Pet Cremation

 

Support for Members Offing Pet Cremation

According to the 2021-2022 APPA National Pet Owners Survey, 70% of U.S. households own a pet, with one in four new pet owners responding that their recent pet acquisition was influenced by the pandemic. In 2021, spending on these pets exceeded $100 billion dollars for the first time in the U.S. for everything from food to vet care to grooming and boarding.

​Because most people see their pets as members of their family, they are often willing to care for their death care as well. Thus, pet cremation and memorialization is one of the fastest growing death care markets in the United States and Canada. Many CANA members are considering or have added pet services to their existing businesses. In recognition of this growing demand, CANA participates in a number of initiatives to provide information and support to these members.​

​The Cremationist has also featured several articles about pet cremation. Current CANA Members can access the archives by logging in to our website. CANA's Cremation Logs blog has published several posts on pets that you can read without logging in here.

We collaborated with the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC) several years ago to draft standards for pet crematories. The IAOPCC continues to review and update these standards annually. In 2016, the two associations again collaborated to develop the CANA/IAOPCC Certified Pet Crematory Operator Program, using CANA’s widely accepted crematory operator certification as the foundation. We continue to collaborate on the latest education courses for pet aftercare specialists in the profession.

---

Continuing Education Courses for Funeral Professionals

CANA and IAOPCC have developed a variety of online education courses for today's pet funeral professionals. With interactions, case studies and scenarios, these courses engage you with the experience you need to take your practice forward.

​To register for any of the classes listed below, visit our store. ​

COURSE CATALOG

Click the course title to see details about the program, or scroll to see the full listing.

• Certified Pet Crematory Operator Training
• Certified Pet Alkaline Hydrolysis Operator Training
  
• Pet Bereavement Certification Program Level 1
• Registered Pet Funeral Director

​The IAOPCC Accreditation Program is the first and only copyrighted Accredited Program with published and recommended procedures for every step of the pet cremation process, including transportation, each type of pet cremation, readily retrievable records, facility standards and continuing education for pet crematorium staff members. The roles and responsibilities of the pet aftercare professional align with many of the standards outlined in the accreditation program.

 

Certified Pet Crematory Operator

Participants will gain extensive knowledge—technical, scientific, and legal—all of which is proactive prevention for future business problems. The course addresses major topic areas such as an overview of the pet cremation process, equipment and operations, the cremation process in detail, and standards and ethics. The final exam is open book, administered online. This online, on-demand certification course features activities, case studies, videos, and interactive exercises to keep you engaged throughout. A detailed manual is also provided for use during class and serves as an important reference tool after returning to work.

---

Price: $595/CANA or IAOPCC Member Employees, $695 Non-Members

Also available in French and Spanish!
¡ Disponible también en español ! 
Aussi disponible en français!

learn More

^top

 

Online Certified Pet Alkaline Hydrolysis Operator Training

Participants will gain extensive knowledge—technical, scientific, and legal—all of which is proactive prevention for future business problems. The course addresses major topic areas such as an overview of the pet alkaline hydrolysis process, equipment and operations, the cremation process in detail, and standards and ethics. The final exam is open book, administered online. This online, on-demand certification course features activities, case studies, videos, and interactive exercises to keep you engaged throughout. A detailed manual is also provided for use during class and serves as an important reference tool after returning to work.

Price: $595 CANA or IAOPCC Member Employees, $695 Non-Members
Earn 6 CEUs toward IAOPCC's Accreditation Program
Register: Certified Pet Alkaline Hydrolysis Operator

---

^top

Read More

Through Certified Pet Alkaline Hydrolysis Operator training, professionals will increase their understanding of alkaline hydrolysis operations to provide a solid overview of best practices related to alkaline hydrolysis. This training complements on-the-job training and machine-specific training.

