delhi, located in Dwarka Sector 29, will open up to customers very soon. It will run on CNG. With the rising demand for pet funeral services, there has been a notable trend toward customized pet memorialization solutions. Instead, they seek highly personalized memorialization options that resonate with owners’ unique relationship with their pets.

The market demonstrates a moderate degree of innovation, characterized by ongoing partnership and collaboration between market players, and supportive initiatives. For instance, in December 2023, Pets at Peace offered to cremate the Whitehaven goose, Billy, who was tragically killed on the harbor, for free. The family-run business provides a personal, dignified service, similar to a human funeral home, where pet owners can spend time with their pets.

Within the market, there exists a high level of mergers and acquisitions activity, indicative of ongoing consolidation and strategic partnerships among industry players. For instance, in March 2022, Gateway Services Inc., a portfolio company of Imperial Capital, acquired Regency Pet, LLC, a company owned by Access Holdings, marking a significant expansion in the pet aftercare services sector.

The market experiences a low impact of regulations. Pet cremation regulations vary according to nation, state, and municipality. To obtain the license to operate a pet cemetery or crematorium, one must apply to the Secretary of State. The applicant must sign the application and attest to its truthfulness while facing possible perjury charges.

The risk of substitutes is expected to be low to moderate. The type of pet funerals varies in every region. Though globally these services are considered a standardized type of treatment for pet funeral use, several alternative forms of services do exist in some countries. Substitution services like resonation, and pet taxidermy, and others.

High levels of regional growth operations in the market are caused by initiatives by major competitors in the market. For example, CVS Group plc is a leading veterinary services provider in the UK. It offers pet funeral services. Its pet cremation and memorial services provide a compassionate way for pet owners to say goodbye to their beloved companions. CVS Group plc's extensive network of veterinary practices ensures convenient access to these services, enhancing its position in the pet funeral market.

Pet Type Insights

Based on pet type, the dogs segment held the market with the largest revenue share of  50.83% in 2023, due to a growing global preference for dogs as companion animals and their significant population in developed countries. The emotional bond between humans and dogs has deepened, leading to a rising trend of treating pets like family members. This shift in perception is evident in the surge in pet adoption rates. Data from the American Pet Products Association (APPA) in 2023 reveals that 69 million households in the U.S. own dogs, which continues to rise steadily. The broader trend toward wellness and holistic lifestyles also influences the market, encouraging pet owners to engage with services that address all aspects of their pet's lives, including their passing.

The cat segment is anticipated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period, due to many factors. One of the primary reasons for this growth is the increasing trend of pet adoption, particularly of cats. As per the World Animal Foundation 2023 report, approximately 3.5 to 4.1 million dogs and cats are adopted annually in the U.S., indicating a steady increase in pet ownership. This trend is further amplified during the COVID-19 pandemic, where almost one in every five households adopted pets, highlighting the resilience of the pet adoption market amidst challenging times. The adoption of cats has been on the rise, with the emotional bond and companionship that cats offer their owners contributing to their popularity. This growing population of pet cats increases the demand for pet funeral services and drives the market for specialized services tailored to cats, including cremation, burial, and memorialization options.

Service Type Insights

Based on service type, the cremation segment held the market with the largest revenue share of 77.35% in 2023, due to multiple factors. These factors underscore the changing attitudes toward pets as beloved family members & the growing importance of providing them with respectful and dignified final rites. The affordability of cremation services relative to traditional burials appeals to many pet owners, particularly those residing in areas with high pet ownership rates. The process of cremation is environmentally friendly, compliant with strict emission guidelines, and avoids the negative effects of land utilization and decay associated with traditional burials.

