Newcastle-under-Lyme Borough Council has been granted planning permission to build a dedicated pet crematorium at Bradwell Crematorium. The facility, called Loved and Loyal Pet Crematorium, will be the first council-run pet crematorium in Staffordshire.
The new service will offer individual cremations for animals ranging from small birds and rabbits to extra-large dogs. The crematorium will use specialist equipment housed in a separate building, completely distinct from the main crematorium. An appointment-only service will be available for local residents.
What the facility will offer
The crematorium will include a private farewell room where owners can spend final moments with their pet before cremation. The detached, single-storey building will be accessed from the main car park at Bradwell.
Prices will start from £75 for a small pet, rising to £275 for an extra-large dog.
Council backing
Council Leader Jonathan Gullis said: "As a dog owner myself, I know just how quickly our pets become part of the family, and how difficult it can be when the time comes to say goodbye. That's why I'm really pleased we can now get the work underway to bring this new service to Newcastle-under-Lyme. We want local people to have the choice of a caring, dignified and affordable way to say goodbye to a much-loved pet, close to home."
Cabinet member for Waste, Recycling and Green Spaces Ben Simpson added: "We are a nation of animal lovers and, for millions of people, pets are part of the family. Losing one can be incredibly difficult, so we want residents to have somewhere local where they know their pet will be treated with care, dignity and respect."
Opening and next steps
Construction work is expected to be limited and will not affect the normal operation of Bradwell Crematorium. The facility is expected to open by the end of 2026.
A regulatory licence from Defra will be required before the pet crematorium can begin operating.