​Modules
There are six modules in this course:

1. Overview of the Alkaline Hydrolysis Process
2. Equipment and Operations
3. The  Alkaline Hydrolysis Process in Detail
4. Chain of Custody
5. Reducing Legal Risk
6. Tying it all Together
7. Final Exam (completed online)

​Learning Objectives:
At the end of this program, participants should be able to:

1. Define cremation – flame and water.
2. Distinguish between commonly used terms.
3. Summarize the overall process of alkaline hydrolysis from the time a  body is received until hydrolyzed remains are returned to the family.
4. Describe the process of alkaline hydrolysis, including the inputs and outputs, and how to control the chemical reaction.
5. Name the common components of an alkaline hydrolysis vessel, and briefly explain their purpose.
6. Describe the importance of the alkaline hydrolysis chemical reaction process.
7. Identify the vessel components that require regular maintenance.
8. List the Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) that should be worn when operating the machines.
9. Explain the key processes and steps in the receiving, preparing, recovering and processing of remains.
10. Identify and use the proper forms for documenting chain of custody.
11. Describe additional ways that a business can minimize legal risk.

Course Length:
It will take approximately 6.0 to 8.0 hours to complete this course. ​

​Instructional Methods:

• Video
• Learner interactions
• Writing reflections
• Case Studies

​Items Included in the Course Package:

• Self-paced, interactive module
• Downloadable PDF participant guide
• Final exam

​​Certification: A formal certificate will be emailed upon successful completion of the course.

 

Pet Bereavement Certification Program Level 1

The most intensive Pet Bereavement Certification program in our profession, this online course teaches valuable skills to help you successfully interact with pet families. Through video, interactions and self-directed activities in this online training program, you will learn effective communication skills, the grief process experienced when someone loses a beloved pet, and strategies for working with families. 

Price: $295/person   
​Continuing Education Credit: This is a RACE® Approved Continuing Education Course. Successful completion of the course results in the awarding of 3 CEUs                                                                                                                                   Register: Pet Bereavement Certification Program Level 1          

---

Read More

Disclaimer: This class is designed to provide you with information to successfully interact with clients and is in no way meant to train you as a professional counselor. Clients should always be referred to professionals for support.

​Modules
There are three modules in this course:

1. Communication Skills
2. Human-Animal Bond
3. Strategies for Working with Families

​Learning Objectives:
At the end of this program, participants should be able to:

1. Effectively apply communication skills to support grieving families.
2. Explain the grief process for pet death and loss.
3. Identify strategies for working with grieving pet families.
4. Locate resources for pet loss support.

Course Length:
It will take approximately 3.5 to 4.0 hours to complete this course. 
​
Instructional Methods:

• Video
• Learner interactions
• Writing reflections

Items Included in the Course Package:

1. Self-paced, interactive module
2. Downloadable PDF participant guide
3. Final exam

Knowledge Assessment:
A 30-question final assessment which includes multiple-choice, multiple-select, and true/false questions. A score of 80% or better is required to pass the class and receive a certificate of completion.

Certification:
A formal certificate will be emailed upon successful completion of the course.

^top

 

Registered Pet Funeral Director Program

Pet funeral directors play an important role when serving those who have lost their beloved pet. They are responsible for interacting with the pet parent and providing comfort, ensuring chain of custody is followed throughout the pet’s time at the aftercare facility, and troubleshooting and resolving problems in an ethical and professional manner.

Price: $295/person 

​Register: Registered Pet Funeral Director

---

Read More

Through the online Registered Pet Funeral Director’s program, professionals will learn valuable techniques in preparing pets for family viewings, conducting funerals and memorialization, including special services such as K9 Officers and how to handle ethical dilemmas.

​Modules
There are three modules in this course:

1. Best Practices for Working with Pet Parents
2. Ethical Considerations for Pet Funeral Directors
3. Community Outreach

​Learning Objectives:
At the end of this program, participants should be able to:

1. Professionally serve pet parents from the first call through the last interaction.
2. Respond compassionately to questions about pet death, taking into account the clients’ culture and religious beliefs.
3. Prepare pets and perform funeral and memorial services including viewings, witnessed cremations and burials.
4. Respond appropriately when faced with ethical dilemmas.

Course Length:
It will take approximately 3.5 to 4.0 hours to complete this course. ​

​Instructional Methods:

• Video
• Learner interactions
• Writing reflections

​Items Included in the Course Package:

1. Self-paced, interactive module
2. Downloadable PDF participant guide
3. Final exam

​Items Included in the Course Package:

1. Self-paced, interactive module
2. Downloadable PDF participant guide
3. Final exam

​​Certification:
A formal certificate will be emailed upon successful completion of the course.

^top

INDUSTRY RESOURCES

International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC): www.iaopc.com

Pet Loss Professionals Alliance (PLPA): www.iccfa.com/membership/plpa/