IPPCA MEMBERSHIP CHARTER

Membership Charter

As a member of the IPPCA you will be expected to abide by the following charter of membership.  This charter has been devised as a ‘Best Practice’ guidance, to provide the greatest level of service and reassurance to pet owners, alongside accepted practical guidelines for the operation and safe management and growth of pet crematoriums. This should be considered as a minimal level rather than a final guidance.

 

 

As a member of the IPPCA you agree:

• To guarantee professional care and consideration for all remains that are given to you with dignity and respect. To manage a range of respectful and professional cremation services for companion animals.

• To always act in a professional manner at all times with any animals left in your care.

• To conduct yourself in a respectful manner, delivering compassion and confidentiality to the wishes of all bereaved customers.

• To deliver dignified, respectful and personal service to all pet-owning customers and their designated representatives.

• To tactfully and fully explain the process and expectations of your service to your clients when requested.

• To respectfully follow all client's instructions for the cremation of their pet in a caring, professional way.

• To clearly and professionally manage enquiries from the general public and associated organisations (Veterinarians/Kennels/Catteries) treating every discussion respectfully.

• To provide a safe, welcoming and dignified environment for bereaved pet owners to deposit and collect their pet's remains.

• To operate along a clear pricing structure without hidden fees. Establish with your customer what they will receive and agree to a clear price before proceeding.

• To operate an open-door policy allowing members of the public to make appointments to inspect your premises at mutually convenient times.

• To act as a standard-bearer of professional good practice, offering support and guidance to other members and those considering establishing a pet crematorium. In a manner than realistically promotes the pros and cons of providing such a service.

• To follow as closely as possible all wishes of the bereaved pet owners with regards to handling and processing their pets and ensure every stage of the process from collection to return of ashes is carried out in a dignified manner.

• To carry out all cremation services using your own approved premises and operation and not outsource any pet cremations unless previously agreed with the pet owner and to a fellow IPPCA member.

• To provide appropriate services to your customers in accordance with the capabilities of your machine and facilities. For example:

  1. Individual cremations: Pets should be cremated alone within an enclosed chamber in such a process to guarantee that each pet is securely separated from contamination from other pets. Ensuring that the owner only receives the ashes of their pet.

  2. Group Cremation: Occurs when more than one pet is cremated in the same chamber at the same time. When offered you must ensure that the process is clearly explained to the owner and that the ashes will not be returned to the owner and that they will be disposed of in an environmentally secure and respectful manner.

• To formally record all of your cremations alongside offering a certificate of individual cremation to your customers when requested.

• To comply to all relevant data protection guidelines regarding current and previous customers, and not use any information for non-relevant communications.

• To ensure that you hold relevant legislative paperwork, licences and permits for your country/region of operation to ensure an environmentally respectful sustainable procedure.

• To operate your business following equal opportunities guidelines, treating all customers and business partners in an equally respectful manner regardless of Race, Gender, Religion, Ability etc.

• To be fully licensed and inspected (where required) by your local authority/environmental agency.