We all know that cremation rates in the U.S. have grown from 1% several years ago to about 35% today. I know there are many reasons why people choose cremation, but I often get a little nervous when I hear consumers express opinions about cremation which are not entirely true. For example, many people express that cremation is cleaner, more environmentally friendly, less expensive, and simply an acceleration of the natural processes of decay.

Is this the "belief" that forms the foundation of today's cremation trend and demand? What does the average consumer really understand about the process of cremation? My point here is that, during cremation, much of what makes up our bodies is converted into simple heat, smoke and ash; travels up the crematory smoke stack; becomes airborne, and then drifts aimlessly for many yards (or miles) near residences, industrial spaces, highways, rivers and alleyways. What we take away after cremation for eventual burial, storage or home display is really only that portion of residual bone which is not fully consumed in the standard two to three hour process of cremation. What our cremation urn holds is only a small portion (a percentage) of what comprised the original human body. Some families will then scatter the remaining "bone" cremains of their loved one, onto a favorite golf tee or beautiful mountain peak.

I know from personal experience that the EPA is reviewing the possible environmental effects of cremation in cities across America. (Oncology drugs, medical devices, pins, shunts and any number of potentially hazardous chemicals and materials may make it into the retort and get dispersed into the local community.) Is cremation actually more environmentally friendly than entombing these same items in a burial vault? Are the cost savings enjoyed by the buyer of cremation simply offset by the higher cost being paid by those who live near the possible danger? Will the future regulatory community favor trained Funeral Directors as the providers of such hazardous duties?

How about secrets which exist in the Pet Business? First of all, the pet death business has existed for a very long time. It began many decades ago when rendering companies made frequent pickups at farms and veterinary clinics to render our fallen large and small animal friends into fertilizers and a myriad of other commercial products.

Rendering companies later became "pet disposal crematories." After many years, they slowly began to offer "private" cremations where three to four pets were physically separated in a retort and then swept out in reverse order to retain some degree of integrity within the cremation process. This level of service is often mis-communicated as a "private" cremation involving one pet at a time. The average, wholesale veterinary fee (charged by the crematory) is about $65 per pet, or about $1 per pound − depending on competitive forces. The veterinarian does not take any direct responsibility for enforcing standards or ethical practices at the crematory. All they generally desire is frequent pick-up, and a low fee. In the end, many veterinarians double this cost, like everything else they sell, which provides a handsome monthly profit of about $780 for every veterinarian on the payroll, for doing little more than order taking. Some would argue the doctor (DVM) is violating his/her duty as medical professional by profiting from the death of a client.

Today, there is a "new breed" of small start-up cremators who are fighting the establishment. They are not competing on price; they cannot. They try, diplomatically, to communicate to the veterinarian that there are dangers to being party to the "old ways." Additionally, they try to sell the value of direct, informed communication with the pet owner concerning the treatment of the pet's body. One cremator, I know, even offers clients a CD video recording of their pet's cremation, start to finish, proving it was performed ethically, all for an additional $15 fee.

We need funeral professionals like you to enter the pet cremation marketplace. Yes, it is very difficult to swing the loyalties of the veterinarian, but you have a captive audience of human clients who would love to have your information sent to them today. In time, you may become the preferred, licensed provider of such services. You don't have to have your own dedicated crematory for pets. Most metropolitan areas are served by multiple pet cremators who will gladly subcontract their services to you, knowing that you demand a higher standard of ethically performed cremation, which they can provide, for a fee. Seek out a qualified provider in your area for these services...Someone you trust; someone who cares, and someone who will provide the same quality care as you do.

For a free, color, pet urn catalog and wholesale price sheet, call 651.450.7727. You may also contact us if you would like for us to refer you to a "qualified" pet crematory in your area.

James Minea is the Owner of Forever Pets, Inc. He can be contacted at 651.450.7727, or by email at minea@foreverpets.com, or visit www.foreverpets.com.