Overview: SB 950, An Act providing for disclosure of cremation services for deceased animals, for distribution and certification, for required notices, for holding facility standards, for recordkeeping requirements, and for enforcement; and imposing penalties. The bill was referred to the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee and introduced on July 23, 2025.
Purpose and Intent: The primary goal of this legislation is to establish comprehensive regulations for the cremation of deceased pets and other animals in Pennsylvania. The bill aims to protect consumers, ensure humane treatment of animal remains, and provide transparency around cremation services.
Key Provisions:
- Requires pet crematoriums to be certified and follow specific standards for holding facilities, cremation procedures, and record-keeping
- Mandates the disclosure of pricing, services, and other key information to consumers prior to cremation
- Imposes penalties for violations, including fines and the suspension or revocation of certification
- Directs the state to develop and distribute educational materials for pet owners
Affected Parties and Impacts:
- Pet owners will have greater protections and information when arranging animal cremations
- Pet crematoriums and related businesses will need to comply with the new certification and operational requirements
- State regulators will be responsible for enforcing the law and investigating consumer complaints
Procedural and Timeline Considerations:
The bill has been referred to the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure committee and is currently under consideration. If enacted, the new regulations would take effect within 6 months to allow time for the development of the certification program and other implementation activities.
