Dartmouth pet crematory closes after 20 years in business

January 26, 2026 - 09:36

The Metro Pet Crematory in Dartmouth has permanently closed after twenty years of serving the community, marking the end of an era for many local pet owners. The owner cites increasing pressure from large corporate chains as the primary reason for the closure.

He explains that as major corporations acquire more independent veterinary hospitals in the region, they increasingly direct clients toward lower-cost, centralized cremation services. This shift has made it impossible for his small, independent operation to compete, despite a long-standing reputation for personalized and compassionate care.

For two decades, the crematory provided a dedicated service to families during a difficult time, offering individual cremations and the return of ashes. Its closure leaves a void for those who valued a local, community-focused option for honoring their pets. The owner expressed deep gratitude to his loyal clients and the community for their support over the years, but stated the market forces left him with no viable path forward. The shuttering of this business reflects a broader trend of consolidation within the pet care industry, where independent services are increasingly challenged by large-scale corporate entities.