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We understand just how much our pets mean to us — they are family. Owned and run by husband and wife, Michelle and James Bancroft, we are a family business dedicated to providing compassionate and dignified pet funerals and home euthanasia services across Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and the North West.
Having experienced the heartbreak of losing our own beloved pets, we truly appreciate the depth of that loss. It’s this understanding that drives us to offer support and comfort to families facing one of the most difficult goodbyes.
What sets us apart is our background in the funeral profession. With this experience, we bring a level of care, respect, and personal service that reflects the deep bond you share with your pet.
We’re here to help — whenever you need us.
Michelle & James
About Us
Meet Michelle (and Wilson)
Michelle is a devoted animal lover with two Cockapoos, Wilson and Betty, and a cat named Jaxon.
With over 15 years of experience in a senior compliance role, Michelle also owns a doggy day care centre. Her expertise ensures that all aspects of the business, including individual pet cremation, meet the highest compliance standards.
The inspiration behind founding Rainbow Bridge came from a personal experience. After one of her cats, Milo, passed away, Michelle was unaware of her options. The vet hastily suggested cremation, but after a week, she had received no updates. It was only after 11 days that Milo was finally returned to her.
This distressing experience motivated Michelle to create a service that provides compassionate support to pet owners during one of the most difficult times in their lives, ensuring they are reunited with their beloved pets as quickly as possible—without long, uncertain waits.
Michelle has also earned a distinction in her accredited Grief Coach for Pet Loss training, equipping her with the skills and knowledge to support those coping with the loss of a cherished companion.
Meet James (and Betty)
James has a vast amount of experience in the funeral industry and has previously worked as a funeral director in Oldham and Prestwich. James also owns 3 doggy day care centres and, like Michelle is a true animal lover.
Having this experience allows him to truly understand and empathise with families experiencing loss and support them through the difficult process.
James' dog, Betty recently passed her ‘Pets as Therapy’ assessment and they often both visit poorly children in hospital to provide therapy to those in need, to help them through their illness.
James' personal experience with his own pets led him to recognise a gap in pet aftercare services.
This inspired him to create Rainbow Bridge Pet Funerals, a service dedicated to supporting those facing the loss of a beloved pet.
His goal is to provide unparalleled care and ensure that pets are reunited with their owners as quickly as possible.
Urns, Caskets & Keepsakes
Customer Comments
James was amazing from the first message, I was in total shock and he made the whole process bareable and showed such empathy, my little Biscuit is now back home where she belongs. I would have no hesitation in recommending this amazing company to help anyone who has lost a pet. Thank you for showing her such respect and kindness on her final journey.
Susan, Biscuit
From the moment we lost our precious furbaby Poppy, James and the team were professional and caring , keeping us informed every step of the way. Their experience around pet loss helped us as a family deal with the bewildering range of emotions and their kindness shines through. Poppy was treated with dignity and care, even down to how she was brought home to us. The personal touch always at the front of everything they do. Thank you for taking such good care of other darling girl.
Jane & Gary, Poppy
Excellent service, excellent staff, highly recommended.
Martin Clarke, Lennon
I have been so impressed with all aspects of your service and would absolutely recommend you to any pet owner. We were supported throughout and all our wishes were valued. Bee was so perfect to help Pipsqueak over the rainbow bridge. She was empathetic, kind and nothing was too much trouble. Michelle was so wonderful and helpful and the experience went from being scary and sad to being supported and loved. Thank you for everything you have done. (And Lottie and Minnie were thrilled with the biscuits. What a thoughtful addition).
Ruth, Damien, Robert & Maggie, Pipsqueak
Thank you for what you and Michelle did today for us. We couldn’t have asked for anyone better. You both was perfect x
Natalie & Mark, Dexter
I just wanted to express my thanks for the quick and professional and most importantly caring service you have provided us. This has been a very difficult couple of days for my daughter to come to terms with, but she now has a memorial shelf set up in her bedroom with Melodies ashes and importantly a way to move forward.
Tony & Lindsay, Melody
As a professional, I've attended many euthanasias, and the thing that stood out the most for me with Michelle and James was their genuine care. They waited for over an hour to retrieve Teddy, and there was not a moment where my client felt pressured. They were calm, reassuring and professional at every interaction. They returned Teddy home with the same love and care, and completed the most beautiful paw and nose prints I've ever seen.
Lu Etchells, Teddy
Great service from Rainbow Bridge. They helped sort everything out so quickly and helped with out pets passing in the most dignified way possible. We would 100% recommend to anyone, and the pricing was really good.
Austin and Marta, Jake
I wanted to thank you both for yesterday. You made my heartbreak easier because of your compassion, kindness and gentle manner with Holly. She looked so comfy and peaceful when you snuggled her up in her bed. She was such a gentle, loving and funny girl. I'm heart broken without her.
Lynn, Holly
Many thanks again for all you have done. We will never forget it.
Jenny & Nick, Lenny
Thank you to Rainbow Bridge for taking loving care of Charlie on his final journey and the beautiful way the memory keepsakes are presented. Thank you so much for everything.
Irene & Malcolm, Charlie
It was a beautiful touch with everything you did with Tasha's ashes and her paw print.
Nichola, Tasha