For many years we have been supplying Pet Cremation solutions across the world. It is an industry that is continuing to grow. Although now is probably the best time to open up a pet crematorium in terms of operating a successful business, pet cremation is not a new practice. In closer research, it dates back to the dawn of recorded history. As the leaders in the supply and service of pet cremators, we decided it may be a good idea for us to have a close look at the full history, and so here we go, from the Greeks and Romans right up to the latest innovations. If you have any questions at the end, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at sales@addfield.com

The popularity of pet cremation as a way to say goodbye to our pets has boomed in recent years. Pet owners seek to honour their beloved animal companions in a dignified and meaningful way. However, the history of pet cremation is a long and complex one, spanning many centuries and cultures. Let’s delve into the origins of pet cremation, its evolution over time, and the current state of the practice in modern society.

It is a modern practice that mirrors human cremation; pet cremation is a process in which a deceased pet’s remains are reduced to ashes by exposing them to high temperatures. This practice has become increasingly popular in recent years as pet owners seek to honour their beloved animal companions in a dignified and meaningful way that dates back to ancient times.

The earliest evidence of pet cremation dates back to ancient times, with the ancient Greeks and Romans being among the first civilisations to practice the ritual. They believed that burning the body of a deceased pet would release their soul and send them to the afterlife. In fact, the Greeks were known to hold elaborate funeral ceremonies for their pets, complete with processions, offerings, and even tombstones. To ancient Greeks, pets were incredibly important to them, especially dogs, due to their hunting abilities, and they would even pay special attention to naming their dog. When they died, they took grief seriously, not afraid to cry or mourn them.

During the Middle Ages, pet cremation became less common as the Christian Church began to hold more sway over European society. The Church viewed cremation as a pagan practice and discouraged its use. Many Christians believed cremation could be a way to refuse the possibility of resurrection. However, some pet owners still continued to cremate their beloved animals in secret.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that pet cremation began to experience a resurgence in popularity. In 1896, Francis Xavier Sweeney opened the first pet crematory in the United States, New York City. Sweeney had been inspired by the cremation of his dog and saw an opportunity to provide a valuable service to pet owners who wanted to honour their pets in death.

Initially met with scepticism and resistance, as many people at the time viewed cremation as a barbaric and disrespectful way of treating the dead. However, Sweeney persevered; over time, his business began attracting more customers.

In the Victorian era, only upper-class households could afford to bury or cremate their pet and even go to lengths to get an elaborate headstone for their furry companions, as many families believed pets had gone further than simply being working pets. They met their owner’s emotional needs.

In the early 20th century, pet cremation began to gain wider acceptance among pet owners, particularly those who lived in urban areas where burial space was limited. Pet cemeteries also began to emerge during this time, offering pet owners a dedicated space to bury their pets in a dignified and respectful manner.

During the 1920s and 1930s, the pet funeral industry experienced a boom, with more and more businesses offering a range of pet-related services, including pet cremation. These businesses often operated alongside traditional funeral homes and provided similar services, including caskets, urns, and memorial services.

However, pet cremation still faced significant cultural stigma throughout much of the 20th century. Many people viewed it as a frivolous and unnecessary expense and preferred to bury their pets in their backyards or pet cemeteries. It wasn’t until the 1980s and 1990s that pet cremation began to gain wider acceptance, as more and more people began to view their pets as members of their families.

One of the key factors driving the rise of pet cremation during this time was the increasing urbanisation of society. As more and more people moved to cities, they found themselves with less space to bury their pets. At the same time, there was a growing awareness of the environmental impact of traditional burial practices, which led many people to seek out more sustainable alternatives.

Today, pet cremation is a widely accepted practice in many parts of the world. Various options are available to pet owners, ranging from communal cremation (where several pets are cremated together) to private cremation (where the pet is cremated alone and the owner receives the ashes). Some pet crematories even offer personalised urns, memorial jewellery, and other keepsakes to help owners remember their beloved pets.

In addition to these practical considerations, the rise of pet cremation was also fueled by changing cultural attitudes towards pets. In the past, pets were often viewed as utilitarian creatures, kept for their practical value rather than for their companionship. However, over time, pets began to take on a more prominent role in people’s lives and were increasingly seen as members of the family.

In addition to the various cremation options available, modern pet cremation also offers a range of additional services designed to help pet owners honour their pets. Some pet cremation services offer memorial services, where pet owners can gather to remember their pets and say goodbye. Others provide grief counselling and support to help pet owners cope with the loss of their pets.

One of the significant benefits of modern pet cremation is the ability to customise the experience to meet the needs and preferences of the pet owner. Pet owners can choose the type of cremation that best suits their needs and can also personalise the urn or keepsake to reflect their pet’s unique personality and traits.

Modern pet cremation has also become more accessible to pet owners, with many pet cremation services offering online ordering and shipping options. This allows pet owners to arrange their pet’s cremation from the comfort of their home and eliminates the need to transport the pet’s body to a physical location.

