Sens. Pisciottano, Brown, & Bartolotta with Rep. Markosek Introduce Legislation to Strengthen Accountability for Pet Cremation Services
Harrisburg, PA, July 22, 2025 – In response to disturbing allegations and criminal charges involving the mishandling of pet remains at Vereb Funeral Home, State Senators Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny), Rosemary Brown (R-Lackawana, Monroe, Wayne) and Camera Bartolotta (R-Beaver, Greene, Washington), along with State Representative Brandon Markosek (D-Allegheny), announced the introduction of bipartisan companion legislation to strengthen oversight of pet cremation and burial service providers.
Currently, Pennsylvania law provides no regulatory framework governing how the cremated remains of pets should be handled. This gap allows bad actors to exploit grieving families with little fear of consequences, even in cases where cremation services are paid for but never actually performed.
“Anyone with a pet knows they are a part of our family, and they deserve to be treated with dignity, including in death,” said Senator Pisciottano. “The recent charges involving the alleged mishandling of pet remains have exposed a lack of accountability. We must ensure there are standards and consequences for misconduct.”
The legislation would establish new standards and enforcement mechanisms for the pet cremation industry, restoring public trust and ensuring pets are treated with the respect they deserve. Key provisions include:
- Creating the Companion Animal Cremation Consumer Protection Act to ensure transparency and accountability in pet cremation services and require providers to give a clear, written description of services offered.
- Requiring certification when remains are returned, confirming services were performed as represented and creating a chain of custody.
- Mandating that cremation providers and referring entities inform pet owners of their rights.
- Establishing health and safety standards for cremation facilities, including respectful treatment of remains and worker safety.
- Requiring cremation providers to retain detailed records of each cremation for at least five years.
- Granting the Attorney General authority to enforce fines ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 per violation.
- Allowing the appropriate licensing board to suspend or revoke licenses for noncompliance.
“This bill sends a clear message: if you abuse the public’s trust, there will be serious consequences,” Senator Pisciottano added. “We must act to make sure this never happens again.”
Senate Bill 950 and House Bill 1750 have garnered bipartisan support. Six members of the Senate Democratic Caucus have signed on as co-sponsors, joined by four Republican Senators, including co-prime sponsors Senators Brown and Bartolotta. Senator Brown serves as Co-Chair of the bicameral Animal Protection Caucus alongside Senator Pisciottano, and Senator Bartolotta is also a member of the caucus and a dedicated advocate for animal welfare in the Commonwealth.
“As a dog owner for many years, I understand the deep bond and unconditional love our animal companions give us,” Senator Bartolotta said. “This legislation is about respect and peace of mind. We owe it to every pet owner to ensure their animals are cared for properly, even after they pass. Holding pet cremation services accountable is the least we can do for those who gave us so much.”
The companion legislation, sponsored by Representative Markosek, has similarly drawn support in the House as part of this coordinated legislative effort.
“Our legislation will ensure that funeral homes truly treat pet remains with dignity when providing cremation services,” said Representative Markosek. “Pet owners deserve consumer protection as they are coping with the loss of their companions.”
To ensure the legislation is grounded in best practices and practical implementation, the lawmakers engaged a broad group of stakeholders, including local pet crematoriums, funeral homes, and the International Association of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories (IAOPCC). They also worked closely with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Department of State to align the bill with existing regulatory and enforcement frameworks. This collaborative approach played a critical role in crafting a bill that prioritizes consumer protection while establishing clear, enforceable standards for service providers.
The Senators and Representative encourage additional colleagues in their respective chambers to join in this bipartisan effort to protect Pennsylvania families and the animals they love.