In this episode of Tuesday Talks with Ruby Reese, Killian sits down with Glen Patten, founder of Pawprints Cremation, for a gentle and genuinely important conversation about a topic that does not get nearly enough attention.
Glen shares how a combination of personal loss, a gap in the market and a deep love for animals led him to establish Ireland's first individual pet cremation service in 2011. He walks through the full process - from collection and traceability to the return of ashes - and explains the rigorous licensing and inspection requirements that govern the service. The conversation also covers the wide range of keepsakes available, from paw prints and nose prints to jewellery containing ashes, and why even planning ahead while a pet is still alive can make an enormous difference when the time comes.
Glen shares some remarkable stories from over a decade of supporting families - including rushing to complete a cremation for a family visiting from the UK who could not leave Ireland without their pet - and offers practical advice on what to look for when choosing a cremation provider.
A quietly powerful listen for any dog owner.
Takeaways
- Individual pet cremation means one pet, one chamber, every time - there is no technical or financial benefit to doing otherwise, and the licensing requirements make the full process fully traceable.
- Pawprints Cremation uses a QR code traceability system that follows each pet from the moment of collection through every stage of the cremation process and back to the owner.
- Licensed pet crematoriums in Ireland are inspected twice a year by the Department of Agriculture and must record and report detailed information about every cremation carried out.
- Keepsakes available include clay paw prints and nose prints, hair clippings, ink paw prints (useful for tattoos), and jewellery containing a small amount of ashes - meaningful options for the whole family.
- Preparing in advance, while a pet is still alive, makes the process significantly less overwhelming when the time comes - it is always appropriate to ask questions and research providers early.
- When choosing a cremation provider, ask your vet which service they use, check that the provider is licensed, ask about their traceability process, and make sure their address and location are clearly visible on their website.
- The service covers the whole Republic of Ireland, operating primarily through veterinary clinics with a weekly collection and return service.
- Memories, photographs and keepsakes can bring real comfort in the grieving process - and even if you are not sure whether a keepsake will help, having the option is always worth taking.
- A good cremation provider approaches every individual pet as if the owner were standing right beside them - dignity and attention to detail are everything.
Websites & Social Media
Pawprints Cremation
Website: pawprintscremation.ie
Instagram: @pawprintscremation
Ruby Reese
Website: ruby-reese.ie
Instagram: @rubyreeseofficial
dognutrition.ie
Website: dognutrition.ie
Instagram: @dognutrition.ie
Please Note: In the interest of keeping episodes conversational and entertaining we will make broad generalisations that may not reflect you, your situation or your pet. If you have any concerns please consult a certified professional who will assess your individual needs.
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