Pet Passages® has been helping pet owners honor and celebrate the lives of their beloved companions since 2011 by providing professional and compassionate pet funeral services. President and CEO Mike Harris, a licensed funeral director, founded the company after losing his beloved dogs close together. Harris quickly realized there were no options available that provided the high level of care and empathy that pets and their owners deserve. By Shelby Green
Pet Passages® has been helping pet owners honor and celebrate the lives of their beloved companions since 2011 by providing professional and compassionate pet funeral services. President and CEO Mike Harris, a licensed funeral director, founded the company after losing his beloved dogs close together. Harris quickly realized there were no options available that provided the high level of care and empathy that pets and their owners deserve.
“Losing my dogs was a heartbreaking experience, and the aftercare options I found just didn’t feel right. They seemed outdated and impersonal,” Harris explained. “That’s why I founded Pet Passages. We train all our franchisees with the perspective of a licensed funeral director, something no other company in the country offers. It’s all about honoring the bond between people and their pets and providing the kind of compassionate care I would have wanted for my own dogs.”
In 2017, Harris decided to take Pet Passages nationwide and began franchising. Today, the brand has 20 locations across the U.S., and it offers franchisees the unique opportunity to partner with a vet group purchasing organization and become the chosen pet crematory provider for the organization’s 2,000 individually owned veterinary practices.
Pet Passages’ success stems from the unparalleled training and support it offers for as long as franchisees are with the brand. This ensures owners have everything they need to succeed. Additionally, the company has invested in proprietary technology that helps streamline major processes for franchisees.
“At Pet Passages, we understand that opening a new business can be daunting. That’s why we offer unmatched support to our franchisees,” explained Harris. “From the moment you sign on, you’ll have a team of experts available 24/7 to answer your questions and guide you throughout your entire journey. We have the most experience in the pet aftercare profession, and we’re here to share that knowledge and ensure your success.”
Pet Passages is dedicated to building a legacy brand. It’s currently in the early stages of constructing a new corporate office and is seeking franchise development companies to help expand its reach. Also, the brand regularly attends conferences and speaking events to help inform the veterinary community about pet cremation so people know what to expect. Pet Passages’ ultimate goal is to create a generational business model where franchise ownership can be passed down through families.
“There’s a real heart behind our franchisees. They all share a love for pets, and many have had a personal experience that left them wanting more from the pet aftercare industry,” said Andrea Dunadee-Harris, vice president. “Some may be coming out of corporate careers, seeking a more fulfilling path. What unites them is the desire to do something meaningful and build a business that gives back to the community. While most haven’t run a pet aftercare business before, that’s not a barrier. Looking ahead, we see Pet Passages becoming a multi-generational legacy where our franchisees can build a successful business and pass it down, ensuring we can continue to comfort pet owners for years to come.”
Shelby Green