When Pet Loss Becomes Big Business
Briefly

When Pet Loss Becomes Big Business
"For instance, the global pet loss insurance market, estimated at US$1.3 billion in 2025, is expected to reach US$4 billion between 2026 and 2033, according to a report by Verified Market Reports. Similarly, the global market for apps offering digital pet bereavement support is estimated to have generated a revenue of US$122.5 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a rate of up to 12.8% by 2033, reaching a total of US$362.8 million, according to a report from Growth Market Report."
"These insurance policies cover various aspects. For example, while some cover only financial indemnity for the death of a pet, others include costs related to cremation and memorials, and some even offer symbolic gestures, such as planting a tree in memory of the pet or making donations to a particular cause. This variety of coverages shows that it is not only a matter of logistics but also of grief rituals."
"Although these trends primarily lead us to reflect on financial aspects, they also help us to deepen our understanding of the evolving role of companion animals in society and the validation of pet loss grief as a legitimate experience. As described in these reports, the humanization of pets and their growing presence in homes are essential factors in this context. Additionally, it reflects the openness to seeking emotional support after the loss of a companion animal."
Pet bereavement is receiving greater social recognition, contributing to expanding markets for pet loss insurance and digital bereavement apps. The global pet loss insurance market was estimated at US$1.3 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach US$4 billion between 2026 and 2033. Digital pet bereavement apps generated approximately US$122.5 million in 2024 and are forecast to grow to US$362.8 million by 2033 at up to 12.8% annual growth. Insurance offerings range from financial indemnity to cremation, memorial costs, and symbolic services like tree plantings or charitable donations. These developments reflect pet humanization, validated grief rituals, increased openness to emotional support, and a shift that combines care practices with commercial opportunities and associated ethical and access risks.
Read at Psychology Today
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