Another benefit of modern pet cremation is the ability to use technology to enhance the experience. Some pet cremation services offer virtual memorial services that allow pet owners to gather with family and friends to remember their pet, even if they cannot attend in person. Other services offer online obituaries and memorial pages that allow pet owners to share photos and stories of their pets with others.

In conclusion, modern pet cremation has come a long way since its origins thousands of years ago. Today, pet owners have a range of options and services available to them, from communal cremation to personalised urns and keepsakes, with the ability to customise the experience and use technology to enhance the process. From ancient Greece to modern-day, people have been cremating their beloved pets to honour their memory and provide closure in the wake of their loss. While pet cremation may have once been viewed as a fringe practice, it has become an important and widely accepted part of our cultural landscape.

It seems that pet cremation has come a full circle throughout history, being adapted to modern society as the years have gone on, yet still maintaining the same emotional and cultural meaning as it did for the Ancient Greeks and Romans. The process of celebrating a pet’s life and memory is one that is easily accessible for all households due to the availability of pet cremation.

And here at Addfield we continue to support and grow the industry with our highly efficient and environmentally sustainable range of pet cremators.

Since 1961 red diesel has provided a cost-effective solution to farmers and other businesses that need to use diesel as part of their day to day operation. Identical to normal road diesel but with the addition of a red die to distinguish is as for specialised business use, red diesel allowed users to avoid paying the tax on fuel effectively halving the price per litre.

From the 1st of April 2022 all the rules are changing leaving many businesses facing a sudden increase in their fuel bills as the tax rate will become the same as standard road diesel. Whilst this impact will not be felt by all, as hospitals and a greater majority of agricultural users will still receive the reduced tax rate this still leaves potential increases for many of our pet cremation and alternative incineration machines.

However, we are happy to say that this is not the end of affordable fuel. In fact even at the full road diesel price, our machines are so fuel efficient the impact will hardly dent the profits of most of our customers. However for the majority of owners their machines are already able to operate on alternatives to red diesel and these are priced at very close to pre-tax increase red diesel prices.

The diesel burners that many of our cremators and incinerators are shipped with are in fact already able to operate on several alternative fossil fuels as long as they conform to heating oil standard BS2869 Class A2 or Class D, these are also able to operate using Kerosene based fuels that meet the following BS2869 class Cl or CZ specification.

Before you switch fuels we would always recommend that you contact the fuel supplier to discover if there are any special requirements to switch over. Most commonly these will require you to fully empty and clean the tank and fuel lines before introducing the new fuel into your burners.

We are aware that the following branded fuels are currently compatible needing very little preparation: Therma35 heating oil – Prema 35 heating oil – Furnace Flame – IHO (Industrial Heating Oil).

These fuels and others are now being sold as a simple replacement for red diesel without having any negative impact on performance and requiring no alterations to the burners. This is for fuels supplied in accordance to BS2689 and as a direct replacement for fuels meeting the standard BS2869. Other fuels that do not meet these standards may operate in the same manner however as they are untested we could not encourage our users to use these without first completing further research as they may meet the standards in quality but just not formally. However for all replacement fuels we would recommend discussing this with us first so that we can confirm the compatibility with your burners this includes fuels that may currently be classed as compatible with some burners this may not be the case with yours. 

Red diesel and road diesel are still able to be used however if you are concerned about the price increases and would like to continue to receive the costs savings that you are used to we would recommend that you speak with your current fuel supplier about alternate options that you may have available to you, and also you can contact the team here who can run through our options. Just email sales@addfield.comor call us on +44 01543 571280.

These alternative fuels are also available outside of the UK and may be able to provide you with a cost saving alternative to your current diesel bills, as such it is well worth having that conversation.

Nestled in the heart of the medieval Spanish city of Valladolid sits one of the most impressive pet crematoriums that we have seen yet. Tanato Mascota is a full-service Professional Pet Crematorium that not only works privately but also supports the local veterinary centres.

From a distance you could be fooled into thinking that you are about to visit a luxurious pet spa the standard of design and décor are so high that a customer could not feel welcomed when entering the building.

Spread across an impressive 500m² facility which is complete with all of the features that you would have come to expect from a professional service. Complete with multiple private rooms to compassionately enable bereaved pet owners to spend time saying their final farewells alone or in small groups.

This is a great example of the services and support that can be offered by a pet crematorium that really wants to set itself apart as a premium option. Having a collection service available as part of the package either from the owners homes or direct from the veterinarians across the area, giving the owners all of the time and space that they may be needing.

Stocking as expected a full range of premium urns and mementos for the owners to take their pets ashes back home with them, they have chosen a selection that could sit comfortably on the fireplace of even the most style conscious of homes with a choice that will easily satisfy every customer.

