Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs
At Addfield we have a range of solutions available to suit all of your incineration and cremation needs.
To help you discover the answers to your most frequently asked questions please choose from one of the categories below.
Pet Cremation Business
Running a Pet Cremation Business is proving to be a highly lucrative business opportunity. As the industry continues to expand with new Pet Crematoriums opening up on a regular basis it is not a surprise that as an industry it has recently been estimated to be worth more than £100 million pounds a year in the UK alone. As the recognised experts in the field, we are able to offer you a personalised approach to setting up or expanding your Pet cremation business. Our range of Pet Cremation machines are supplied and maintained across 5 continents around the world. We have complied a growing range of Frequently Asked Questions below, which will give you a quick insight into the industry, the growth and the massive potential for your new businesses. We regularly welcome visitors from all around the world into our UK factory for free consultation and training. If you have any further questions don’t hesitate simply contact us and speak to the experts today.
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What is it like setting up a pet crematorium?
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What is it like running up a pet crematorium?
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Does a Pet Cremator smoke?
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What are the advantages of setting up a pet crematorium with an Addfield machine?
When you choose to invest in an Addfield machine you are not just buying a machine you are able to access more than 35 years of industry expertise to help your business thrive.
We have been supplying the most efficient cremation machines since 1982.
Working with some of the largest Pet Cremation providers worldwide. Being trusted to deliver some of the most exciting solutions currently on the market.
Developing machines purely for Pet Cremation rather than rebranding an agricultural machine.
Our 35 years plus experience has enabled us to develop a machine that is 40% more fuel-efficient to run. Whilst capable of being in operation more than 20 years Addfield machines can give you an unrivaled return on investment.
Global experts in the industry you can rely on Addfield to support you at every stage of the project from finance and planning through to ongoing operational support and service.
We don’t just ask you to take our word for it. Our doors are always open for you to see for yourself what makes us so confident in the quality of our machines.
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Do you offer finance?
We offer financing in partnership with a highly professional number of finance providers.
We do not provide the financing directly. This ensures we are able to work with you to access the most suitable and sustainable investment opportunities available to you.
For more information contact our sales team on +44 01543 571280.
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Can the machine stay outside?
Addfield Pet Cremators are capable of withstanding all elements comfortably.
However, we would not recommend that you leave our machine outside and fully open to the elements permanently.
Our machines are manufactured to be robust and long-lasting as such they come finished with a two-pack paint system similar to that which you would find on a car. This makes them extremely hardwearing and able to handle most weather.
However, to ensure that you are able to achieve maximum benefits from your machine we would always suggest that as a minimum you install your machine under the cover of a shelter at the very least and would recommend that you would install it indoors to enable a comfortable operation for many years to come.
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What type of building do I need?
For housing your pet cremator you have many options for securely operating your business from.
We have supplied a range of our machines to businesses worldwide who have successfully operated their machine from the following sites:
- Business Park, Business Unit.
- Converted Barn.
- Outbuilding / Shed – Purpose built for cremator.
- Adapted Shipping Container.
Our machines are designed to be highly flexible in where they can be installed and operated from. The most important elements to consider when planning your site is to ensure that the chimney/flue is able to safely extend beyond the roof.
Our sales team has supported Pet Crematoriums in many installations and no two sites are the same. To learn more about how we can best suit your facility contact our sales team today.
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How do I set up a pet cremation service, what is my first step?
Setting up your pet cremation business with Addfield is not as difficult as you may think. Having helped establish many successful businesses worldwide, we have an unmatched level of experience in supporting you every step of the way.
Depending upon your country and situation the first steps can vary greatly however we would often recommend that the first step that you take is to plan your business out.
Create your business plan and understand your market and expectations.
We would always recommend that you dedicate sufficient time to really investing in doing your homework in your plan and ask yourself the following question as a starting point.
- How much competition is there in my area?
- How much will the initial set up cost?
- Where will I operate from?
- Where will I find my Customers?
- What type of services to I wish to include?
- What is the average fee for a horse cremation?
- How long do I expect it to take to achieve a return on my investment?
Plus many more that our sales team can support you with.
Operating a Pet Crematorium is a long term proposition as we have machines still in regular operation for more than 20 years as such we would always recommend you take your time and know your business as we will be here with you throughout.
Once you are ready to set up your business get in touch with one of our expert pet cremation specialists who will then be able to talk you through everything you need to know about setting up your business as smoothly as possible.
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Why buy an Addfield machine ?
Addfield are leaders in the Pet Cremation industry due to our commitment to innovation, design and quality.
All of our machines have been purpose-designed for the particular requirements of operating a pet crematorium. Compared to some manufacturers that simply rebrand their other machines.
Our machines are designed to match and grow your business with options to suit you. Whether you are just starting out or are looking to expand.
We have more than 35 years of heritage in the industry enabling us to have developed the widest range of machines.
Our quality and service have helped us to win multiple awards and we are trusted by several of the world’s largest pet cremation providers to supply their machines.
We keep our doors open to visitors and make all our machines by hand in the UK enabling you to see exactly what you are buying and at every stage of the process.
We share your success as we are confident once you use an Addfield machine you will not want to use any other and when your time comes to upgrade we will be there to help your growth.
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Can I cremate smaller domestic animals as well as Equine?
