How to Start a Pet Crematorium

Many pet owners struggle with what they should do after their pet dies. Some choose to bury their pets at home in their yard, while others prefer to have their pet cremated and keep the ashes in an urn in their home. Starting a pet crematorium can be a great way to help distraught pet owners in their time of need.

1. Take care of all of the legal paperwork. If you need financing to start your business, you will need to develop a business plan and begin the process of applying for a small business loan. Contact your local city hall to obtain the necessary business licenses and operational permits. You will also need to contact the Environmental Protection Agency to inquire about any permits that you must obtain in order to dispose of the animals that your crematorium will care for. Visit the IRS website and complete the application in order to obtain your federal tax ID number for tax purposes.


2. Once all of this paperwork is completed, you will need to come up with a name for your business. If you wish to incorporate, contact an experienced patent and trademark attorney who can help you to complete the required paperwork.


3. Find a location for your business. Most any building will work for a pet crematorium. Ensure that any potential locations have adequate space for the crematory, supply and body storage, and a quiet place for you to meet with pet owners and discuss the process.


4. Purchase your supplies. The largest and most expensive piece of equipment you will need to buy is the pet crematory. Purchase a crematory that can handle the volume of pets that you anticipate caring for. It is also a good idea to purchase a large enclosed truck so that you can pick up animals from your local veterinary hospitals. Most pet crematoriums offer this service to pet owners. In addition, you will need to purchase a variety of urns, cleaning supplies, storage supplies, legal forms and basic office equipment such as computers, fax machines and printers.


5. Decide what additional services you will offer. Aside from pet transport and cremation services, you might consider offering owners the option of purchasing paw prints from their pet, hosting a small memorial service, home delivery of the urn after cremation, support or 24-hour pick up services. All of these services will help you to better meet your client's needs.


6. Build your client base. It is a good idea to market your services with local veterinary hospitals and animal shelters. Develop a solid working relationship with these other businesses and they will be more likely to recommend your services to their clients.