Moving beyond the traditional services that you may have come to expect from a modern pet crematorium they even include a specially prepared bereavement support service. Incorporating psychological counselling techniques to aid and support the owners, families and especially any children through such a trying time.

Completing the cremation service they provide fully individual pet cremation, they include beautifully finished personalised certificates of cremation to fully reassure the owners that they have received only their beloved pets ashes back.

Understanding the hole that losing a pet could leave in a persons life they are even able to help the owners take their next steps, when they are ready having developed strong relationships with several pet shelters and adoption services to help rehome animals in need.

To enable the business operation of course you will find an Addfield pet cremator the A50 IC1 which is an ideal machine for a new mid-sized pet crematorium comfortably able to manage up to 15 of the largest pets in one day. Combining an upper and lower cremation chamber, alongside advanced controls that enable it to automatically optimise its operation for fresh or frozen pets enabling them to support a much wider market. Complete with ergonomic lifting table taking the strain out of loading multiple pets during the day and a high powered remains processing cremulator to ensure a consistent level of ashes are returned to the owner. The entire operation has been setup to streamline the process for everyone involved as you expect for a modern and professional service.

Here is just one wonderful example of many that we have worked with at Addfield. In this instance this project was handled by our very well experienced distributors for Spain IGE who managed the entire project from the planning stages through to commissioning and training. Another benefit of working with a company such as Addfield with such a professional and global network of partners and engineers to help you set up your pet crematorium ready for success.

If you are serious about setting up a pet crematorium and would like to see how professional a service it can become we would recommend that you take a quick look at their website https://tanatomascota.com/

Preparing for your pet cremator can often be a stressful time but is always manageable, over the years we have delivered and installed to some of the most complex sites to access. Where possible a site visit is always recommended and the pre-site checklist is essential reading and can be found in the first part of the online training course that you will be given access to once your order is placed.

In most instances we will manage the delivery for you up until the point it arrives on your premises at which point the unloading and positioning of the cremator will be your responsibility but do not worry you are not alone. Our expert team are here to help and advise you.

To begin read through the following before reviewing your site to decide what is the right option for you and if you do have questions just get in touch.

Step 1 – How will your machine be delivered?

Across the UK and most of mainland Europe, pet creamors will most commonly be delivered on the back of a flatbed wagon. These can be up to 12 metres in length so access is important. If you check your site access and believe this to be a problem contact us to ensure an appropriate alternative.

Internationally when we send your machine it will be within a 20ft or 40ft container. So once again confirm that you have easy access to the site for this size wagon.

Step 2 – Safely unloading your machine.

Depending upon the size and model of cremator you will have two options.

PET200 – In most instances, a forklift truck that can lift over 4 tonnes would be sufficient to lift and remove this. Before confirming the FLT for the day please check the latest version of the datasheet for the most up to date weights.

A50 IC (1 – 4) – For the A50 IC range we always recommend that you use a Hi Ab which is a crane attached to the delivery vehicle. These can easily remove and place the cremator ready for positioning. We will cover these options with you during planning for delivery.

Step 3 – Positioning your pet cremator inside your building

The most important factor here is access for the machine to be positioned. The more space you have the easier it will be to install. However, we have experience in installing machines in very complicated places but this requires additional planning so it is important that you review your site and contact us accordingly.

Check the datasheet for your machines this will give you all the dimensions required to house the pet cremator and include the standard heights for the chimney. At this stage, you should already have a good understanding of where the machine will be placed.

A50-IC (1 to 4) If you are positioning this within a new building and are able to use a forklift this will always be the best option. This will also help you to potentially install the chimney elements during the same day. If the machine is being installed in a building where you are unable to use a crane then a suitable Fork Lift Truck will be able to position the machine for you as long as you have clearance.

In the rare but not unknown situations where your installation can not be finalised by FLT then you can use appropriate load-bearing skates and jack to position the machine. You will still need access to a lifting crane to position the after chamber and chimney elements to complete the installation.

It is important that as part of your pre-site checklist and planning for the delivery that you ensure you have solid foundations to the front of the building to drive the machine into position.

PET 200 In most instances the PET 200 is a lot easier to position than the A50. Once again the FLT option is the fastest however skates can also be used to position it if access is a challenge. You will not require a crane to install the chimney as standard, if you have extra extensions as part of the installation discuss the recommended heights with us.

Step 4 – Positioning Fuel Tank and Control Panel

Depending upon the fuel that you have selected for your machine you may need to install an external fuel tank. When Preparing for your pet cremator we would always recommend that this is outside the building that you are installing the cremator within. A minimum of 3 metres distance is recommended as well as either being on level or raised above the level of installation. If you require a fuel tank or fuel lines, we are able to supply these to you on installation, we recommend arranging this as part of the initial order.

