12/07/2026
Love doesn't end when life does.
We have been deeply saddened by the recent news surrounding a pet funeral and cremation service that has let down so many families and, in doing so, has damaged the trust within our industry. Our hearts go out to everyone affected.
Understandably, this has led to many families reaching out to ask about the crematoriums we work with and seeking reassurance about the care their beloved pets receive. I wanted to take a moment to explain why we have chosen the wonderful independent crematoriums we work alongside, and hopefully offer some peace of mind.
To explain, I'd like to take you back a few years.
When I lost my beloved Frankie, I knew one thing with absolute certainty: I couldn't bear the thought of her being placed in a bag and stored in a freezer while waiting for collection. Please don't misunderstand me—this is the standard process used by most veterinary practices, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. Most veterinary clinics work with larger corporate crematoriums that collect pets once or twice a week, so appropriate storage is necessary.
For me, though, in that moment of overwhelming grief, I simply couldn't cope with leaving Frankie that way.
Instead, I took her to Forget Me Nott pet crematorium. They showed me such incredible kindness. They recognised that I wasn't emotionally able to speak, so they communicated with me entirely by text message, making everything as gentle as possible.
Frankie stayed in her own bed, surrounded by her blankets and favourite ball, and she was cremated exactly as she lay. I had her ashes back the very next day. She had previously had a hip replacement, and they even returned her metal implant to me, something I hadn't expected but was incredibly grateful for.
Along with her ashes, I received a beautiful clay paw print and a lock of her rich red fur—treasures I will always cherish.
Gentle Journey was born from losing Frankie.
The experience of saying goodbye in the veterinary clinic made me realise how much I wanted every family to have a gentler, more personal option. I wanted every pet to receive the same love, dignity, and respect after death that Frankie received.
That is why we personally transport pets to the crematorium and bring them safely home afterwards.
If it were simply about making money, we would partner with larger, faceless, corporate crematoriums, and have pets collected weekly. But that has never been what this business is about.
Gentle Journey exists because we believe that love doesn't end when life does.
Instead, we have built relationships with small, independent, family-run crematoriums that share those same values. We have access to them 24 hours a day, seven days a week. I know the teams personally. I have seen the care they give every pet entrusted to them, and I know that every family is treated with the compassion they deserve.
Most pets remain in their own beds or wrapped lovingly in their blankets throughout their journey.
We work with several crematoriums, largely depending on where your home visit takes place. We always try to keep your pet's final journey as short as possible while also supporting trusted local businesses. Occasionally, we may choose a particular crematorium because they are able to return your pet's ashes more quickly if that is important to your family.
Every crematorium we work with is completely open and transparent. Families are welcome to take their pets there themselves if they wish, collect ashes in person, or even visit the facilities. They have nothing to hide. Their premises are beautiful, clean, peaceful, and exceptionally well cared for.
Most importantly, I would trust every single one of them with my own beloved pets.
Thank you to everyone who has reached out with your questions and concerns. I completely understand why recent events have caused worry. I hope this helps reassure you that when you place your trust in Gentle Journey, your beloved companion is treated with the same care, dignity, and love that I would want for my own.
Sunnyside Pet Cremation Services
Rainbow Bridge Pet Crematoria Ltd
Kings Hill Cremations
