For a growing number of people, pets are much more than just animal companions. They are family members, and an indispensable source of warmth and joy — until it's time to say goodbye.

In Changchun, Jilin province, 21-year-old Gu Mingze has spent two years using his professionalism and empathy to escort over 500 pets on their final journey.

In 2024, Gu arrived in Changchun from his hometown, Jilin's Songyuan city, initially just helping out at his cousin's pet funeral home, called "Devotion".

"At that time, I knew little about the industry; I was only familiar with common pet hospitals and stores, never imagining there was a field dedicated to providing aftercare services for deceased pets," Gu said. "After systematic learning, I slowly discovered the significance of the work."

Over the course of two months, transitioning from part-time assistant to full-time worker, he deeply felt the affection that owners have for their pets.

"Professional funeral services can provide a warm conclusion to this deep affection, alleviating the grief to the greatest extent possible," he said.

In the past, he said, pet aftercare often involved unregulated mobile cremations — modified vans equipped with simple, small-scale cremation furnaces, lacking proper documentation and compliance, which neither ensured environmental protection nor a sense of ceremony.

The parlor Gu works for adheres to standardized operations, with every step of the process being meticulous and filled with warmth. From reception to farewell, the entire process is carefully managed.

"After clients inquire via phone or online platforms, they can choose to bring their pets to the store or opt for at-home pickup services," he said. "Upon arrival at the store, pets undergo free ultraviolet disinfection to ensure hygiene and safety."

After being cleaned, the pets' fur is carefully groomed to restore their appearance in life, allowing the animals to complete their final farewell in a sleeping posture.

According to Gu, the farewell ceremony is the core of the service, lasting about half an hour.

"Pet owners can write memorial cards for their pets and use paint to make paw prints, preserving precious memories," said Gu. "We patiently accompany the owners, listen to their stories and offer comforting words to soothe their sadness."

After the ceremony, pets are sent to an approved, dedicated, environmentally friendly cremation site for proper handling.

"After cremation, owners can choose to take the ashes or customize a special keepsake," he said. "We offer self-developed glass urns and hand-painted urn services, allowing owners to participate in the creation process, easing their grief.

"Additionally, there are resin accessories like necklaces and bracelets, as well as engraved ornaments and photo frame decorations that incorporate pet hair or ashes, allowing the pets to accompany their owners in another way," he added.

Over the past two years, Gu and his colleagues have provided services for over 1,000 animals, ranging from dogs and cats to hedgehogs, snakes, crows and parrots.

Before the 2025 Spring Festival, a senior woman came to the parlor for the cremation of her golden retriever, who had accompanied her for over a decade, he said. Nearing the Spring Festival holiday, she tearfully hoped to have her dog cremated with a red scarf.

Considering her advanced age and difficulty moving alone, Gu offered full assistance to fulfill her wish. "When the golden retriever left gracefully with the red scarf, I saw the tears in the lady's eyes turned into a smile of comfort," he said. "At that moment, I deeply felt the significance of my job."

During holiday periods such as Spring Festival and Mid-Autumn Festival, Gu will prepare dumplings, snacks, and flowers to honor the pets that have passed away, extending the companionship in a heartwarming way.

"Many owners are emotionally overwhelmed during farewells," he said. "What they need most is understanding and companionship. I always center my work on empathy, aiming not only to provide professional services, but also to become a listener and healer of the owners' emotions. This job is not just a means of livelihood; it's about conveying respect for life.

"I hope to continuously improve my professional skills, and contribute to the standardized development of the industry, ensuring more pets can have a dignified farewell and more owners can find solace."

Contact the writers at zhouhuiying@chinadaily.com.cn