Best Friend Pet Cremation Inc., Parkville, Maryland

Bridgette V

a month ago

I came here because they do cremation individually for your pets ashes. I was happy with how I was treated. I will list the pros and cons of my opinions though.Pros:You can pick an urn you like that has the picture insert, if not, you get a free one but doesn't hold a photo.You will get some fur and whiskers back in an envelope, which was a life saver for me.This meant the world to me.There is an office cat, and Dave is very friendly.The cremation is individual and not mixed with others.Cons:They did not offer paw prints or nose prints.There is a plastic bag inside the urn with the ashes, I think they should be encased with a velvet bag over top of the plastic one. I bought my own from Amazon.The urn I got was small and doesn't hold a 4x6 photo, I was able to cut a photo against the slide in frame but, was still inconvenient.I will check for places that cremate individually like this one as well as paw prints and fur and whiskers next time. But I will return if I can't find one because this place is still a great service to have. If you don't want paw prints or nose prints, I recommend this place.

Trish F

5 months ago

I have been taking my beloved pets to Jane’s business for 20 years and would not consider another place. Both she and Dave are very compassionate caring people during these difficult times. As far as the ashes being placed in the urn in a plastic bag that is no different than how humans are handled during cremations. Jane and Dave treat your pets with the same compassion.

Emily Miller

2 months ago

Noone really prepares you for this kind of thing. When my mothers cat passed away, she was distraught and reached out to me (the oldest daughter) to handle things. Best Friend Pet Cremation was not only professional, but they made the entire process SO simple from start to finish.

Kristen Marx

3 years ago

This place is so caring and thoughtful of you and your pet. The owner is very kind and friendly and you know she cares about the service she is providing. When I picked up my beloved pups remains I was so surprised to find that the wooden box was such beautiful quality and she also provides locks of hair and a Rainbow Bridge death certificate. Thank you so much for making this such an easy and wonderful experience during such a difficult time 💕

Phoenix Filter

4 years ago

When I opened my sweet baby's urn to look at what they had done. I was appalled to find a laminated business card inside! It had a trash bag tie around the plastic bag containing what remained of my friend of 17 years. What did they expect would happen? That the grieving person opening the urn to spread ashes would pick up the card and feel happiness at seeing their pet's remains packaged like a bag of taffy?

S.

a year ago

I am so thankful for Jane and her business. It is wonderful that something like this exists. We have have taken 3 beloved pets here and feel this is the best and final service we could do for them. It allows you to never part from you pet—to witness their cremation and leave with their ashes. Jane was so comforting and it was nice to be treated with empathy and compassion. After our experience, I always recommend them to friends going through the same situation with their pets. They truly acknowledge the importance of your pet's memory, and the personal attention they give you shows you they respect the love you had for your animal.

Ben Schultz

7 months ago

100% recommend. We had a tragic sudden loss of our dog outside of business hours, and Dave was available, able, and amicable. He created a warm, welcoming environment during these difficult times.

holly lednum

a year ago

I had an amazing experience here. They were very caring and professional whereas other places feel very impersonal. My Bumi’s death was very sudden and it was all very fresh but they took great care of him and gave him the most beautiful urn. I absolutely recommend coming here, they’ll take good care of you and your baby.

Mikaela

a year ago

I am so grateful for Jane and Dave’s help while navigating the loss of my family’s 20 year old cat. Jane was accommodating about meeting to pay for the cremation service. Dave was caring with our beloved cat and was a great guide throughout this process. They are a small business of 19 years and truly care for every family and every pet that comes through their doors. I would recommend their services to friends and family.

Bianca S

4 years ago

I do not know where to start other then what a compassionate place. My sweet baby passed on Monday night and my veterinarian recommended them. I called them right after he passed and they drove an hour away to pick him up. They took him that same night. The woman, Sharon I believe, who pick up my cat's remains was so incredibly compassionate and understanding. When myself and my husband went to pick his ashes up we were met with the same compassion and understanding. They put my sweet kit in the nicest urn and had made a paw print for us. They made a hard time in my families life in this difficult covid world a little bit easier. I could not recommend them more.

