Full-Service Pet Funeral Home Proposed for Canton

Knowing how devastating the death of a pet can be, two area residents are looking to open a full-service pet funeral home and crematory in Canton.

“Beloved Companions Funeral Services and Crematory will be “a place where people can go and remember their animal in a dignified manner,”  said Jeanene Violante, owner of “All Events Great and Small,” which is helping Farmington Valley residents Robert L. Sagarino and Dave Olson with marketing and press as they launch the business.

The pet funeral business, proposed for Citrus Salon building at 241 Albany Turnpike (Route 44), will be the subject of a Zoning Commission public hearing Feb. 15. It will also need some other licenses but much of the preliminary work has been done, Violante said.

The plans call for a chapel, viewing area, euthanasia room, arrangement office, reception area and more.

According to its Facebook page, the business will offer the domestic pet services, including cremation or burial, similar to those held for human relatives.

The owners even hope to find a site for burials but initially will help families choosing that option follow strict procedures.

While there are other similar businesses in Connecticut, the owners feel it will be the most comprehensive in the state.

Violante said the business stemmed from a personal interest, as both men are animal lovers.

“It started from their personal interest as animal lovers,” she said. “They wanted to take the next step.”

"As pet owners ourselves, we designed our services to specifically meet the needs of loving pet owners who wish to honor their pet's life and to assist with the profound feelings generated when such a loss occurs with an adored member of the family," their facebook page states.

And together the two owners have the background for the business.

The Sagarino family has operated funeral homes for years and Robert is a licensed embalmer and director, Violante said.

“He’s very familiar with that business aspect,” she said.

Olson comes from a business background and the Avon realtor has also been a part of other business ventures, including restaurants, Violante said.

And in addition to the helping people, the service also offers a strong business model, Violante said.

“It’s just a booming market for people and their pets,” Violante said.

It is a growing trend that nationwide and has gained press in publications such as USA Today and stltoday.

But before the business opens in Canton, several approvals will be needed, including site plan and special exception approval from the zoning commission. A public hearing will take place on Feb. 15. At 7:30 p.m. in the .

The business is also working out some details, such as a pricing structure and ownership of the building, which is for sale.

If all goes well, the business hopes to open within six or seven months after approval, which they hope will be some time this calendar year.