A West Bridgford Pet Crematorium has opened a flower bridge so that they can continue providing their services during the increase in coronavirus restrictions.
The recent spike in the pandemic has resulted in the closure of the chapels and courtyard areas at Nottingham Pet Crematorium. Owner Rita Harbury-Carlisle said: “We have a duty of care to both our staff and our loyal customers and we hope they can understand that we have taken this decision in their best interests”
In order to continue providing the best service possible Rita and husband John created a flower bridge gazebo outside their reception area. The majority of the contact with pet owners will now be by telephone, reducing personal contact to a minimum. The flower bridge gazebo has decorations including chandeliers, flowers and music plays in the background.
On arrival at Nottingham Pet Crematorium a member of staff will meet the owner and collect their beloved pet from their vehicle next to the flower bridge. The pet will be transported to the mortuary on a traditional funeral bier while the pet owner remains in their vehicle.
Rita added: “Unfortunately, we cannot allow any attended cremations under the new restrictions but we assure you the cremation will take place as you instructed. We are trying to provide a service under difficult circumstances”.
Following the cremation, the pet’s ashes can be collected from the flower bridge gazebo. A member of staff will be present but they will keep social distance so that there is minimal contact.
Rita said: “We would like to assure everyone that we are still offering our full attention and we will be present, we are simply trying to maintain social distancing in everyone’s best interests. Unfortunately we cannot open any of our chapels or remembrance rooms.
“We hope you can appreciate our plan. We know it is not ideal but we aim to provide the best service possible under the current regulations. We do not want to close because that leaves our wonderful customers in an impossible position. We hope they will understand and work with us. We will return to our usual service as soon as possible”.