Taking the sting out of pet deaths .

Changing public attitudes toward animal welfare are driving demand for funeral services for family pets, but many companies in the sector are complaining that business is being hampered by a lack of official recognition. Wang Xin and Cang Wei report from Nanjing.

'When I saw her lying peacefully in the coffin, surrounded by flower petals, it looked as though she had just fallen asleep and would wake up again," said Li Chongjian, recalling the memorial service she held for her pet dog in Shanghai.

"Mao Tuan ("Furry Ball") died suddenly of heart disease after spending 12 years with our family. A decent memorial service was necessary to allow us to cherish her memory and get over our grief," Li said.