Question
Our vet just let us know that the funeral home to which our dog was sent to get cremated at made a mistake and instead of doing a private cremation they did a group cremation. What can I do in the circumstance?
California, USA
Answer
I am very sorry for your losses, both of your dog and ashes. There was a case in California, Levy v. Only Cremations For Pets, Inc., where the crematorium allegedly provided a dog’s “parent” with the wrong ashes. The court in that case found that the dog’s “parents” could rightfully seek damages for emotional distress against the crematorium. The court stated, “In offering a private cremation service predicated on the dignified treatment of pet remains, defendant entered into a special relationship and assumed a duty to use reasonable care in avoiding emotional harm to the owner.” The court also stated, “…defendant advertised its services as providing emotional solace, and thus it was foreseeable that a failure to use reasonable care with the ashes would result in emotional distress.”
A complaint may also be made to the California Veterinary Medical Board.
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