Recent reports about standards within parts of the pet cremation sector have understandably raised many questions about what happens after a beloved pet leaves the veterinary practice.
Like many people, I found the details deeply upsetting. My thoughts are with every family who may now be questioning what happened to their much-loved companion.
No family should ever be left wondering whether the promises they were given were the reality their pet experienced.
At Dignity, we’ve always believed that individual pet cremation is about far more than returning ashes. It’s about treating every pet with the same care, dignity and respect that we would want for our own and as if their owner was by our side throughout.
For more than 34 years, we’ve believed that transparency isn’t something you claim. It’s something you demonstrate.
That’s why we are independently inspected by the APPCC (Association of Private Pet Cemeteries & Crematoria) that has a Code of Conduct, and why we’ve always welcomed families and veterinary teams to visit us, ask questions and see exactly how we care for every pet entrusted to us. Transparency isn’t something we’ve adopted because of recent events. It’s simply how we’ve always worked.
Recent events have reminded us why that matters so much.
Every Stage of Pet Cremation Matters
When families choose a pet cremation service, they deserve to know more than simply where their pet’s ashes will be returned.
They have the right to know:
- Which pet crematorium will carry out the cremation.
- How will their pet be treated whilst in the care of the pet crematorium.
- How their pet will be identified throughout their journey.
- Where their pet will placed at the crematorium before cremation.
- Details of how every individual cremation is carried out.
- What procedures are in place to ensure the correct ashes are returned.
Not every veterinary practice uses the same pet crematorium, and pet owners are always entitled to ask who will be caring for their pet and choose their own service if they want to.
These aren’t difficult questions. In fact, they’re questions every reputable pet crematorium should be happy to answer.
How We Care for Every Pet at Dignity:
Every pet arrives with a unique identification that remains with them throughout every stage of their journey. They are gently placed into their own Dignity pet bed before resting in our walk-in cool rooms. We do not use freezers or body bags.
At Dignity an individual cremation means only one pet is gently placed into the cremation chamber at a time. After each cremation, the chamber is carefully swept and prepared before the next pet enters, helping ensure every family receives all of and only their own pet’s ashes. Our Attended Cremation Service means you can be present at the start of your pet’s cremation and see as much or as little as you want.
Every family also receives a Certificate of Authenticity, providing reassurance that their beloved companion has been cared for with dignity from beginning to end.
These are not new standards. They are the principles that have guided our work for more than 34 years because we believe every pet deserves compassionate, respectful and individual care. The vets who offer our service do so because of our high standards, not because of financial reward and we give them full details of our working practices so they can be open and honest to pet owners.
Questions Every Pet Owner Should Ask
Whether you choose Dignity or another provider, I would always encourage you to ask questions.
- Which pet crematorium will be caring for my pet?
- How will my pet be transported, handled and where will they be placed before
- cremation?
- How will my pet be identified throughout their journey?
- How does the company carry out an individual cremation?
- Can I visit and see where my pet will be cared for?
- Can I witness the start of my pet’s cremation?
- Is the pet crematorium independently inspected?
Looking Ahead
My hope is that something positive comes from these difficult events.
If more families feel confident asking questions, and more providers are open about how they care for pets, then standards across our profession can only become stronger.
Every pet owner deserves complete confidence in the promises they are given. Every pet deserves to be treated with dignity. And every family deserves complete transparency from beginning to end.
If you’re considering pet cremation, we welcome you to visit Dignity, meet our team and see our facilities for yourself.
Thank you for taking the time to read this.
Owner,
Kevin Spurgeon
Dignity Pet Crematorium
Useful Information:
Every family deserves clear information and complete peace of mind when saying goodbye to a beloved companion. If you would like to learn more about the care, standards and support we provide, you may find these pages helpful:
Caring for Your Pet
Learn how your pet is cared for from the moment they arrive with us, including our individual identification procedures and the care taken at every stage of their journey.
https://www.dignitypetcrem.co.uk/caring-for-your-pet/
What Makes Dignity Different
Find out more about our individual pet cremation service, our family values, and the principles that have guided Dignity for over 34 years.
https://www.dignitypetcrem.co.uk/what-makes-dignity-pet-cremation-services-different/
Our Code of Practice
Read about the professional standards and commitments we follow every day to ensure every pet is treated with dignity, compassion and respect.
https://www.dignitypetcrem.co.uk/code-of-practice/
