East Carolina Crematory and Everlasting Companion Pet Crematory Photo by Catherine Hardee / Neuse News

Dealing with the loss of a family member, even one of the four-legged variety, is never easy. 

Beginning next month, those dealing with the loss of a pet will have a new option for remembering their furry friend. 

Howard-Carter Funeral Home in Kinston announced it would build Lenoir County’s only crematory last summer, but construction was delayed by the effects of Hurricane Florence.

Bill Taylor, co-owner of Howard-Carter, said the new East Carolina Crematory will begin operation in August, and at the same time, they will also open Everlasting Companion Pet Crematory.

“Pets are family members too,” Taylor said.

Funeral director Briley Taylor said unlike many pet cremation services, Everlasting Companion will provide same-day or next-day service, and will be able to guarantee that the remains returned to the family are their pet’s. 

“We will treat every pet with respect, and each pet will be tagged the moment they arrive to ensure the family knows the ashes they receive are from their own pet,” Briley Taylor said. 

In addition to cats and dogs, Briley Taylor said Everlasting Companion will provide services for snakes, birds, lizards and even spiders. They will also be able to go to a vet’s office or a home to pick up the remains of a pet. 

Bill Taylor said the pet cremation service will be conducted separate from the main crematory service, with entirely separate facilities from start to finish. 

Both East Carolina Crematory and Everlasting Companion Pet Crematory will begin operation August 1, with an open house to be scheduled sometime in the first weeks of operation.