These days many people whose pets die because of old age, an accident or sickness, wish to give them a worthy farewell as a gesture of gratitude to the furry one who brought companionship, joy and love into their lives.
That was exactly how Krishna Rao, manager of Leo’s Pets Cremation and Memorial, felt in 2017 when his beloved six-year-old beagle Leo, passed away from cancer.
“He was an important member of our family. We cremated him in Semenyih, and that was where I learned about the pet cremation business. I decided to start a similar endeavour as I wanted to serve the community,” the 66-year-old told FMT.
“I believe that pets end up in heaven, and I want to make sure that they are sent off in a proper way. After all, they deserve it.”
Over the next few years, Krishna put his plans in motion: from saving up money, finding a premise, and getting the necessary approvals. Finally, on Jan 15 this year, Leo’s Pets Cremation and Memorial opened its doors for business.
A good farewell
Krishna’s company offers individual cremations and mass cremations. A standard package for an individual cremation starts from RM470 for animals that weigh below 10kg.
He explained that once the body of the pet arrived at the cremation centre, it was disinfected, then prepared for prayers.
While no priests are involved in the farewell ceremony, Krishna does provide other thoughtful services.
“We do put on recorded mantras or prayers of the owner’s religion. In addition to flowers, we also provide a blanket to cover the body of the pet as a last sign of respect.”
His customers are people of various faiths – Buddhists, Hindus, Sikhs, and Christians – and the prayers last for about 20 to 30 minutes.
Understandably, there are also grieving pet owners who cannot bear to attend the prayers. “It is too painful for them, so we will perform this without them,” Krishna said.
After the prayers, the body of the pet is brought to the incinerator for the cremation. It usually takes about an hour for a pet that weighs 20kg and below.
Following the cremation, the ashes are placed in an urn and delivered to the pet owners within a day or two, along with a death certificate for the pet.
Transportation charges, which include picking up the pet’s body and delivering the ashes, vary based on the location. To date, Krishna’s customers come from every corner of the Klang Valley.
He explained that mass cremations are usually conducted for stray dogs that rescuers send to them. While no memorial service is held, flowers are placed with the bodies in the burning chamber as a mark of respect.
Krishna said that the ashes from mass cremations are usually recycled into plant fertiliser.
To date, Krishna has cremated dogs, cats, and rabbits, and they will not turn away any animal as long as the maximum weight is 50kg or less.
Additionally, they also provide columbarium storage services, where urns containing the ashes of the pets are stored in a safe place at their premise.
Krishna said he felt a sense of satisfaction when a pet had a good send off. One of them was beloved and faithful Ashley, who lived with the Choo family and passed away on May 8 this year. The 11-year-old was given a touching farewell with Christian prayers.
“Some of these animals have lived with their human families for more than ten years and have served them faithfully.
“What kind of human would you be to simply discard them after they die or leave them by the road? It’s important to give them a good send-off, and that’s why we do this with passion.”
Learn more about Leo’s Pets Cremation and Memorial Services on Facebook.
Leo’s Pets Cremation and Memorial
38, Jalan BJ6
Taman Perindustrian Belmas Johan
48000 Rawang
Selangor
Business hours:
9am to 5pm: Mondays to Saturdays
Closed: Sundays and Public Holidays
For emergency appointments, contact 017-964 3020