1. General
The following terms & conditions relate to the internment and marking of human and pet ashes in the Natural Woodland Area at Dignity Pet Crematorium.
2. Payment
The Client must pay in full all charges due for the individual cremation of their pet(s) (where applicable), an approved marker/memorial (where applicable) and/or entry fee prior to the internment of ashes in the Natural Woodland Area.
3. Acceptance of ashes into the Woodland
Pet ashes: Dignity Pet Crematorium can only accept ashes in the Natural Woodland Area from a domestic pet that has been cremated individually according to the APPCC (Association of Private Pet Cemeteries & Crematoria) code of practice that can be found in full at www.appcc.org.uk. This means we can ONLY accept ashes from pets individually cremated at Dignity Pet Crematorium or at another APPCC member. We regret that we cannot accept ashes from non APPCC members.
Human ashes: We can only accept ashes from a human if their pet was individually cremated at Dignity Pet Crematorium and their pet’s ashes are either already in Dignity’s Woodland or if they are entering the Woodland at the same time as their pet’s ashes. We regret we cannot accept human ashes if they are not accompanied by or joining their pet’s ashes. Human ashes must be accompanied by a certificate of cremation.
4. Internment
The ashes of the Human or of the Client’s pet will be interred directly into the Natural Woodland Area. They cannot be interred within a casket or other receptacle. Once the ashes have been interred they will go back to the ground and it may be impossible for them to be moved or removed afterwards. Human ashes require an exhumation licence prior to being moved or removed. No objects can be placed in the Woodland other than an approved marker/memorial or an approved plant that is indigenous to the Woodland area. The ownership of any marker/memorial and plant (if applicable) will remain with Dignity Pet Crematorium.
5. Marking the ashes
Upon internment of the ashes the spot will be marked with a temporary marker. This will remain in place for a minimum of 6 weeks after the internment date after which time it will be removed and the exact interment spot will not be known unless the Client has placed an order for an approved marker/memorial or if GPS coordinates have been taken.
All ashes will be assigned a grid reference number at the time of internment and a separate record will be kept by Dignity Pet Crematorium of all ashes interred in the Woodland. The grid reference will identify the location of the ashes within an area of 1 square metre.
The Client has the option of choosing an approved marker or memorial to mark the spot where the ashes are interred. Full details of how to purchase a marker / memorial can be found at www.dignitypetcrem.co.uk.
Memorial licence: The Client will be given a right to have the memorial in place for a 5 year period from the point the ashes are interred in the Woodland. A renewal letter stating the then applicable fee will be sent out by Dignity Pet Crematorium to the Client’s contact address in advance of the renewal date. The Client is responsible for keeping Dignity Pet Crematorium informed of any change in their contact details and must immediately notify us of any changes in writing. Clients can purchase an extended licence for longer time periods should they wish. In addition, subject to the prior agreement of Dignity Pet Crematorium, the Client may also choose to mark the spot with an approved species of plant that is indigenous to the Woodland area. A list of approved plants is available upon request from Dignity Pet Crematorium. Dignity Pet Crematorium reserves the right to refuse permission for a plant to be placed in the Woodland should there be concerns about overpopulating the area. Please see section 7 for details on removal of the marker.
6. Visiting
The Client may visit the internment site during normal business hours by prior appointment. Appointments can be made by telephoning 01252 844572. Dignity Pet crematorium reserves the right to refuse access to the Client at any time (for essential maintenance, inclement weather etc). Although pathways are provided and maintained clients should wear appropriate footwear and clothing. Please note that some clients may have difficulty in accessing the Woodland. For as long as Dignity Pet Crematorium is providing the Natural Woodland Service you will have the right to have the ashes and/or memorial in the Woodland Area. There are no rights of access given or implied to the Client by the internment of the ashes in the Woodland Area. Dignity Pet Crematorium reserves the right to terminate the licence for the Woodland Area including any rights under this agreement at any time in the future.
7. Removal of marker / ashes
The Client may remove the marker either at the end of the licence period or by obtaining written permission from Dignity Pet Crematorium. If permission is granted to remove the marker prior to the expiry of the Memorial Licence the Client will not be entitled to any refund of Licence fees already paid. Clients wishing to remove the marker must do so by prior appointment. The Client may not attempt to remove any ashes or plants from the Woodland Area. Dignity Pet Crematorium reserves the right to temporarily remove markers/memorials for essential maintenance and will take reasonable precautions to replace markers/memorials in their original position.
At the end of the Memorial Licence period, or if the Memorial Licence is terminated by Dignity Pet Crematorium at any time, the marker will be removed after 14 days and disposed of after a period of 6 months if not collected by the Client. Clients have the option of paying an additional fee to extend the memorial licence. Dignity Pet Crematorium will contact the Client when the Woodland Licence is due for renewal.
8. Maintenance
The Woodland entrance fee includes a small contribution towards general husbandry. Dignity Pet Crematorium may, from time to time, carry out husbandry & maintenance in the Woodland Area. This may include (but is not restricted to) pruning and felling of trees as appropriate. There is no ongoing standard maintenance fee payable by the Client.
9. Governing Law and Jurisdiction
Parties to this Agreement agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts of England and Wales.
10. Customer Services
10.1. To protect your own interests please read the conditions carefully before signing them. If you are uncertain as to your rights under them or you want any explanation about them please write or telephone us at the address and telephone number set out below
Dignity Pet Crematorium, Odiham Road, Winchfield, Hook, Hampshire, RG27 8BU
Telephone 01252 844572 email enquiries@dignitypetcrem.co.uk
10.2. If you are unhappy with any aspect of our service, please contact one of the partners. Any complaints will be dealt with sympathetically and we will work with you to reach a satisfactory conclusion.
11. Data Protection
You consent to the computer storage and processing of your personal data by us in connection with this Agreement.