It is important when considering your installation to pay particular attention to where you will be installing your control panel. You could be using this several times a day for more than 20 years so getting it right the first time is beneficial. The PET200 traditionally has the control panel attached to either the side or the rear of the machine, whilst the A50 IC range has the control panels attached on a free-standing stand positioned near to the machine. Consider the options when planning your initial site. We can arrange for the control panels to be situated on a nearby wall or other location however this may incur an additional cost so please discuss this with a representative for confirmation.

Step 5 – Other considerations when preparing for your pet cremator

Only you will truly know your site and its potential challenges. Take a good look around and see what the access and egress are like to the building, things to consider are trees, accessible roads and most importantly overhead powerlines, especially if you are going to be using a crane.

Installation of the chimney – As a rule, we do not carry out work on your building specifically regarding installing your chimneys. We always recommend that if possible you employ the services of a professional roofer or suitably skilled builder to ensure a secure installation. The roof will need to be cut and sealed according to recommendations to guarantee a smooth operation for many years into the future. They will be responsible for ensuring that appropriate fire retardant materials are used as well as securing safe access via scaffolding/ladders depending upon the final height required.

The height of the chimney should be at least 0.5metres above the highest point of your building in most instances your planning application should cover this, if not please discuss this with your sales representative.

Before delivery make sure that you review your pre-site checklist to make sure you will be ready for the day. Ensure that the fuel supply is organised and that electrics have been prepared for connection. This should ideally be connected and ready to finalise before your commissioning engineer attends the site if you are having us complete your installation. To ensure that you have the right connections in place check with your sales representative and they can go over the requirements for your machine with you.

During initial purchase, your sales representative will recommend that you purchase a spares pack at the same time as your machine. Whichever machine you select you can be confident that it will be a robust and reliable solution however as with all machinery there are parts and components that can need replacing in the same way as you would on your car. We have established a spares set which contains the most easily replaceable parts that we recommend you have accessible to reduce the potential risks of downtime. We do maintain a supply of more than 20,000 spares which can be shipped when required however if you already have the parts to hand you can be up and running in a matter of minutes rather than days.

Additionally, in the same way, that it is recommended that you have your car serviced every year or so many miles the same is true with a pet cremator. Over time parts can wear, become knocked or unclean which could impact your operation and efficiency. Having an annual service/health check with one of our experienced engineers will get your machine back into optimal performance and as well as giving you the opportunity to catch up on the best practice for running your machine from an expert.

Finally, before installation, we recommend that you speak to your insurance company and also your local fire service regarding arranging a risk assessment for your site. In many instances, we have found that this could help you to bring your premiums down following a few simple alterations such as incorporating fire extinguishers, illuminated fire exit points and external meeting points.

When is training?

With our online training platform, you will be given access to the training on how to install and operate your new pet cremator as soon as your order is processed this will not be automatically actioned so if you want to receive access notify your sales representative and give them your chosen email address to be registered on.

If you have optioned training following Addfield installing and commissioning your machine this may take place the same or following day and will last for approximately 4 hours. Training is also available from our factory in Staffordshire at various times throughout the year. To discover your full range of options for training just ask and we can discuss this with you fully. However, you will always have access to the team at Addfield for support, advice and guidance for the life of the pet cremator. Our after service is recognised worldwide for the breadth of support available.

Choosing an Addfield Pet Cremator is a big decision and one we are confident that you will be happy with for many years to come. Although the installation is a big step in getting your business up and running it is an achievable one. Our team have supported the installations of machines in over 110 countries. If you need further advice and support do not hesitate to contact our sales representative and any stage when Preparing for your pet cremator and they will make sure to help.

Sustainability is one of the keywords that you will always see us using when talking about our machines. Incineration can often get a bad reputation from those that do not understand how in many aspects it can be the most environmentally friendly approach to disposing of some waste types.

Having a life expectancy of more than 20 years we are well aware of the structural sustainability of our machines but as the world moves away from traditional fossil fuels what does that mean for incineration? In the UK, Petrol and Diesel fuelled vehicles are being phased out over the next decade for electric versions. This approach is being mirrored across Europe and countries across the world. Purely electric incineration is not yet possible as you will always need combustible fuel to operate.

However, there are many alternatives to Diesel for fuel. Most commonly you will find many of our incinerators operating using LPG, Natural Gas, Kerosene and even recycling waste oil.

Biofuel has been an option that we have been investigating for some time now and are happy to announce that most of our machines are now able to be supplied with, or be upgraded to use HVO Biofuel (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) potentially the world’s purest and greenest fuel available.

What are the benefits of HVO BioFuel?

There are many reasons why you should consider using HVO Biofuel compared to more traditional fossil fuels such as Diesel or Natural gas.

The next level of sustainable HVO fuel will not run out in the same way that fossil fuel will. Crop based. The raw materials can be grown easily and without impacting the environment. In fact, the UK has more than 100,000 hectares of land just growing crops for such usage, a truly organic approach to carbon neutrality.

