A new pet crematorium is being opened in Cheltenham in April as more owners request their animals are privately cremated. It will be modelled on Cambridge Pet Crematorium (CPC) set up by Ray Hale (pictured above) and his father-in-law Clive Jackman in the 1970s...

More owners are requesting their pets are privately cremated with dignity in a dedicated pet crematorium, according to Jason Cracknell, who has recently joined CPC as general manager.

To offer a more local service for pet owners and vets in the west of the country, CPC is opening the new Cheltenham Pet Crematorium in April.

Jason Cracknell says: “When I was a child growing up in the country, our pets were buried in the garden. With smaller gardens and greater mobility this is no longer an option for many.  Working closely with vets we have seen a considerable increase in owners wanting more knowledge and involvement in how their beloved pet is cared for at the end of its life.”

Jason (left) explains that views are changing on pet bereavement: “We have dedicated bereavement advisers and run training courses for vets and veterinary nurses to help them to prepare clients for bad news and support them. How a vet manages that relationship at a difficult time can make all the difference. 

“CPC has been running the Cambridge Pet Crematorium for over 35 years and has built up a strong reputation in providing compassionate pet cremation services with veterinary practices nationwide; this has led to us opening the new facility in Tewkesbury to service the west of the country.”

CPC is family owned. It was established in the 1970s by Ray Hale (p[ictured above) and his father-in-law Clive Jackman who realised that vets had no alternative to landfill for the disposal of pets.  Both animal lovers, they saw a need for a more dignified solution.

They designed the first cremation facility in the UK especially for animals and it now receives pets of all types from reptiles to ponies. 

At the new centre, pet owners will be able to view their pet and say their last goodbyes in private surroundings. CPC can organise a funeral service for the client, including flowers, or the vet can take care of the final arrangements and have the ashes returned for keepsake, scattering or interment.

CPC has also seen a rise in pet owners wanting to visit the crematorium before the time comes to see the facilities and to make arrangements.

Jason adds: “We operate an open-door policy at our crematoria and positively encourage vets and their clients to come and see us. People are asking more questions and want to ensure that they provide the best for their loving and loyal companions.”

The new Cheltenham Pet Crematorium, on the edge of Tewkesbury, will reduce the travelling time for pet owners who live on the west of the country.

CPC believe in involving the local community, and Year 9 horticulture students from the nearby Tewkesbury School are helping to design a memorial and wildlife garden as a place for peace and reflection. Owners often bring their other pets to say farewell too and it is possible to walk dogs in the water meadow beyond.

The Cheltenham Pet Crematorium is to be officially opened at the end of April by farmer and television presenter Adam Henson.