Pets are family, and they’ve been with us through good and bad times. Losing them leaves a huge impact on us. Some people who lost their pets even have trouble coping with their loss and as such, honouring a pet’s life has become vital.
Businesses involved in pet funeral services have become popular for furry lovers. These businesses help pet owners memorialise their best friends and honour their bonds. Interestingly, most pet owners prefer cremation over a traditional burial. If you’re in the funeral business and want to help pet owners with their deceased, here are some tips on how to open a pet crematorium:
Layout a Plan
Everything starts with a plan, and it’s best to lay it out first. Research is the first step in creating a sound business plan. Check out the competition and get to know what they have to offer. Do they follow the standard crematorium design plans? It’s also important to understand the local market. How many pet owners look for funeral and cremation services? Can this type of business sustain itself? These details are vital when formulating your crematorium’s business plan.
Get Operating Licences
Licences are essential when operating a business, including funeral and crematoriums. Some states also require permits for handling environmental hazards, such as wastewater, air pollution and animal remains. Zoning permits are also necessary for a crematorium facility to operate.
Secure the Equipment
After securing the necessary permits, the next item you need to focus on is the cremation equipment. Since it’s a regulated industry, choosing the right equipment is vital to meet industry standards and state regulations.
Some of this equipment includes hydraulic lift tables, animal remains cremulators and incinerators or cremators. Keep in mind that buying a multi-chamber cremator is more cost-effective compared to purchasing stand-alone cremators.
It’s also vital to include equipment maintenance in the budget. Just like any machine, your crematorium’s equipment will require servicing to ensure that they’re working at optimum capacity.
Pick Your Crematorium’s Staff
The success of your new venture relies on picking the best staff. You need to choose people who are experienced in handling animal remains and know how to show empathy for the bereaved. It’s also best to ask help from associations who specialise in this field of business. They can help you implement training programs that meet industry standards. A well-trained staff can sustain efficient operations as you focus on marketing and other business activities.
Getting the Word out Through Marketing
When everything is finally in place, it’s time to get the word out through marketing. Create a website and link it to your crematorium’s social media pages. Post your services and packages for potential clients to see. It’s also a good idea to post blogs about grieving the loss of a pet and other related topics to further be of service to your target market.
These are some of the essentials of operating a pet crematorium. Running this type of business isn’t an easy feat. It requires excellent customer service to assure your clients that their beloved pets will be remembered and memorialised properly.
