Stoke-on-Trent is considering a pet cemetery after public requests. This would provide a special place for pet owners to honor their furry friends.
Stoke-on-Trent: The city council is thinking about opening a pet cemetery. They’ve heard from folks wanting a special place for their pets after they pass away.
Right now, there’s no spot in Stoke-on-Trent for scattering pet ashes. So, they’re looking at turning part of Carmountside Cemetery into a lovely garden for pets.
Pet owners could scatter their pets’ ashes there and even lease a plot for a memorial. It’s a nice way to remember our furry friends.
The council hopes to make some money by selling memorial products. They want to offer items for both the garden and at home. The area at Carmountside isn’t good for human burials, so it’s just sitting there unused.
While this idea is part of the budget for 2025/26, it’s not expected to bring in much cash—around £3,000 a year. But Lynn Watkins, who’s in charge of health and wellbeing, says people really want this garden.
She mentioned that residents have asked for a place to remember their pets. Right now, when a pet passes, owners have to deal with the vet for ashes, and there’s no local spot to scatter them.
It might not make a lot of money, but it’s a positive step. Plus, they could sell memorial plaques and name plates for the garden.
Stephen Gunther, the public health director, said they have this unused space at Carmountside. Since locals have shown interest, they’re exploring the idea further.
Some committee members suggested adding a pet cremation service too. Other councils in England, like Sandwell and Bath, already offer this and have seen steady, if low, demand.
For example, Sandwell charges £131 for scattering ashes with a small plaque. They also offer larger memorials for £729.
The proposal notes that demand might not cover maintenance costs, so they’ll keep an eye on it as they move forward.
