FINALIST IN THE EDINBURGH BUSINESS AWARDS 2020
My name is Rhoda Paton and I am the owner of the Edinburgh and Lothian Pet Crematorium. I have been an NHS employee for over 40 years. I am from a big family of animal lovers and have always had an endless amount of pets in my lifetime (most of them rescue animals – domestic and wild). Currently, I am mum to Ollie and Alfie, my cheeky wee pugs and very much loved additions to the family. And there’s Skuttle, my cheeky seagull friend who feeds here daily! He doesn’t like bread and will wait it out until something tastier is offered. If ignored, he will happily walk past the cats and into the kitchen, as a reminder that he hasn’t eaten. Trouble is, 5+ meals a day doesn’t seem to satisfy him! I love them all to bits!I have always been quite clear in my mind about what I wanted for my pets when the time came, but trying to achieve this proved quite difficult. There was no choice other than to leave them behind at the veterinary clinic. I decided to get the views of family, friends, colleagues and members of the general public prior to considering if a local pet crematorium was a service that was needed, and one that I could provide that would meet with their expectations. Whilst talking to these pet owners, I came to realise that they desired the services that I was contemplating offering. Pet owners were frustrated because there were no local facilities that could offer what they wanted, and at a time when they needed it most. Because of this, the majority of pet owners had no choice, other than to leave their pet at the veterinary practice, to be uplifted (sometimes with many other deceased animals from around the county), and transported to the nearest pet crematorium – outwith Edinburgh, East and Midlothian and the Borders areas. A lot of pet owners said, that in their experience, it can sometimes be a lengthy time between them leaving their beloved pet at the veterinary clinic, to the time that they received the return of their pet’s ashes. They felt that this prolonged the grieving process, and they did not settle until their pets ashes had been returned to them.
I am monitored and regulated by (SEPA) The Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (License number WML/L/1038042) and, AHVLA – Animal Health and Veterinary Laboratories Agency and the Rural and Environment Directorate, Animal Health and Welfare Division of The Scottish Government – DEFRA, and follow the strict protocols and procedures set out in my license’s. At both annual inspections in August 2017, I was rated as excellent by SEPA AND DEFRA
Most importantly, I am a passionate and caring person, dedicated to all animals – in life, and in death.
The world may never notice
If a Snowdrop doesn’t bloom,
Or even pause to wonder
If the petals fall too soon.
But every life that ever forms,
Or ever comes to be,
Touches the world in some small way
For all eternity.
Please remember that your vet does not automatically use the service of Edinburgh and Lothian Pet Crematorium (even if you see my details in their surgery). They already have existing arrangements. Should you wish me to collect your pet from your veterinary clinic, please ensure that you give them clear instructions that you intend for me to call. Your vet is unlikely to inform you that you have choices and that there are alternative services available to you – you are not required to make an instant decision (although some vets may try to impose this on you). You can go away and take the time that you need to make an informed choice about how you would like to proceed. The vet will always recommend their service. Do ask your vet where your pet will be transported to, and when it this will happen.
Whatever you chose to do, please be assured that I will be available to support and accommodate all of your needs at this time.
THE COST OF THIS PRIVATE SERVICE IS NO MORE THAN THAT CHARGED BY YOUR VET – AND OFTEN EVEN LESS.
Should you telephone me and get my answer machine, please bear with me as I will be with another pet owner. Please leave your name and number and I will return you call as soon as I possibly can.
WE ARE OPEN 7 days, CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR’S DAY
INDIVIDUAL CREMATION AND ASHES RETURNED ON SAME DAY
