Board weighs regulating pet crematories and consumer protections for animal remains

The Veterinary Medical Board discussed whether to pursue regulation of pet crematories and other post‑mortem services for companion animals.

Nut graf: Staff met with the Senate Business, Professions and Economic Development Committee staff and the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau to examine consumer complaints involving cremation or loss of remains. The board discussed whether the Veterinary Medical Board should adopt regulations or whether the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau or another agency should oversee pet‑crematory regulation.

Discussion and public comment: Board members generally agreed that the board’s regulatory authority should focus on care and handling of remains while animals are in veterinary custody and recommended staff examine current standards and whether those standards could be strengthened to protect consumers up to the point the remains leave a veterinary facility. Several board members and the executive office noted the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau has a small staff (three or so) and that statewide regulation of crematoria would add workload and potential costs that may be passed to consumers.

Grant Miller (California Veterinary Medical Association) told the board the CVMA has no current position but would oppose the Veterinary Medical Board being the regulatory body for cremation services because “pet cremation is not the practice of veterinary medicine” and the Cemetery and Funeral Bureau has the statutory purview. He urged the board to ensure the issue is placed with the agency that has expertise and statutory authority. Other public commenters described recent changes in industry practice, including clearer private vs. group/private‑return options and that private cremation already can be costly.

Board direction: Members asked staff to review the board’s current standards on handling remains while in veterinary custody and to return proposed clarifications or rule text that would strengthen consumer protections before remains leave veterinary premises. Staff noted that if broader regulation of crematories is sought it would likely involve substantial regulatory or fiscal work and a decision on which state bureau or department should take the lead.

Ending: The board did not adopt new rules at the meeting. Staff will draft potential changes to veterinary practice standards for board review, with the separate question of statewide regulation of crematories flagged for further interagency consultation.