Starting Your Pet Cemetery Business
Starting a pet cemetery business requires careful planning. First, check your state and local laws on regulations for pet cemeteries. Then, create a business plan outlining your objectives. Next, design the layout of your pet cemetery, making sure it meets legal requirements on locations from water sources or protected lands. You’ll also need to find suppliers for caskets, grave markers, etc. In addition, develop a marketing plan to promote your services. Charging fees for burials, cremation services, memorials and pet casket sales can generate revenue. Running a pet cemetery can be rewarding but takes research and preparation first.
Understanding Pet Cemeteries
A pet cemetery provides a place where pets can be buried or cremated. Services like funeral ceremonies, memorials, and grief counseling may be offered. Some have individual plots while others use communal burial areas.
The oldest known pet cemetery is the Ashkelon dog cemetery in Israel, dating back 2,500 years. Another famous pet cemetery is the Cimetière des Chiens in Paris.
Starting Costs and Operations
To start a pet cemetery business, you need to set up the physical structures and handle bureaucratic details. Costs range from $100,000-$250,000. Key steps are:
- Checking regulations
- Designing layouts
- Finding suppliers
- Marketing services
Charging fees for burials, cremations and memorials can generate revenue.
Pet cremation takes around two hours at high heat, resulting in ash that resembles fine dust. The cost is usually $50-$60. Ashes are placed in urns or scattered, allowing memorial options without proximity to a cemetery.
Home Burials and Visitation
Instead of a cemetery, pets can be buried at home if regulations allow. Basic backyard burial costs $500-$2,000. More services raise costs over $5,000. Visiting hours allow owners to visit graves at pet cemeteries. State laws determine if backyard pet burial is legal.
Costs for Pet Burial and Cremation
Burial in a pet cemetery costs between $50-$200, varying by location, cemetery type, casket, and services. Most animals use public facilities, costing $40-$130. Veterinarians handle animal disposal legally. Pets’ bodies can go to cemeteries with a death certificate. Decomposition time varies.
The average pet burial cost ranges between $1,500-$2,000 across the U.S. A basic cat burial may cost $400-600 for the plot, casket, opening and closing. Cremation averages $45-75 for small animals. Finding a pet cemetery involves calling local facilities.
Respect for Deceased Pets
Real pet cemeteries treat deceased pets respectfully. Prices depend on the plot, headstone and amenities. Most people spend nearly $100 billion yearly on pets. Pet cemeteries understand owners have lost companions. Setting funds aside for euthanasia costs, from $50-$1000, helps grieving owners. Costs vary widely depending on services.