Evaluation of Pet Crematories

Course overview

Many pet families look to their veterinarian for trusted guidance for pet aftercare. Many families choose cremation for their cherished pets. Since most all veterinarians utilize and contract with a third-party/wholesale pet crematory, it is very important for veterinarians to know how to evaluate a trustworthy pet crematory that operates ethically and with integrity to protect consumer confidence, practice reputation, and to help avoid possible litigation. There is no government oversite of pet crematories unlike human crematories. Anyone can purchase a cremation retort, apply for a business license, and set up for business. Due to lack of oversite and adverse experiences, pet families are becoming more enlightened about the unscrupulous practices of pet crematories. Veterinarians can no longer afford to do business as usual. Pets are very important family members and as pet families are learning that sometimes the cremains they have been given may not be of their actual pet or with other pet cremains, they are severely emotionally traumatized. Now court cases are appearing where pet families are suing veterinarians similar to the human crematory business, even with the human crematories being heavily regulated and inspected by government officials regularly. How can veterinarians protect themselves? This course is intended to allow veterinarians not to just learn about a tool to evaluate a pet crematory, but more that is involved instead of just going through the paces afterwards when a pet is euthanized. To realize the associated emotion of pet families. The course learning objectives may be presented as an in-person workshop, keynote address, or online. About the Presenter: Dr. Ruth Ann Wood-Humiston, licensed funeral director for over 30 years, certified pet funeral director, certified pet bereavement specialist, NFDA certified crematory operator, second-generation owner of a human funeral home and crematory, founder and owner of a full-service pet funeral home and crematory, and professional certified educator and researcher, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this course to help those in the veterinarian field to better under pet aftercare.