Teresa Zion

4 years ago

We called them the day of our cat's sudden passing and they set an appointment for us that same afternoon. We said a final goodbye in the facility where she would be processed and thus were able to see the oven and tools used. It was comforting for us knowing she would stay on site and that business was regular, maintained, and transparent, but I could see it being upsetting for others, so if you don't want to "see" the back area, let them know right away. We then went to the office, where a comfort cat and comfort dog greeted us. We picked out a lovely urn and filled out paperwork and she answered our questions. The price was fair. We were able to pick her up within 48 hours. Both in person and over the phone they were sympathetic and professional. A very hard time has been made a bit better and we thank them. Love to other grieving pet parents.

Kim

4 years ago

Unfortunately not under good circumstances but Jane made it the best experiences that it could be. She was so compassionate and caring. We lost one of our dogs this morning and she was able to cremate our boy same day for us so that we could bring him back home and she also even thought enough to cut some of his hair for us some of each of his colors such a nice touch. We will miss him so much but she gave us a piece of him that we will always have to see besides the beautiful carved box that we got and lovely certificate showing he was cremated by himself. Highly recommend this business if you find you are in need to put you furry loved one over the Rainbow Bridge. Thanks again Jane for taking such good care of our Manny so we could bring him back home to his brothers.

Glenn Coleman

8 months ago

I had the hardest time finding such a service when Scarlett passed away. Dave was very responsive, professional, and kind in helping me deal with an unpleasant situation. This is a service I never want to have to use, but I'm happy there is such a business for when I do need it.

Natalie Fell

2 years ago

We lost our Great Dane on Father's Day last Sunday. He had bone cancer but luckily he passed fairly peacefully on our deck. I called one place before this one only bc they came up first in my search and though they said they were open till 8pm they couldn't help us. I called "Best Friend" who are closed on Sunday yet have an after hours number and Dave answered right away and was so kind as to come and get my dog and take him to to their business. Yes I had to be pay more but that was to be expected as it was on a day they're closed and late in the aftn. Yet despite it being Father's Day Dave still came and even brought his son with him (who had just got off work) to help bc our dog is over 100 lbs. Dave made a sad and difficult situation easier. He was understanding and offered his sympathies He even dropped our dog back to us after the cremation since we live very close. His remains were in a lovely wooden box with his name plate, some of his hair and his paw print . His cremation was private so I assume they do them all privately which is definitely the way I have always had my pets cremated. Thank you Dave for your great service at a devastating time.

Lump

4 years ago

I have been using this place for my cremations since 2012. They are kind , empathetic and extremely clean. I have even been taken into the back to the actual crematorium for a tour and it is spotless. Just recently when my 18 yo cat was taken to the hospital for emergency euthanasia on a Sunday. I told the vet 3 different times to label him for best friends crematorium. Monday They picked him up and he was labeled for mass cremation. Thankfully the people at best friends cremation knew he as supposed to get a private cremation and his ashes have been safely returned to me. They are truly amazing during one of the worst times in your life. I cannot thank them enough!

Monica Smith

4 years ago

I can't say enough about our experience with Best Friend; they went out of their way to accommodate us throughout our experience. They were friendly, flexible, understanding, patient, and compassionate. They made an otherwise extremely painful time just a bit better. We truly felt understood and supported. We absolutely plan to contact them again when the difficult time comes for our other beloved pets.

Michele Woodward

5 years ago

Sadly, this is the second time I have used their services. The first time was wonderful so I came back 2 and a half years later when another cat passed away. This time was just as great, if not better. I made arrangements for an after hours drop last night (10/21) and my baby was returned today (10/22). The owner is so nice and very accommodating during this already hard time. I absolutely recommend Best Friend Pet Cremation to anyone who has decided to have their furbaby cremated. Thank you for such care and compassion during my difficult time!

Cynthia Shipe

4 years ago

I love the folks at Best Friends. They are reliable and professional.I had my 100 pound baby Moose put down at home because he could not walk on his own. After the vet left two lovely people came a half hour after. Right on schedule. They were very gentle with him as they put him in the hammick and carried him down the steps to the truck. They let me spend time with him and say goodbye. Never rushed me. I was able to pick Moose up the next day. They put him in a beautiful wooden box along with some hair and the rainbow bridge certificate. This is my fourth time having to use their services in the last ten years. They've always treated me and my babies with respect. I will continue to use them in the future.

Ben Sponholtz

4 years ago

Our little buddy passed away a few days ago, and, in the age of COVID, it was difficult to find an organization that provided cremation services. After calling around, Best Friend was available, and able to set up a same-day appointment for a private cremation. We found the experience simple to navigate, and the folks that helped us were kind and compassionate, which was appreciated during a very emotional time. I would highly recommend Best Friend, and would happily go back in the future.

