For over 50 years pet owners have been burying their beloved pets at the Oak Hollow Memorial Park. This has come to an abrupt end as the pet cemetery owner has sold the land.
At Hollow Oak Memorial Park, just outside San Antonio Texas, the sale of a pet cemetery has left pet owners in great distress. Since 1968 owners have been burying their pets in what they thought was a final resting place.
They were however shocked and heartbroken when they found out, via the local newspaper, that the cemetery was sold and those who had buried a pet had 60 days to pick up the headstone and if they wanted to exhume the casket themselves to move it elsewhere.
Texas law does not include protections for customers of pet cemeteries. Memorial Parks for humans are licensed and regulated, but there are only a few environmental rules around pet burials.
The owner who sold the cemetery told the local news station that he is almost 80 years old and can no longer take care of the property. Even though he loves animals very much he could not find another pet cemetery that was willing to purchase the land from him.
When Dick Tips, who maintains another pet cemetery at Mission Park South, heard of the commotion he offered the distraught pet owners to relocate the remains and the headstones free of charge.
Pets burials, a billion dollar industry
In the USA alone over 11 million cats and dogs die every year. Whereas pets used to be a fun addition to the household, today they are an integral part of the family. Pet owners see their pets as their children and are increasingly referred to as pet parents.
The continuing humanization of pets increases their role in society and makes their passing important moments in people’s lives. Funeral homes can adapt to this development and continue to serve their community by offering more opportunities for pet parents. With services at the same level of service for humans..
