Work set to begin on Staffordshire's first council-run pet crematorium
Work is set to begin on a new dedicated pet crematorium in Newcastle-under-Lyme after planning permission was granted.
Loved and Loyal Pet Crematorium – operated by Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council – will provide a local, appointment-only service for residents within the grounds of Bradwell Crematorium, giving families a dignified and affordable way to say goodbye to much-loved pets.
The dedicated facility will offer guaranteed individual cremations for animals ranging from small birds and rabbits to extra-large dogs, using specialist equipment completely separate from the main crematorium. A private farewell room will also give owners the opportunity to spend some final time with their pet in a peaceful and personal setting before cremation.
The new facility will operate from a detached, single-storey building accessed from the main car park and is expected to open by the end of the year.
Prices will start from £75 for a small pet, rising to £275 for an extra-large dog. Construction work will be limited and will not affect the normal operation of Bradwell Crematorium.
Council Leader Jonathan Gullis, whose portfolio includes planning, said:
As a dog owner myself, I know just how quickly our pets become part of the family, and how difficult it can be when the time comes to say goodbye.
That’s why I’m really pleased we can now get the work underway to bring this new service to Newcastle-under-Lyme. We want local people to have the choice of a caring, dignified and affordable way to say goodbye to a much-loved pet, close to home.
Rather than people having to travel further afield, we’re making good use of the facilities and expertise we already have at Bradwell to create a service residents will genuinely value.”
Cllr. Ben Simpson, Cabinet member for Waste, Recycling and Green Spaces, added:
We are a nation of animal lovers and, for millions of people, pets are part of the family.
Losing one can be incredibly difficult, so we want residents to have somewhere local where they know their pet will be treated with care, dignity and respect.
This is about giving local people more choice and providing a good quality service right on their doorstep.”
A regulatory licence from Defra will also be required before the pet crematorium can begin operating.