Pet Funerals Beginning to Boom

Dogs have long been recognized as man’s best friend, and we have no problem opening up our wallets to let our furry friends know just how much we love them.

Americans spend $53 billion annually on our animal friends, lavishing them with the best squeaker toys money can buy, fashionable collars, comfy beds and even gourmet treats from bakeries catering solely to four-legged customers. And when our pets have departed this mortal coil, we’re willing to dig deep one last time to pay for an appropriate sendoff.

Yes, pet funerals are now a booming business, according to Bloomberg Businessweek, which says there are now about 700 pet “aftercare” facilities nationwide, up from just a handful a decade ago.

Oakey’s Funeral Services in Roanoke, Va., is one of the newcomers. The funeral home has been in business for more than 140 years, but in December 2009 the owners expanded to offer pet funerals as well.  

(Source: myowneulogy.com)