Additionally, HVO Biofuel is also produced from waste fats and vegetable oils providing a safe and sustainable approach for disposing of these end of life products. Creating the fuel through Hydrogenation and Isomerisation the resulting fuel is significantly less harmful than traditional diesel, cleaner-burning also means less wear and tear on the burners, reducing soot and emissions as a direct result of usage compared to dirtier ‘Natural’ fuels.

Cleaner and safer to use than traditional diesel and red diesel, HVO is a biodiesel that is 100% hydrocarbon (0% oxygen) meeting EN15940 standards for paraffinic fuels, as well as ASTM D975 19B and Fuel Quality Directive 2009/30/EC Annex II.

Using HVO lets you cut your greenhouse gas emissions by up to a massive 90%. Eliminates up to 90% of net CO2 and also drastically reduces nitrogen oxide (NOx), particulate matter (PM) and carbon monoxide (CO) emissions compared to other fuels.

We are now able to provide the option of selecting these new burners when ordering the machine or even by choosing to retrofit your existing incinerator/pet cremator.

HVO Biofuel is available from a range of suppliers and delivered in exactly the same way that standard fuels will be with one extra difference. Many suppliers have signed the tankers used to deliver the fuels to be carbon neutral meaning that this really is the greenest fuel possible.

Available to be used in all of our agricultural machines and pet cremation machines if you would like to learn more about your opportunities for reducing your greenhouse gasses by 90%, going carbon neutral and sustainable operation just get in touch and we can go through your options with you fully.

To learn about HVO Biofuels click here.

To learn the real difference between Biodiesel (HVO) and traditional Diesel (FAME) click here.

All key incineration/cremation machines from addfield are available with HVO burners as an option. To learn more about your options visit click.

Pet Cremation has continued to flourish as an industry. Showing no signs of slowing down we are seeing a dramatic increase in the number of entrepreneurs branching out into running a pet crematorium as an extension to their existing business or even an entirely new proposition.

During 2020 and the ongoing global lockdowns caused by the coronavirus it has been interesting to see all our pet cremation customers have been able to stay open as an essential business and also remain very busy. We have always recommended the security of pet cremation but it really has proven itself to be a recession-proof business.

When a customer buys a machine from us we like to consider that the beginning of the relationship as we look at the success of every pet crematorium as a success for Addfield. We keep in touch, provide ongoing support and guidance, and hopefully help you to grow a solid and dependable business. We are incredibly proud to see the growth which often follows a similar pattern which does often leads to a second, larger machine.

One such success story is located just over 200 miles away from our factory in Staffordshire in the seaside town of Great Yarmouth. Rainbow Bridge Pet Cremations Ltd is the perfect example of a success story expanding not once but twice and all in the space of just two years.

We recently took a trip down to see the owners Gerry Coulam and Mark Aylen for a chat and a cup of tea to discover the highs and the lows of operating a pet crematorium business as well as discover a little more for the future of Rainbow Bridge.

So in their own words, what’s it like running a pet crematorium? Let’s pass over to Gerry and Mark at Rainbow Bridge.

“We set the business Up basically because we had a bad experience a couple of years ago with one of our pets. A parrot named Billy. We took him to a different cremation facility and wasn’t impressed. We didn’t get the service that we’d expect as pet owners. As we picked Billy up we came out and my wife just happened to casually mention we could do better than that. Gave it a little bit of thought and here we are two years on. I’m very proud of what we’ve set up it’s gone far better than we ever thought it would.

Before we started this I was in oil and gas. Working with some of the major oil and gas companies around the globe I worked there for about 35 years and just had enough of traveling. Just got totally fed up with it my heart wasn’t in it anymore.

Initially when we set this up had some doubts it was very quiet. It took a little while to get off the ground but now two years on not seeing any regrets. Should have done it years ago. Best move ever made.

The first steps we carried out were to find the premises. And we wanted to remain local to Great Yarmouth. There are no immediate facilities like this around the area. We looked for premises and then we looked at the different types of machines that were available on the marketplace. Our next step was then to look at a supply of caskets and urns. Once that was all established we then started speaking with the different providers of the cremation machines.

The support we got from Addfield was fantastic. Being a start-up money’s tight. And the business was self-funded so it was really tight. Addfield understood that and worked with us to achieve our goal.

When we first started it was as I say very, very quiet. We did question ourselves whether we’ve actually made the right investment um we sat here a few weeks nothing coming through the door thinking how we’ve done right here turns out we have. The Addfield machine was basically cremating two or three a week and now it’s probably six to ten a day.

The reason we now have two machines is that we operate one hot one cold it cuts down on waiting time for the clients our aim is to get all pets back within forty-eight hours and so far with the two machines we’ve achieved that. Obviously, as we got busier we’re now looking at a third machine.

We treat each customer as the first customer and we’ve got something like over 300 five star reviews. So obviously we’re getting something right, very proud of what we’ve set up.

