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I am a member of Connecting Directors, a Facebook/LinkedIn-type social networking group that targets those in the funeral business. I wanted to share this article they recently posted. I applaud any funeral home that is wise enough to open themselves to serving the pet-loving populace. It’s good for their bottom line, of course, but it also sends a very validating message to pet owners who otherwise might suffer from the perceived stigma attached to grieving the death of a pet as a family member. You might like to check with some funeral homes in your own area and suggest to them that they offer pet funeral services—and of course that they carry my book, “Good Grief: Finding Peace After Pet Loss,” as a means of providing ongoing support to their clients in need. (Subtle, huh?)—Sid
Monday, 01 November 2010 20:45
Almost 7 years later, I still hear from funeral directors and cemeterians that they are concerned about offending people by offering pet loss services. Okay, I hear what you are saying. However, as you really take a look at this group of people, the pet parents, I challenge you to understand how you CANNOT look at serving this market.
First of all, as I look at funeral homes/cemeteries around the United States, owners and employees of these operations are encouraged to “become” a part of their community. They are members of the Lions Club, the Elks Club, the Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce, various church affiliated associations and numerous other social clubs in their respective community.
However, as you analyze the “club” of pet parents – the numbers become astounding! Did you know that sixty-two percent of people have a pet?
That means that if you are in a market of 200,000 people, automatically you will now have a service that can be targeted at 124,000 people! 124,000 people! Do the math for your own community and what that means for you!
When on earth have you ever had a new type of service like this that automatically opens up your entire business immediately to a new demographic! Can you imagine belonging to a “club’ that now gives you something in common with over half of your market? Can you imagine servicing this group of people – and how it opens up the marketing opportunities for your entire business, all because you helped a family honor their pet in death – honor this new type of “family member?”
So, you’re still worried about offending non-pet lovers because you offer this service? Do the math,…. would you rather appeal to 62% of your market – or 38%? Because I can assure you – someone WILL go after the 62%. Why wouldn’t it be you?
Article By Coleen Ellis – Two Hearts Pet Loss Center
It’s often quite difficult knowing what to do or say to help a friend through the pain of pet loss. I came across this article by Kali Winters and appreciated her suggestions. I found these ideas quite apropos and wanted to share them with you. See also my Pet Memorial Products listings page for more ideas.—Sid Korpi
Each person handles loss differently and the loss of a pet is no exception. A simple gift basket containing several sentimental items is a wonderful way to show someone you care and extend your deepest sympathies for his loss.
A Memory Box
A memory box is a wonderful item to include in a gift basket for pet loss. It can hold photos of the pet, the pet’s collar and certificates of birth and/or death. Often times a pet owner will keep some of her pet’s personal items and having a beautifully crafted box to keep them in will be appreciated.
Personalized Cards
A card with a personal note is a great way to add that sentimental touch to your gift basket. You can also find poems on pet loss and include one inside the card.
Inspirational Book
A book of inspirational pet stories or a book on pet loss can be included in the gift basket. If you are not sure which book to choose, simply give a gift card to an online bookstore or, if you are near each other, choose a local bookstore.
Personalized Items
If you are able to get a hold of a photo of the pet, you can have that photo put on a mug, a tote bag, mouse pad, or even a shirt. Many places online will personalize items. Personalized calendars are very popular as well and if you have access to several photos of the pet, having a calendar made is a wonderful gesture.
Figurines
If you do not have a photo of the pet but you know what type of breed the pet was, you can include a figurine of that breed in the gift basket. Go a step further and have it personalized with the pet’s name.
Photo Album
A blank photo album is perfect for the pet owner to use to keep photos of her pet. Offer to help her go through photos and add them to the photo album. This is a wonderful way to show your support and it gives her a chance to look through photos and be able to talk to talk about the pet and recall fond memories. This may even stir up some heart-felt laughter.
Tissues
A box of tissues show that you understanding of the magnitude of the loss and that it is okay to mourn.
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