Cristina Sovereign

5 years ago

Very legit business. They let me see their equipment in operation in the back. They even clipped locks of our dog's fur without us even asking (I was too distraught to think of that since our poor dog passed away very unexpectedly) and provided a touching card. Worth every penny. There was a much cheaper business in Western Maryland, but I couldn't verify that they actually had cremation equipment using Google Earth. You would expect to see a large ventilation pipe at least. I worried that they might be dumping pets in a mass grave and shipping back bone meal. Maybe not, but I tend to be a suspicious person. I was happy to pay more for the reassurance that I was going to get the job done ethically and responsibly. It was closer to my home and the vet where my dog passed away, too, which (other than the cremation itself) reduced my driving and carbon footprint.

VYK VYK

5 years ago

Today, May 2nd 2019 I took my cat Clyde to be cremated at Best Friend Pet Cremation. My poor boy got ill very quickly and I had to have him put to sleep. I was given a brochure for a crematorium elsewhere, but one of the vet techs gave me the business card for Best Friend. I phoned and spoke to the owner, Jane Heckrotte, who was very supportive and empathic as she listened to me, I can’t speak very well when one of my pets die. I had originally arranged for my boy to be cremated on Friday May 3rd, but was able to get him in a day earlier. This was the best and most transparent experience I have ever had with having a pet cremated. I got to see everything that I wanted to see, and I want to see it all. I still have two dogs and two cats, who are not ready to go yet, but I most definitely will be taking them to Best Friend. If you are a person who wants to be 100% sure that you are getting an individual cremation and it is your pet and your pet only that you are getting back, then I highly recommend Best Friend.

Laurie Goff

7 years ago

I used Best friend for my ferret Lucy. They were very sympathetic and worked around my schedule. I was able to receive my beloved Lucy back the same day. I'm so grateful for their services. The facility was warm and inviting. And I got to meet Cowfish the creamatorings adorable cat.

Michele Steele

7 years ago

We had a horrific experience with Best Friend's Pet Cremation. Our pet passed away after business hours. The owner was on vacation. Her fill in person was not properly trained and equipped to provide the service they say they provide on their website. Their mission on their website states "We go as far as using human body bags rather than trash bags." This is the whole reason we used this company. Well, my dog was carried out in a trash bag with his head and limbs hanging out because the bag wasn't even big enough! Then put in the back seat of a car which reeked of cigarette smoke. Then after I waited 2 weeks to talk to the owner once she returned from her trip she was completely insensitive, rude, and argumentative. My phone call with her left me speechless and shaking. Do not use this place!! I think I am more angry about the treatment I received from the owner and her unwillingness to admit they messed up in this situation than what actually happened the night our pet passed. away.

Bill Haney

7 years ago

Pet died suddenly on a Saturday night. Vet closed for weekend-could not reach, gave out name of further away animal hospital too far for us to drive. Found "Best Friend" on internet and only 15 minutes from us. Though also closed Jane Heckrotte returned my call and saw us Sunday morning. She was gracious and extremely helpful and all services were handled with sympathy and kindness. We thank "Best Friend" for helping us through our woeful emergency.

Nev Halls

3 years ago

Upon picking up my beloved pet they where very unprofessional and rude. The box they gave me my pets ashes in feels very light.. I’m honestly scared to see if her ashes are even in there. They rushed me out of the door and couldn’t give me a answer to any of my questions. They didn’t even give me the name plate I paid for. I can only imagine how they treated my poor baby... never using their services again. PLEASE. PLEASE GO TO CHARM CITY PET CREMATORY IF YOU WANT YOUR ANIMALS TAKEN CARE OF!!!

Linda Seidel

a year ago

Forget about the office hours. Was outside with my deceased German shepherd at 10;20. No one around. With owners grieving, nothing said about needing an appointment. You should have by appointment only. Very poor service.

Larry Wilson

4 years ago

Frank was very nice and I didn't have worry about what I was going to do with a 74 pound dead dog till the next day like other places I've called told me. Frank said bring him up. Thank you, sir. I highly recommend Best Friend.Positive Responsiveness, Professionalism …More

Christopher Catherman

a year ago

Did a great job taking care of my baby girl Bella ♥️ Definitely recommend very caring and helpful guiding you through the process.