You had a lot of options to get your business up and running at the start. What was it about these machines that made you decide that they’re the right ones for you? Okay well, when you read the Addfield literature it does say there’s no smoke there are no odours and certainly, that is true after speaking with others yes being a startup they understood but didn’t work with us as much as Addfield did and they understood it was a startup gave us the support we needed as a startup company and work through the initial setup problems with us. For us it was a good choice machine does what it says the people at Addfield are great they’ll answer the phone two o’clock in the morning if you give them a call not they’re very happy about it sometimes. But we get the support we need. So well done Addfield.

Well given our location which is in the middle of an Industrial Estate doesn’t sound very glamorous um but it’s where we are and it works well for us. We wanted a machine that was robust, worked well, performed as it said it would perform and I assure you the pet200 certainly does. No odours and there’s no smoke. Which is extremely important to us to keep our neighbours happy.” Gerry Coulam, Rainbow Bridge

“We started with one machine, and it was a little bit nerve-wracking when we started it was very very slow. There was a couple of times where we thought have we done the right thing. But our commitment to the pets and how they should be treated has seen us dramatically increase. We really do care about what we do and word has basically got out around the community that we are compassionate, we are pet owners, we have been where people have been when they lose their pets. And it’s really important really really important, that they’re treating you with the dignity and respect they deserve.

We’ve had a significant increase from when we started that has been a steady growth. To be fair we are now probably handling about 10 a day. The reason we got a second machine was because of regulations with DEFRA. We can only use one at a time so what we do is we have a hot machine and then a cold machine. And we alternate the two so that we can keep continuity and flow what’s important for us is getting pets back home to their owners.

We started running a pet crematorium in January 2017. We got these premises in around about march it took us two or three months to get it to a level we wanted to get it too. We’ve done an awful lot of work here. And obviously the approvals with DEFRA and the local council etc. So it officially opened in June 2018 so just over two years now. What was really important for us where we are we’re in Great Yarmouth in Norfolk. It’s a holiday destination you get a lot of tourists. There’s a lot of shops down the road etc. And where we’re located there’s obviously a lot of volume of foot traffic and traffic, traffic.

What was important to us was we didn’t want any smoke. We didn’t want any smells in the atmosphere. When we looked at the machine and spoke to Derek up at your office and all the guys there just gave us that confidence that we needed to opt for Addfield. At the start of our journey, we really got the confidence by talking to Derek and your engineers. From the day the machine was delivered the support’s been there, we obviously were on a learning curve ourselves because it’s not an industry we’ve been involved in prior to the opening here. Addfield was just a phone call away if we had any queries. Support was great the machines are easy to use they’re easy to understand there’s a little you know obviously the training we went through with the engineer when he came down. They just do everything we expected them to do that we were told they would do they meet all of those specifications perfectly. We certainly don’t get any odours certainly don’t get any smoke. If we had any issues at all it’s a phone call and you guys are on the case for us.

Having said that from two years now we’ve been open we haven’t had any issues that I would say are a fault with the machine. It’s probably more us and our learning curve.

The Pet200 is Easy to load we record on CCTV every pet that we cremate and that’s purely for the customer to have that absolute satisfaction and guarantee that their pet is only their pet when the ashes come home. Above my head, there’s a CCTV camera and we can load the machine with a bit of compassion. Show that some respect for the pet be it a rabbit, guinea pig a great dane. Doesn’t matter to us we’re all Individual and that’s important when that comes across to our customers you know they are part of somebody’s family we don’t know them personally. But like I say it’s easy to load the machine and easy to control the machine you know exactly the process that it’s going to go through. And easy to unload again when the process is finished.

We did a lot of research with alternative companies, really didn’t get that same feeling of confidence that we got with Addfield. It was clear you were experts in your field. And that gave us the comfort factor if you like. That when we were looking to choose because they are quite an investment to make. And the others were kind of almost felt like it was buy the machine and then find your own way. But with Addfield it’s been supported.

We’re actually investing in a third machine. The capacity on the third machine is greater than the single machine. So because we now look after vets as well and we’ve got several vets on board. In order for us to keep our capacity and get pets home as quickly as we possibly can, we’re now investing in another one and certainly, there was no question who we were going to buy the machine from. You know that was always going to be Addfield so I certainly recommend you guys.” Mark Aylen, Rainbow Bridge

To discover more from our pet cremation range click here

Boarding kennels are facing a particularly challenging future after seeing several years of increasing challenges caused by the emergence in pet-friendly accommodation and pet passports enabling people to take their dogs with them abroad.

Millions of holidaymakers have been forced to cancel or postpone their holidays this year while others have held off booking for fear of losing out. Up to 40% of these travelers would have been using one of the hundreds of ‘Boarding Kennels’ and ‘Catteries’ covering the country.

Many kennels are situated on agricultural farmland often with plenty of space for expansion, perfect for growing their business into ‘Pet Cremation’. While initially, operators of boarding kennels would not consider this an option, after learning more they soon realised the similarities and opportunities available to them.

