Chongqing - In a quiet corner of Chongqing, Tan Jingyuan and his team at Sun Forest, a pet mortuary and memorial institution, are transforming how Chongqing pet owners cope with loss. As the city's first dedicated pet aftercare service, Sun Forest goes beyond basic cremation - it crafts meaningful, personalized goodbyes for beloved companions. 

Sun Forest's compassionate approach arrives as China's pet aftercare sector experiences explosive growth. The market, valued at 1.825 billion RMB (approximately USD 251.03 million) in 2023, is projected to surpass 2.571 billion RMB (approximately USD 353.65 million) by 2025, driven by rising pet ownership (over 100 million pets nationwide) and the deepening of emotional bonds. Yet challenges persist: inconsistent regulations, price gouging, and "assembly-line" services plague the industry. In this landscape, Sun Forest stands apart.

The process begins with gentle embalming and grooming, restoring pets to a peaceful appearance. Families then gather in Sun Forest's specially designed memorial room, surrounded by their pet's favorite toys, treats, and blankets. Unlike impersonal providers, Tan's team encourages owners to write letters, share stories, and create lasting tributes, such as paw-print jewelry or memorial books. "We've had clients who couldn't speak through their tears at first," Tan shares. "By the ceremony's end, they were able to hold themselves and shake our hands thankfully and peacefully."

"Being forgotten is the end, not death," Tan reflects. "For many people, losing a pet is their first encounter with death. We exist to guide them through that journey."

(Zhang Yu, as an intern, also contributed to this report.)