Saying Goodbye in Taiwan
The Gentle Rise of Pet Farewell Ceremonies

By Lin Hsien-Yun / Tainan

AUG 2025

In Taiwan, where dogs and cats are no longer just pets but cherished family members, a quiet cultural shift is taking place. As the “fur kids = family” mindset becomes part of everyday life, more and more owners are choosing to bid their companions farewell through carefully crafted pet funeral rites — a final journey marked with tenderness, dignity, and love.

For many, a dog’s wagging tail at the door or a cat’s silent companionship in the late hours has been as constant as any human bond. These animals may never speak, but they comfort, welcome, and share in our lives without complaint. When they pass, the grief can cut just as deep as losing a relative — and so a farewell ceremony becomes more than ritual; it’s a bridge between love and loss.

A Farewell of Equals

Pet memorial services in Taiwan are rooted in the belief that all lives deserve respect, whether human or animal. Through the ceremony, owners can say thank you, express their longing, and begin the slow process of healing.

A Space to Share

Families often gather together — sometimes even bringing children — to be part of the goodbye. It’s both an act of mourning and an unspoken lesson in life’s impermanence, teaching younger generations that love and loss are intertwined.

A Memory to Keep

Pet undertakers here offer a range of services: gentle bathing and grooming of the pet, floral tributes, photo walls, memorial videos, and even eco-friendly options like tree burials or sea burials. Many owners say these acts give them the peace to finally whisper “thank you” and “goodbye.”

In a country where respect for life is deeply woven into culture, the rise of pet ceremonies feels like a natural extension. The message is simple yet profound: love doesn’t end when a heartbeat stops — it simply changes form. And when we stand in Taiwan’s growing network of pet farewell parlors, surrounded by flowers, photos, and quiet tears, it’s clear this is not about letting go completely, but about saying, with grace, “I loved, and I said goodbye well.”