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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
Meet Michelle (and Wilson)
Michelle is a lifelong animal lover and proud mum to two Cockapoos, Wilson and Betty, as well as a cat, Jaxon.
With over 15 years’ experience in a senior compliance role, Michelle also runs a doggy day care centre. Her background means she takes great care to ensure every part of Rainbow Bridge, including individual pet cremation, is handled with the highest standards and attention to detail.
The idea for Rainbow Bridge came from a very personal experience. When her cat Milo passed away, Michelle was unsure of her options. The vet quickly suggested cremation, but after a week she had heard nothing. It was only 11 days later that Milo was finally returned to her.
That difficult experience inspired Michelle to create a service built on compassion and understanding—one that supports families at one of the hardest times in their lives, and makes sure they are reunited with their beloved pets as quickly and gently as possible.
Michelle has also achieved a distinction in accredited Grief Coach for Pet Loss training, giving her the knowledge and empathy to guide others through the pain of losing a cherished companion.
Meet James (and Betty)
James has many years of experience in the funeral industry, having worked as a funeral director in both Oldham and Prestwich. Alongside this, he runs three doggy day care centres and, like Michelle, is a devoted animal lover. He is also proud to serve as a trustee of the Destitute Animal Shelter in Bolton, supporting the welfare of animals in need.
His background means he has a deep understanding of what families go through when facing loss, and he is committed to offering kindness, empathy and support during such a difficult time.
James’s dog, Betty, recently passed her Pets as Therapy assessment, and together they often visit children in hospital. These visits bring comfort and smiles, helping young patients cope with their illness.
Having experienced loss with his own pets, James recognised that there was a need for more compassionate and personal pet aftercare.
This realisation inspired him to create Rainbow Bridge Pet Funerals—a service built on care, respect and understanding, ensuring families are reunited with their beloved pets as quickly and gently as possible.
