According to the 2013-2014 American Pet Products Association (APPA) National Pet Owners Survey, 68% of U.S. households own a pet. Furthermore, there are roughly 750 pet cemeteries and crematories operating in the United States (source: IAOPCC – International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories).

Historically, pet cemeteries are at least as old as the Pharaohs of Ancient Egypt, whose cemetery for cats at Luxor existed when the Old Testament was being written. Even today the city of Paris France maintains a Pet Cemetery that has been in continual operation for more than 300 years. In response to the community, The Garden of Faithful Friends at Jefferson Memorial Cemetery opened in 2008. This special garden allows for the burial of just your faithful companion, or you and your pet; a unique feature that other pet cemeteries do not offer.

Within this garden is the Faithful Friends Mausoleum, which houses crypt spaces for your pet, or you and your pet. In that same building is niche spaces for pet and human cremated remains. The mausoleum, hand built by Jefferson workers, is quite an elegant visual feature for it expresses meaningful sayings and showcases people with their pets. In fact, most of the people are actually Jefferson employees with their companions! Similar to a full service funeral home, we also offer visitation opportunities to all pet families.

We at Jefferson believe that a pet who gave love and loyalty through life deserves the respect and dignity of having their remains placed in a lasting and final resting place, just as you would your human counterpart, for they too are a part of the family. We have developed a distinctive pet room that consists of an arrangement room, a display room for caskets, urns and memorials, as well as a visitation room.

Presently there are 118 pet burials in the Garden of Faithful Friends. “Our before needs counselors and family service team aim to serve our pet families in every way we can. The death of a pet can be just as life changing and upsetting as the death of a human. Through education we can help create awareness of the options to pet families and peace of mind within our community.” If you would like more information on the services or merchandise we offer for your faithful companion, give us call at 412-655-4500!

By Dagny V. Neel Fitzpatrick, Fourth Generation Family.