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.
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 classroom component will address 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 will also be administered online. The course is taught using small group activities, case studies, videos, whole class discussions, and lecture. A detailed manual is also provided for use during class and serves as an important reference tool after returning to work.
Price: $495/CANA or IAOPCC Member Employees, $595 Non-Members
The most intensive Pet Bereavement Certification program in our profession, this course teaches valuable skills to help you successfully interact with pet families. Through video, interactions and self-directed activities, you will learn effective communication skills, the grief process experienced when someone loses a beloved pet, and strategies for working with families.
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:
Communication Skills
Human-Animal Bond
Strategies for Working with Families
Learning Objectives: At the end of this program, participants should be able to:
Effectively apply communication skills to support grieving families.
Explain the grief process for pet death and loss.
Identify strategies for working with grieving pet families.
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:
Self-paced, interactive module
Downloadable PDF participant guide
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 mailed upon successful completion of the course.
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.
Through the 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.
Modules There are three modules in this course:
Best Practices for Working with Pet Parents
Ethical Considerations for Pet Funeral Directors
Community Outreach
Learning Objectives: At the end of this program, participants should be able to:
Professionally serve pet parents from the first call through the last interaction.
Respond compassionately to questions about pet death, taking into account the clients’ culture and religious beliefs.
Prepare pets and perform funeral and memorial services including viewings, witnessed cremations and burials.
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:
Self-paced, interactive module
Downloadable PDF participant guide
Final exam
Items Included in the Course Package:
Self-paced, interactive module
Downloadable PDF participant guide
Final exam
Certification: A formal certificate will be mailed upon successful completion of the course.