In addition, international corporations actively participate in the pet funeral market through pioneering endeavors, such as SafePassages Pet Cremation (SPPC), which commenced operations in Indiantown, Florida, in January 2023. SPPC provides a humane and eco-aware pet cremation service, emphasizing transparency and traceability throughout the process, thus enabling pet owners to experience a serene conclusion. Moreover, the sentimental value attached to pets as cherished companions and emotional supports fuels the demand for specialized pet funeral services that cater to these emotional needs. Consequently, pet owners increasingly view cremation as a fitting tribute to their departed furry friends, thereby reinforcing the cremation segment's dominant position within the market.

Regional Insights

North America dominated the pet funeral services market with the revenue share of 37.11% in 2023, due to a combination of factors including high pet ownership rates, strong consumer spending, and a growing trend of pet humanization. The region's culture values pets as family members, leading to an increase in the demand for comprehensive pet funeral services, including cremation, burial, and memorialization. The U.S. alone accounts for over 70% of households owning a pet, according to the 2021 - 2022 National Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association (APPA). This has created a strong demand for pet-related services, as pets are increasingly viewed as integral members of the family. Moreover, several human funeral establishments have expanded their services for deceased pets. For example, according to an article published by PULVIS in 2019, approximately 15% of funeral facilities in the U.S. offer services for pets.

U.S. Pet Funeral Services Market Trends

The pet funeral services market in U.S. is anticipated to witness at the substantial CAGR over the forecast period, driven by the growing preference for pet cremation and the humanization of pets, which has led to an increase in the demand for personalized and dignified end-of-life services for pets. Recent innovations in the U.S. market include the introduction of eco-friendly and sustainable options, such as biodegradable urns and green burial services, catering to environmentally conscious pet owners. Competitive players in the market, including Pet Angel Memorial Center, Pet Passages, and Resting Waters Aquamation, offer a wide range of services, from pet cremation and burial to memorialization products & grief support services, to meet the diverse needs of pet owners across the country.

Europe Pet Funeral Services Market Trends

The pet funeral services market in Europe is anticipated to witness at the significant CAGR over the forecast period, driven by various factors such as an increase in pet ownership rates and a rise in the demand for personalized end-of-life care options. According to European Pet Food Industry Federation's June 2021 report, with over 80 million households adopting pets, there is a significant market for end-of-life care and memorialization services. This trend reflects the changing societal perception of pets as cherished family members, leading to a higher demand for dignified and personalized farewell services. France, for instance, has revised its pet burial laws to allow for ashes to be scattered in designated areas, indicating a shift in societal attitude toward pet memorials.

The Germany pet funeral services market is anticipated to witness at the substantial CAGR over the forecast period, driven by the growing humanization of pets and the rising demand for personalized & dignified end-of-life services. Germany has a large pet-owning population, with over 34 million households owning pets in 2022. This trend highlights the significant potential market for pet funeral services, reflecting the societal shift toward viewing pets as cherished family members. The increased spending on pet-related products and services, including funeral services, further highlights this growing demand.

Asia Pacific Pet Funeral Services Market Trends

The pet funeral services market in the Asia Pacific region is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR over the forecast period, propelled by rising pet ownership rates, especially in countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea. A recent industry report revealed that in 2021, China alone had 58.06 million cats and 54.29 million dogs, indicating a substantial market for pet-related services. Moreover, the trend of humanizing pets has led to a greater demand for dignified and personalized funeral services, thereby fueling market expansion. Key players in the global market, including the Asia Pacific region, such as Veternity, CVS Group, and Regency, are actively undertaking strategic initiatives such as collaborations, mergers & acquisitions, and service expansions to capitalize on this growth. For instance, VetPartners' acquisition of Pet Cremation Services in March 2021 highlights the market's dynamic nature and the strategic maneuvers being made to seize its growth potential. Hence, the increasing number of local service providers, along with greater awareness and popularity of pet funeral processes in the region, promote market growth.

The India pet funeral services market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR during the forecast period. India has observed a significant increase in pet ownership, with dogs, cats, and birds being the most popular choices. This surge in pet ownership is driving the demand for pet-related services, including funerals, as pets are increasingly regarded as integral family members. This trend is further accentuated by the humanization of pets, leading to a growing emphasis on providing dignified farewells. The emergence of specialized pet crematoriums and funeral services in major cities such as Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru is a testament to this trend, offering a range of services from simple cremations to personalized funeral ceremonies to meet the diverse needs of pet owners.

