in pet ownership in recent decades, while, in
countries such as Japan, the density of pets per
person is high due to its population density and
the lifestyle of its inhabitants.
Although dogs and cats dominate the pet
scene in many regions, other animals are also
popular in different cultures. For example, fish
are common pets in many parts of the world
because of their relative ease of care and small
space requirements. In some Asian countries,
such as China, caring for fish and birds is
considered a traditional hobby. Small animals
such as hamsters, rabbits and ferrets are
popular in several countries because of their
compatibility with small living spaces, which is
common in densely populated urban areas.
The life expectancy of pets can vary considerably
depending on several factors, including breed,
living conditions, veterinary care, nutrition,
among others. Cats’ life expectancy has
increased over the years, thanks to better
veterinary care and improved nutrition. On
average, a domestic cat can live between 12
and 18 years, although it is not uncommon for
some cats to reach their 20s or more, especially
those that live exclusively indoors and receive
regular veterinary care. The life expectancy of
dogs can vary widely depending on their breed.
Small breeds tend to live longer than large
breeds. On average, small dogs can live 12 to
15 years, while large breeds tend to have a life
expectancy of about 8 to 12 years. Medium
breed dogs fall somewhere in between these
two.
Funeral business insight
The companion animal population rotates 4 to
6 times more than the human population. Our
clients are humans and a person who has had
a pet usually has several throughout life, this
indicates that our services, as a service and as
a fantastic way to present ourselves and show
what we are to create links with families, is to
perform funeral services for their pets.
Pet protection legislation
Companion animal protection legislation has
advanced significantly in several countries,
reflecting a growing recognition of animals as
beings deserving of rights and protection. This
change has led to several legislative and policy
actions focused on animal welfare, although
the scope and nature of these measures vary
from country to country:
• Recognition of animals’ capacity to experience
sensations (Animal Sentience): Many countries
have begun to legally recognize that our pets
can experience sensations and emotions such
as pain and pleasure. This recognition has
been a fundamental step for the advancement
of animal protection laws, as it establishes the
ethical and legal basis for the promotion of
animal welfare.
• Prohibition of Cruel Practices: Laws have
been tightened against practices considered
cruel, such as dog fighting, mistreatment
and neglect. Some countries have completely
banned animal shows, such as circuses and
dolphin shows.
• Regulation on Trade and Breeding: Stricter
regulations on the breeding and sale of
companion animals have been implemented
to prevent overpopulation and ensure that
breeders follow ethical and humane practices.
• Responsible Ownership and Care Rights:
Several
countries
have
introduced
laws
requiring responsible care by pet owners,
including
obligations
such
as
ensuring
adequate food, shelter, access to health care,
and exercise. Some have even banned leaving
pets alone for extended periods of time.
• Legal Framework for Animal Protection:
Countries such as France and Spain have
made notable progress. France, for example,
updated its civil code to describe animals as
“living beings endowed with sentience” instead
of considering them “movable property”.
Spain passed a law that protects the rights
of animals and explicitly recognizes them as
sentient beings.
• Penalties for Animal Abuse: Penalties for
animal mistreatment and abuse have been
increased, including substantial fines and
imprisonment, in an effort to deter such
behaviours.
• Promotion
of
Adoptions
and
Shelters:
Legislation has also encouraged the adoption
of pets instead of buying them, supporting
shelters and rescue organizations.
And
finally,
some
countries
are
already
developing specific legislation for the final
destination
of
pets,
forcing
a
controlled
cremation or burial, which will undoubtedly
move a business of great dimensions and
challenges, for which we must be prepared, all
the funeral operators, because if not, others
will.
THANOS MAGAZINE | No. 107 – AUTUMN 2024
29
STRATEGY & MARKETING