Funerals for deceased relatives and the burning of votive offerings have long been a tradition in China. These practices aim to show remembrance and respect for the departed, while also conveying hopes for their prosperous life in the afterlife.

However, as the pet industry continues to flourish, a range of services mimicking human customs has emerged, including pet funerals. Pet owners utilize these services to commemorate their beloved animals and alleviate the grief of their loss.

Burning votive offerings and making sacrifices for pets in China. *Photo: Douyin*.

Pet funerals are carefully arranged with fresh flowers and paw print keepsake boxes, offering a dignified farewell for the animals. A niche market for pet votive offerings and sacrifices has also appeared. Many online stores provide luxury pet funeral packages for 35 USD, which include 139 votive items such as shampoo, washing machines, air conditioners, and even paper servants and companion pets, along with gold and silver ingots.

"One year has passed, but I still miss my darling pet. I hope it receives these items and enjoys them in the afterlife. I wish we will meet again", a customer wrote in a store review.

Some sellers also provide burning services for prices ranging from 19,9 to 28,8 yuan. An employee at one store stated that 'hell money' and votive offerings are typically burned on a pet's anniversary or whenever the owner wishes to commemorate the animal.

On short video platforms, many production workshops promote realistic pet votive offerings, such as food items crafted from salmon, tuna, steak, Wagyu beef, and dried chicken.

"This is the 'hell money' for pets that we produce", a seller stated in a video. "There are also gold notes printed with US dollars, British pounds, and euros."

Wang Xianyou, President of the Anhui Provincial Folklore Literature Association, stated that burning votive offerings for pets is not a new folk custom, but rather a product of the emotional economy.

"In today's fast-paced life, some people use human-like rituals to overcome the grief of losing a pet. Commercial promotions have fueled the widespread adoption of this trend, making it more accepted", he added.

According to the China Pet Industry Consumption Report 2026, the urban pet market reached 312,6 billion yuan (46 billion USD) in 2025 and is projected to increase to 405 billion yuan by 2028. Amid this rapid growth, spending on pet-related products continues to rise, and the pet healthcare sector is also experiencing growth.

'Hell money' for pets in China. *Photo: Douyin*.

However, the trend of burning votive offerings for pets has also sparked considerable debate. Some critics view it merely as a marketing gimmick.

"'Hell money' for pets? Isn't this just nonsense to grab attention?", one commenter wrote.

"Dogs do not even know how to spend money, so what is the point of burning this?", another person remarked.

"Instead, you should be more filial to your parents", a third person suggested.

Another person joked: "Looking at those denominations, it seems even pets have to face inflation in the afterlife!"