posted 12th October 2025
Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is one of the hardest moments we face. At Rainbow Bridge Pet Funerals, we understand how important it is that this final act is handled with the utmost care, dignity, and respect. Choosing a crematorium that is APHA approved and fully licensed ensures your pet’s farewell is safe, traceable, and handled with love — and it’s also a legal requirement in the UK.
APHA Approval – Protecting Your Pet and You
The Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) regulates all pet crematoriums in the UK under the Animal By-Products (Enforcement) (England) Regulations 2013, which implement Regulation (EC) No. 1069/2009. These laws are in place to make sure that animal remains, including pets, are handled safely and respectfully.
An APHA-approved crematorium is legally required to:
- Keep each pet’s cremation traceable and separate, so you can be confident your pet’s ashes are returned to you.
- Follow strict standards for hygiene, storage, and environmental responsibility.
- Undergo regular inspections to ensure the highest standards are always met.
At Rainbow Bridge Pet Funerals, we are proud to hold APHA approval No: U1607209/INC, so you can be confident that every pet entrusted to us is cared for with complete professionalism and respect.
Planning Permission – Another Legal Safeguard
Alongside APHA approval, a crematorium must have planning permission from the local council. This ensures the site is suitable in terms of:
- Environmental and air quality considerations
- Proximity to homes and public spaces
- Safe access and responsible waste management
Operating without planning permission breaches the Town and Country Planning Act 1990, so it’s another legal step designed to keep everything safe, proper, and respectful.
Questions to Ask for Peace of Mind
To ensure your pet is cared for with the highest standards, it’s helpful to ask a pet crematorium some simple questions before booking:
- Are you APHA approved? Ask for their approval number and verify it on the public APHA register.
- Do you have planning permission for your crematorium? This ensures the site is legally compliant and safe.
- Is my pet cremated individually or with others? Rainbow Bridge onlyoffers individual pet cremation
- How are ashes returned? Ask about the process to ensure you receive your pet’s ashes safely and respectfully.
- Can I visit the crematorium or see the facilities? Transparency shows the provider’s commitment to care and trust. Rainbow Bridge welcomes any request to view our facilities.
Asking these questions gives you confidence that your pet’s final journey is handled with respect, traceability, and professionalism.
Why This Matters to You
Choosing a pet crematorium that is legally approved and licensed gives you peace of mind that your pet will be cared for with dignity, traceability, and transparency. Unfortunately, not all providers are fully licensed – some may send pets elsewhere without making this clear. Always check their APHA approval number and confirm they appear on the public APHA register.
Our Promise at Rainbow Bridge
At Rainbow Bridge Pet Funerals, we ensure every pet entrusted to us is handled according to all legal and ethical requirements, from APHA approval to planning permission. We believe that saying goodbye should be a moment of love, compassion, and care — never worry or uncertainty.
Your pet deserves a farewell that honours the love and joy they brought into your life. Choosing an APHA-approved crematorium is the first step in making that possible.
Michelle & James
