First pet crematorium for region opens its doors
Peaceful Paws, based in Ennis, County Clare, is a pet crematorium serving both Limerick and Clare, who give a "caring, compassionate and dignified send-off" to one's favourite furry friends.
The newly-opened facility was the subject of a four-month planning delay last April, following a single objection from a County Meath individual, who, after a desktop legal investigation was carried out, was found to be the owner of another crematorium.
The objector, Dawn Weldon, was found to be an employee of a Trim-based pet crematorium, Pawprints Cremation, at the time.
Peaceful Paws, located at the Gort Road Business Park, Ennis, is run by local couple, Aimee and Danny Keller.
Aimee has operated a dog grooming business, Barkingham Palace, in Ennis since 2007. She stated that she saw a requirement for a pet crematorium for the region after clients were forced to travel elsewhere to have their pets cremated.
She said she was delighted with the support of local vets, prior to opening the pearly gates of the region's newest pet heaven.
The Kellers said: "The loss of a family pet is an overwhelming situation, especially if unexpected. In addition to the pain and grief, there is the need to make decisions regarding what to do with your pet’s body."
When a pet dies unexpectedly at home, Peaceful Paws will carry out a home collection service. The other service is provided when pets are put to sleep at a veterinary practice, which can be arranged with the vet.
The time it takes to complete a cremation depends mostly on physical size, from 40 minutes for a small pet or a bird to around three hours for a Labrador.
Peaceful Paws also provide a pet bereavement support service, run by Ann-Marie, a qualified Pet Bereavement and Support Counsellor.
She said: "This loss can be physically heartbreaking and emotionally crippling. Please do not be alone. At Peaceful Paws we are here to support your grieving journey."