City of Kamloops won’t cremate your pets anymore

Kamloops won't be cremating pets any more as of next month.

For 37 years, the City has been cremating pets, but the cost of the service is outweighing its benefits, according to a City of Kamloops news release.

The equipment will be finally put to rest after surpassing its life expectancy by more than 20 years, the City said.

After years of maintenance, the inefficient and obsolete cremation equipment would need an expensive retrofit to continue. The City said it's not "economically feasible" to keep using it.

The City said residents should reach out to their local veterinarian for cremation options once the equipment is shut down on Sept. 20, which will likely cost much more than the City-run service.

Costs vary by weight, but the City charged from $21 to $96, depending on the size of the pet. With ashes returned, it would cost $42 to $134, and more for non-Kamloops residents.

Private cremations, however, start at more than $100 and quickly reach passed $200, depending on the pet's weight.

"The decision to end this service does not come lightly as the City has helped many residents over the years with their pets’ final journeys and has relationships with the Kamloops BC SPCA and veterinarian offices throughout the region," the City news release reads.

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