Nancy Schaffer

a year ago

My daughters pomeranian passed away and when we called this very kind man answered and was so compassionate we drove to the place and was treated very well

Robert Carbo

8 years ago

The staff was so compassionate and tender in handling my dog Max. It was very comforting to me knowing Max was in such loving hands.

Bridgette V

a month ago

I came here because they do cremation individually for your pets ashes. I was happy with how I was treated. I will list the pros and cons of my opinions though.Pros:You can pick an urn you like that has the picture insert, if not, you get a free one but doesn't hold a photo.You will get some fur and whiskers back in an envelope, which was a life saver for me.This meant the world to me.There is an office cat, and Dave is very friendly.The cremation is individual and not mixed with others.Cons:They did not offer paw prints or nose prints.There is a plastic bag inside the urn with the ashes, I think they should be encased with a velvet bag over top of the plastic one. I bought my own from Amazon.The urn I got was small and doesn't hold a 4x6 photo, I was able to cut a photo against the slide in frame but, was still inconvenient.I will check for places that cremate individually like this one as well as paw prints and fur and whiskers next time. But I will return if I can't find one because this place is still a great service to have. If you don't want paw prints or nose prints, I recommend this place.

Trish F

5 months ago

I have been taking my beloved pets to Jane’s business for 20 years and would not consider another place. Both she and Dave are very compassionate caring people during these difficult times. As far as the ashes being placed in the urn in a plastic bag that is no different than how humans are handled during cremations. Jane and Dave treat your pets with the same compassion.

Emily Miller

2 months ago

Noone really prepares you for this kind of thing. When my mothers cat passed away, she was distraught and reached out to me (the oldest daughter) to handle things. Best Friend Pet Cremation was not only professional, but they made the entire process SO simple from start to finish.

Kristen Marx

3 years ago

This place is so caring and thoughtful of you and your pet. The owner is very kind and friendly and you know she cares about the service she is providing. When I picked up my beloved pups remains I was so surprised to find that the wooden box was such beautiful quality and she also provides locks of hair and a Rainbow Bridge death certificate. Thank you so much for making this such an easy and wonderful experience during such a difficult time 💕

Phoenix Filter

4 years ago

When I opened my sweet baby's urn to look at what they had done. I was appalled to find a laminated business card inside! It had a trash bag tie around the plastic bag containing what remained of my friend of 17 years. What did they expect would happen? That the grieving person opening the urn to spread ashes would pick up the card and feel happiness at seeing their pet's remains packaged like a bag of taffy?

S.

a year ago

I am so thankful for Jane and her business. It is wonderful that something like this exists. We have have taken 3 beloved pets here and feel this is the best and final service we could do for them. It allows you to never part from you pet—to witness their cremation and leave with their ashes. Jane was so comforting and it was nice to be treated with empathy and compassion. After our experience, I always recommend them to friends going through the same situation with their pets. They truly acknowledge the importance of your pet's memory, and the personal attention they give you shows you they respect the love you had for your animal.

Ben Schultz

7 months ago

100% recommend. We had a tragic sudden loss of our dog outside of business hours, and Dave was available, able, and amicable. He created a warm, welcoming environment during these difficult times.

holly lednum

a year ago

I had an amazing experience here. They were very caring and professional whereas other places feel very impersonal. My Bumi’s death was very sudden and it was all very fresh but they took great care of him and gave him the most beautiful urn. I absolutely recommend coming here, they’ll take good care of you and your baby.

Mikaela

a year ago

I am so grateful for Jane and Dave’s help while navigating the loss of my family’s 20 year old cat. Jane was accommodating about meeting to pay for the cremation service. Dave was caring with our beloved cat and was a great guide throughout this process. They are a small business of 19 years and truly care for every family and every pet that comes through their doors. I would recommend their services to friends and family.

Bianca S

4 years ago

I do not know where to start other then what a compassionate place. My sweet baby passed on Monday night and my veterinarian recommended them. I called them right after he passed and they drove an hour away to pick him up. They took him that same night. The woman, Sharon I believe, who pick up my cat's remains was so incredibly compassionate and understanding. When myself and my husband went to pick his ashes up we were met with the same compassion and understanding. They put my sweet kit in the nicest urn and had made a paw print for us. They made a hard time in my families life in this difficult covid world a little bit easier. I could not recommend them more.