Latin America Pet Funeral Services Market Trends

The pet funeral services market in Latin America is anticipated to witness at the significant CAGR during the forecast period, driven by various factors. One key driver is the increasing pet ownership rates in the region, with dogs being the most popular pets, followed by cats and birds. Pet ownership and pet food sales have been evolving across Latin America. As more people move to cities, there is more demand for cats and small dogs, according to an article published by Pet Food Industry in June 2023. This trend is leading to a greater demand for pet-related services, including funerals. Pets are increasingly considered part of the family and owners seek dignified farewells for their beloved companions. For instance, specialized pet funeral services and facilities are being launched in Latin America.

The Brazil pet funeral services market is anticipated to witness at the significant CAGR during the forecast period. A notable development in Brazil's market is the emergence of specialized pet funeral services and facilities. These establishments offer a variety of services, ranging from simple cremations to elaborate funeral ceremonies, to cater to the diverse needs of pet owners. Key players in this market, such as Pets in Peace, Pet Memorial, are expanding their offerings to meet the rising demand. They are also investing in innovative solutions like eco-friendly cremation options and online memorial services to address the evolving needs of pet owners in the country.

Middle East & Africa Pet Funeral Services Market Trends

The pet funeral services market in the Middle East & Africa (MEA) is anticipated to witness at the significant CAGR during the forecast period, driven by increasing pet companionship rates, a growing trend of pet humanization, and rising awareness among pet owners about affordable pet death care services. Some of the key players in the global market, including the MEA region, are Veternity, CVS Group, Regency, Vetspeed Ltd., and Pets in Peace.

The South Africa pet funeral services market is driven by increasing rates of pet companionship. There are 21.7 million pets in South Africa. This trend is leading to a greater demand for pet-related services, including funerals, as pets are increasingly considered part of the family, and owners seek dignified farewells for their beloved companions. 

Key Pet Funeral Services Company Insights

The majority of market players have strong collaborations with manufacturers & suppliers to ensure uninterrupted global supply. Multiple key companies undertake strategic partnerships and mergers & acquisitions as a part of their global strategy. For instance, in March 2021, VetPartners acquired Pet Cremation Services, a UK-based pet crematoria company, to expand its service offerings.

Recent Developments

• In January 2023, Vedi and Evermore Pet Cremation have joined forces to create a streamlined service for handling a pet's passing, aiming to ease the burden on pet owners. By integrating with Vedi's universal health record platform, the partnership aims to eliminate the potential for mishaps in the often-manual process between veterinarians, owners, and crematoriums, which is typically managed using disparate methods like spreadsheets and labels

• In March 2021, VetPartners acquired Pet Cremation Services, a UK-based pet crematoria company, to expand its service offerings

Pet Funeral Services Market Report Scope

Global Pet Funeral Services Market Report Segmentation

This report forecasts revenue growth at global, regional, and country levels and provides an analysis of the latest industry trends in each of the sub-segments from 2018 to 2030. For this study, Grand View Research has segmented the pet funeral services market report based on pet type, service type, and region.

• Pet Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Dogs

  • Cats

  • Other Animals

• Service Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • Burial

  • Cremation

    • Communal

    • Partitioned

    • Private

• Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)

  • North America

    • U.S.

    • Canada

  • Europe

    • UK

    • Germany

    • France

    • Italy

    • Spain

    • Denmark

    • Sweden

    • Norway

  • Asia Pacific

    • Japan

    • India

    • China

    • South Korea

    • Australia

    • Thailand

  • Latin America

    • Brazil

    • Mexico

    • Argentina

  • Middle East and Africa (MEA)

    • South Africa

    • Saudi Arabia

    • UAE

    • Kuwait