A leading pet cremation company has been sold by its private equity owners to York-based VetPartners.
Based in Northamptonshire, Pet Cremation Services has a national network of pet crematoria, providing a cremation service for the clients of UK veterinary practices, as well as delivering bereavement training for veterinary professionals through its company, Compassion Understood.
VetPartners has bought the company from August Equity, which has helped the business grow significantly over the past six years, including more than doubling the number of crematoria to 14 sites across the UK.
VetPartners CEO Jo Malone has personal experience of PCS through her own pets, and believes the caring service the company provides fits with the group’s own ethos of giving compassionate end-of-life care for owners and their pets.
Jo said: “My own three dogs were individually cremated at one of their sites and I know the level of care that they put into the service they provide.
“Being able to provide quality care for pet owners at this painful time is such a vital part of what our practices offer, so it was a natural decision to want to be part of that service more closely. We are looking forward to continuing the progression of PCS and the end-of-life care it provides.”
PCS was established more than 30 years ago by Glenn Tuck, who will continue in his current role as managing director.
He said: “PCS was looking for the right partners who fitted our vision and our beliefs, and we believe VetPartners shares our values. VetPartners is all about working together as a team to provide the best care for pet owners. With their involvement, we hope to extend our offering.”
The acquisition of PCS marks further diversification by VetPartners, which also has a small animal veterinary nursing school, an equine nursing school, laboratories, research dairy and locum agency.