Addfield provides possibly the widest range of Pet Cremators available. Starting with highly compact individual chamber machines, multi-chamber machines through to extra large equine cremators.
As such we have a solution for all domestic animals. We have heard from our customers of very small animals such as a family goldfish, hamster and budgerigar in our PET100 and PET200 machines all the way through to Shire horses and we have heard of one instance where a local zoo worked with a customer of ours to cremate a Rhinoceros in one of our larger models.
However, we always ensure that you are able to select the most suitable machine for your current and future needs.
In most instances, our customers will have two machines onsite one for small family animals and the second for horses.
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Who/What are DEFRA?
A Government Department of United DEFRA stands for Department of Environment Food & Rural Affairs
Established in 2001 to safeguard Environmental Protection, Food Production and Standards, Agriculture, Fisheries and Rural Communities in the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
DEFRA are the governing body responsible for setting very strict standards and guidelines that Pet Cremation machines must adhere to, to be allowed to operate.
These standards are some of the most rigorous and demanding globally and are the basis for the very minimum standards of all of our machines.
In the rare instance that an installation country has additional regulations we are able to provide solutions and have yet to be in a position that we have not been able to solve.
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I am thinking of setting up an Equine cremation service, what are my first steps?
This is one of our most common questions from prospective customers. The process of starting your Horse Cremation business is no different than any other business.
We would always recommend that you dedicate sufficient time to really investing in doing your homework in you plan and ask yourself the following question as a starting point.
- How much competition is there in my area?
- How much will the initial set up cost?
- Where will I operate from?
- Where will I find my Customers?
- What type of services to I wish to include?
- What is the average fee for a horse cremation?
- How long do I expect it to take to achieve a return on my investment?
Plus many more that our sales team can support you with.
Once you have completed your research you should have a realistic idea of what to expect.
Operating an Equine Crematorium is a long term proposition as we have machines still in regular operation for more than 20 years as such we would always recommend you take your time and know your business as we will be here with you throughout.
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Where have Addfield Pet cremators been sold?
We currently have machines in over 110 countries and this number is constantly expanding.
Please ask for references in your local area and we will do what we can to make it easy for you to see one of our machines in action.
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Can I scatter the ash on my land?
Firstly speak to your local Environmental Agency for more guidance, planning permission may need to be granted. Although it is not forbidden to scattered the ashes of pets on private land, a pet crematorium may be seen as a public place. Speak to the Environmental Agency for more information.
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I am thinking of setting up a pet crematorium do I need a license?
In the UK:
Yes, in the UK for a low capacity machine you will need to fill in a document and submit it to DEFRA The process for application with a cremation machine is simple it’s done by filling out the application form located on the DEFRA website. All crematorium units sold in the UK will need a permit. The AHVLA (Animal health and veterinary laboratories agency) will then come out to your site. All of our cremators are Defra and Dard approved and complies with EU legislation. Addfield equipment are all Type Approved by DEFRA. Obtaining a licence is a relatively straightforward process.Internationally:
Speak to your local authority for more information many installation are handled at a local level.
Some installations need to be registered nationally. Again seek local guidance. Addfield are happy to provide support for this process.All of our equipment complies with international legislation, such as the US EPA guidelines and the EU animal-by-product legislation. Addfield can provide further documentation if required such as emission reports.
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What is the animal cremation process?
If you are not cremating the pet straight away, make sure you have adequate storage facilities available to eliminate cross contamination, i.e. a large storage fridge. Once you are ready to cremate the pet, load the pet into the cremator, shut the door, and select the duration of the cycle. Many household pets should be cremated within an hour (pets weighing less than 50 kilos) once the unit is up to optimum temperature. Once the cycle is complete the cremator will begin to cool down for safe emptying of ashes. Many companies adopt different approaches, some use stainless steel trays, some empty the ashes directly from the hearth, some companies use special hoovers then empty the ashes directly from the drum, the most important part for the customer for an individual cremation service is to eliminate cross contamination of ashes.
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What does the machine run on?
All our machines can run on the following fuel types:
- Diesel (& Red Diesel)
- Kerosene
- LPG
- N-Gas
- Bio-Fuel
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I am thinking of setting up a pet crematorium, is there much competition and what do I need to do?
This is one of the most common questions we receive, we would strongly suggest to our customers to think about their business model. What service do they want to offer? Household pets cremations, private pet cremations, equine cremations, mass cremations or veterinary cremations. It is paramount you keep focused and realistic to make your business a success.
Ask your self, who is the competition? How close is the nearest pet crematorium? What services and prices do they offer?
Where are you going to set up your business? And are you going to have a memorial grounds or send the ashes to landfill? Settings and surroundings are very important along with customer service, is your location fitting to the type of service you want to offer?
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What equipment do I need to start up my pet cremation business?
- Land and premises
- Cremation unit
- De-ashing equipment
- Cremulator (remains processor)
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What do I do with a pets ashes?
Some customers will want the ashes returning and therefore a suitable ashes caskets will need to be supplied depending on the size of the animals. Depending on the type of service you wish to offer you may consider personally dropping the ashes back to the customer and a choice in caskets design etc.
If a customer does not wish to have the ashes back you are able to scatter the ashes on your own your land as domestic pet ashes are not classed as SRM (Specified Risk Materials). We would recommend that you speak to the Environmental Agency for more information with public areas. Alternatively ashes can be sent to landfill for disposal.