We have worked with more than 100 pet crematoriums worldwide and have found that the majority are run by genuine animal lovers who care deeply about the experience of the pet owners. Modern pet crematoriums are highly discreet units than can be easily installed on agricultural land within a barn conversion or even a specially adapted container which can then be further clad to blend into its surroundings. The whole process is completely smoke and odour free and can be operated with minimal contact.

From our experiences when working with kennels which have chosen to branch out into pet cremation is that in some instances they have know the pets for most of their lives, boarding them as pups and then through the years as they have grown. Building relationships and trust with their owners who when the sad time has come have been hugely grateful for a friendly face and the comfort in knowing that their family pet will be looked after one last time to a very high standard at such an emotional moment. The kennels already have an established customer base to provide for in the future and with the potential earnings available from pet cremation have found that they are able to achieve a return on their initial investment in as little as 12 months and as our machines have an operational life expectancy of more than 20 years the financial benefits are clearly visible.

As industry leaders in the field we have potentially the widest selection of machines to suit all business plans, from being a small bolt-on service exclusively for existing customers through to full multi-chambered machines for kennels looking to make a real stand-alone business of pet cremation.

The sad truth is that as long as people have pets they will have a need of pet cremation services. It is not an industry that will be affected by environmental factors beyond control and can provide an essential boost in income for kennels with very little financial outlay beyond the initial purchase, which can be optimised through the use of one of several specialist finance and leasing providers we work with. Enabling the investment to be made with minimal financial impact.

If you want to learn more about the opportunities available with pet cremation you can contact Addfield today on +44(0) 1543 571280 or email sales@addfield.com.

To discover more about pet cremation read the following articles:

An overview of starting a pet crematorium click here.

A brief overview of the history of Pet Crematoriums click here.

To learn more about what it’s really like running one of the UK’s busiest Pet Crematoriums watch our interview by clicking here.

To discover more from our pet cremation range click here

The loss of a beloved pet will sting in the heart for a long time. Every toy, photograph, bed, and even pet food will spark that deep-rooted sadness when a pet has passed away. Yet we must never forget that this is all a natural part of life. We are born, we live, and we die. Pet owners should be content with giving beloved pets all the warm love, safety, and comfort of a good and happy life.

Keeping the memory of your beloved pet alive

You will no doubt have an endless amount of fond memories of your pet. They are just as much a family member as any brother or sister with their own curious habits and personality quirks. It’s important you remember and honor their memory in the best way possible, to really capture how they were before passing away. There are plenty of respectful ways to honor and remember them.

What is the best way to remember your pet?

Honor your pet in a way that will stir joyful emotions in your heart. Here are the top three ways to remember your pet:

• If you have cremated your pet, then there is a large range of high quality and tasteful urns, from bronze to bamboo and elegant statue urns to simple yet elegant heart-shaped urns. Online pet urns stores have a wide selection of these urns to help choose the appropriate way to remember your beloved pet.
• You can remember your pet by creating a personalized photo book. These days it’s really simple to go online and create a personalized album that is special to you and your family. You can customize almost everything about this photobook, from the size, color, and even the font. It’s a cost-effective way of memorializing your beloved pet.
• Another cost-effective way of honoring their memory is by taking a mold of their paw print. Many funeral services will offer to do this for you at their facility. However, you can get a simple kit delivered which will include non-toxic clay. All you have to do is press your pet’s paw into the clay and after a few hours, you will have a perfect mold of your beloved pet’s print.

Moving on

The sadness that fills a pet owner’s heart when their beloved passes away is unrivaled and it will take time to move past the grief. Yet it is important to remember the mutual warmth and joy you brought each other in good times and, more importantly, in bad times.

It might feel like you are simply replacing your pet but a good way to move on is to bring another into the family. Not only are you filling a void left by the devastating loss of your previous companion, but you are giving another dog, cat, or any other animal a second chance to live a happy and loved existence – just like your beloved pet.

To discover more from our pet cremation range click here

To learn more about what it’s really like running one of the UK’s busiest Pet Crematoriums watch our interview by clicking here.

As far as business opportunities goes it is one with a very clear and sustainable future and a very healthy return on investment possible. Some of our customers have been able to achieve a full return on their initial investment in as little as a year. Operating on minimal running costs and having a wide range of upsell opportunities from premium urns to personalised mementos we have seen some staggering success stories, in the UK, Europe and around the globe.

Many businesses begin small with a single-chambered PET 200 or a higher output A50-IC(1) before expanding to larger machines and often entering the horse cremation market with even greater returns. As we design and manufacture all of our machines in-house, we have even been asked to develop an exciting number of bespoke projects creating a genuine one of a kind of pet crematorium.

Now may very well be the time for you to take your career into your own hands and invest in launching your own business with start-up costs lower than you may think and our expertise in guiding you through any hurdles you may encounter.

