The Metro Pet Crematory in Dartmouth is closing its doors after 20 years of business.
Owner Edward Rhindress first noticed business changing when a new, more cost effective corporate crematorium opened just minutes from his location, taking almost all of his clientele.
In a social media post, he says most of his business came from relationships he had with local vet partners who are now run by new owners of larger vet corporations outside the province.
“We built our reputation one family, one pet, and one relationship at a time. That loyalty and consistency were not reciprocated when decisions were made to prioritize corporate alignment and margin over long-standing local partnership,” says Rhindress in a letter to their veterinary partners.
With these corporate businesses offering services at a lower price and tariffs making the cost of urns and equipment more expensive, Rhindress says it’s no longer a sustainable business model.
Members of the community have expressed their heartbreak over losing Metro Pet Crematory, and Rhindress will continue providing care to some pets before permanently closing.
