He was devastated. JoJo had been both his child and his best friend rolled into one. To make matters worse, Li soon discovered that he couldn't find a funeral home good enough for JoJo.
The surge in pet ownership is largely due to China's growing wealth, and the ability of citizens to spend their money on things that bring them joy. Now the Pet Industry report estimates there are over 73 million pet owners across the country as whole, and the industry that services their cats and dogs alone is worth a staggering $28 billion .
Zhao Siyu, manager of the Catsvilla cat hotel in Beijing, said it is"unbelievable" how much money people spend on their pets."The industry is doing better and better .... As long as the cost is within your means, everyone would love to spend more money on their cats," she said. He offers two separate funeral services -- a more traditional Chinese Buddhist commemoration and a secular farewell for atheist or agnostic owners. Afterwards, Li will help them choose how to dispose of their pet's remains, with cremation generally the preferred option.
Worldwide, studies have shown that animals are an effective way to lower stress and anxiety. And the Chinese government says mental health problems are on the rise across the country.