There is a reason why Addfield pet cremators are some of the most highly respected machines on the market and our pet cremation team have all of the knowledge and experience to give you an honest understanding of what you can expect to experience and achieve in your first few years of business, whilst guiding you through how to build, operate and even promote your business.

To take your first steps towards independence contact our pet cremation team today via sales@addfield.com.

For further information on starting your pet crematorium check out the links below.

Starting with a brief overview of the history of Pet Crematoriums – click here

To see the full range of Pet Cremation equipment – click here

Our containerised PET200 was chosen to become the first council operated pet crematorium in the UK – click here

To see an overview of a more advanced pet cremation machine the A50-IC(2) – click here

We have also created a few guides to starting your own pet crematorium – click here

And finally take a look at one of the most highly advanced and automated multi-chambered pet crematoriums that we installed in France – click here

To discover more from our pet cremation range click here

To learn more about what it’s really like running one of the UK’s busiest Pet Crematoriums watch our interview by clicking here.

Pet cremation as a business idea was not far behind as the oldest recognised pet crematorium ‘Hartsdale Pet Cemetary and Crematorium’ opening in 1896 in the USA, which has since gone on to now have more than 70,000 pets buried and cremated on its grounds.

It is during the past two decades however that Pet Cremation has grown from what could have been considered a niche industry into one that is more accepted and mainstream. Achieving an estimated global profit exceeding £100 million pounds in 2016 and showing no signs of slowing.

Solutions for all customers

We have been supplying machines to the pet cremation industry now for more than 25 years. Initially the first machines that we sold to pet crematoriums were specially adapted agricultural machines, top loading with small chambers able to cremate a small number of pets per day, we are still servicing some of these machines after more than 20 years of operation.

As the years went on and enquiries increased we looked to the world of human crematoriums to improve our designs and develop a machine especially for the pet cremation market. This lead to the development of our PET100 and PET200 machines. Front loading and deashing, with a more comfortable operational process and automatic operation the range benefitted from many operational and ergonomic improvements specifically for the purpose of delivering a higher level of cremations per day in a more compact and user-friendly design. Having a design more suited to a pet crematorium the market received the range with open arms in fact the PET200 is currently one of Europe’s’ most popular pet cremation machines and is installed in pet crematorium worldwide.

Following increased demand by larger operators that needed a more powerful machine the A50IC range was developed available in a two, four and six chamber configuration and boasts an output of up to 60 individual pet cremations a day.

As our range has grown from the initial range of adapted solutions to a dedicated Core and Premium range in the past few years, you may be mistaken to think that, that was enough. However we still have many requests from customers for something different, something unique to suit their needs exactly. Having our own design engineers in house comes in extremely handy with these requests ensuring that any adaptions improve rather than impact upon operation. In the past year we have been able to design and manufacture machines with specially adapted front and rear de-ashing chambers, electric doors and extra wide chambers for really big pets.

We have seen the industry grow massively proudly supplying the very first Council to enter the pet Cremation industry providing a specially containerised PET200 to Barnsley council, opening in November 2018 this is the first of many planned across the UK by councils that have realised the genuine business potential of pet cremation.

The industry has grown equally, in the UK one of our machines has even been used to cremate a Rhino for a local Zoo. Internationally we have seen growth not only in the number of orders but the scale of machines ordered by regions experiencing growth. Supplying an Australian pet crematorium with their second and third machines large enough to cremate a horse. And breaking new ground in providing the very first pet cremation machines into Serbia, Bolivia and Peru to name just three.

How much do people spend on Pet Cremation?

The services we have seen provided by pet crematoriums is staggering, starting with a basic cremation most providers have dedicated memorial rooms to decorate alongside the owners wishes, pet cremation urns can cost as little as twenty pounds and as go as high as several thousands as people are prepared to spend what they can on their beloved pets. Additionally counselling services, marble headstones and ash scattering services across deserts and lakes are also available and many more unique options, there is an option for everyone and every budget. In fact the most expensive recorded ceremony cost more than half a million pounds for a Tibetan Mastiff in China.

The future of Pet Cremation is very bright, having more than enough room for new businesses to open up and operate successfully and Addfield has more than enough solutions to provide the perfect solution for the sustainable development of any pet crematorium regardless of size, location or experience we have the machine to suit you, for now and the future.

Further Reading:

Click here to read about the first council ran pet crematorium.

Click here to read an interview on running a pet crematorium in the UK.

Click here to see a guided tour of our A50IC Pet Cremation machine.

Click here to learn how you can go about starting your own Pet Crematorium.

Click here to read the experience of starting a Pet Crematorium in the Netherlands.

Click here to learn more about the history of Pet Urns and cremation

Click here to learn more about the growth in pet cremation.

Click here for an impartial view on pet cremation

To learn more about what it’s really like running one of the UK’s busiest Pet Crematoriums watch our interview by clicking here.

To discover more from our pet cremation range click here