Revolutionising Pet Welfare this Spring: EarthPet’s Groundbreaking Bio-Burial Solution for Veterinarians

A Shift Towards Sustainability

The shift away from traditional methods like cremation and dumping on landfills is undeniable.

While EarthPet includes cremation services due to existing demand, our ultimate goal is to demonstrate that bio-burial offers a superior, more sustainable alternative to cremation, guiding the shift towards eco-friendly methods. These conventional practices not only harm the planet but also overlook the increasing demand for eco-friendly practices.

EarthPet is proud to offer a bio-burial, which holds the highest certification for the composting of organic waste from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment of the Republic of South Africa. This certification underscores our commitment to sustainability and ensures that our groundbreaking bio-burial method adheres to stringent legal requirements and health guidelines. By offering a certified, environmentally friendly solution, we provide veterinarians with a choice that benefits both the earth and their clients, while supporting the transition to more responsible waste management practices.

Fleet of Vehicles & Paperless System

To support our mission of sustainability and efficiency, EarthPet operates a fleet of six vehicles, each equipped to handle various situations, from collecting smaller animals to transporting larger ones. This fleet allows us to choose the most economical approach for every situation, reducing our environmental impact. Additionally, we’ve implemented a paperless system to further our commitment to sustainability, ensuring that all processes, from booking to billing, are managed digitally.

Supporting the Welfare Community

Animal welfare organisations play a vital role in caring for animals in need, often operating on tight budgets with limited resources. These organisations must cover a range of expenses, including veterinary care, food, shelter, and rehabilitation for the animals they rescue. The financial burden is substantial, and every rand saved can make a significant difference in the services they can provide.

Unfortunately, traditional methods of pet carcass disposal, such as cremation, can be costly and add unnecessary strain to already limited budgets. EarthPet recognises this challenge and offers an affordable, compassionate bio-burial alternative. By utilising EarthPet’s services, welfare organisations can redirect their financial resources to essential care and support for the animals they serve, rather than on costly disposal fees.

Dumping rescue pets on landfills is not only environmentally harmful but also fails to honour the lives of animals who have already endured hardship. These animals deserve dignity and respect, even in death. EarthPet provides a compassionate bio-burial solution that aligns with the mission of animal welfare organisations, ensuring that pets receive the respectful farewell they deserve.

The EarthPet Welfare Programme

EarthPet’s welfare programme is designed with veterinarians and welfare organisations in mind, offering a straightforward and cost-effective billing process for our bio-burial services.

The programme charges a flat rate of R80 (ex VAT) per carcass for animals weighing between 20kg and 90kg. For smaller animals, multiple carcasses can be combined to reach the minimum weight threshold of up to 20kg. Here’s how it works:

Weight-Based Pricing:

• Each individual carcass weighing between 20kg and 90kg is charged a flat rate of R80 (ex VAT).

• For animals weighing less than 20kg, they can be combined to reach up to 20kg.

• For example: A collection of four cats, each weighing 5kg, combines to make 20kg, resulting in a charge of R80 (ex VAT).

• Another collection of four cats weighing 5kg each also makes up 20kg and incurs an additional charge of R80 (ex VAT) charge.

• A single dog weighing 30kg qualifies as one carcass and is charged at R80 (ex VAT).

This pricing structure ensures transparency and simplicity for both veterinarians and their clients, making it easier to budget and plan for bio-burial services.

• Bulk Collection: A collection fee applies for individual carcasses unless the number exceeds 10 for welfare institutions. For veterinary practices, standard quantities apply as arranged, given their typically larger volumes.

Logistics Options for Welfare Customers

EarthPet offers flexibility for welfare customers, allowing them to choose from the following logistics options in addition to the Earthpet direct collection service:

• Direct Delivery: Welfare customers can deliver carcasses directly to EarthPet’s premises, qualifying for a reduced rate of R70 (ex VAT) per carcass instead of R80 (ex VAT).

• Veterinary Partnerships: Welfare customers may also utilise the services of participating veterinarians. These veterinarians are permitted to charge a reasonable administrative surcharge, which they can discuss with their clients.

Additional Incentives and Benefits for Participating Veterinarians

Veterinary practices participating in the welfare programme are also eligible for discounts on their regular carcass disposal cases. Participating veterinarians are always guaranteed the lowest price, with a 7.5% cash discount from any competing quote from legally registered service providers. Practices must use EarthPet’s services exclusively in order to qualify for these discounts, which makes EarthPet’s services more affordable for practices beyond the welfare programme. Here’s how it works:

Competitive Pricing:

• Participating veterinarians, who use EarthPet’s services exclusively, can benefit from a 7.5% cash discount on regular carcasses (note that welfare carcasses remain at R80 each, ex VAT).

• In addition to the discount, 2.5% of the quote amount is donated to AWARE Foundation, which is invoiced directly by the Foundation for tax incentives as it is a registered NPC.

These incentives provide participating practices with cost savings on their non-welfare cases, allowing them to pass these savings on to their clients and indirectly support welfare organisations through contributions to AWARE Foundation NPC. 

Cremation Services & Sustainable Options

EarthPet’s preferred method is our bio-burial service, however a licensed cremation service is available to ensure that all ashes can be returned to their facilities for processing. All of the pet’s ashes are returned to the owner, ensuring that nothing ends up on landfills, as is often the case with traditional methods. EarthPet is expanding its range (in addition to the sandblasted glass bottles) to include paper scatter bags, wooden boxes, and ceramic urns for the return of ashes, which can all be personalised. We are continuously exploring additional options to ensure each pet’s memory is honoured with the respect it deserves.

Commitment to Welfare and Sustainability

EarthPet’s welfare rate of R80 (ex VAT) per carcass is available to both welfare  organisations and veterinary practices that make use of Earthpet services exclusively. By offering the lowest fee option on the market for bio-burial, EarthPet demonstrates a commitment to assisting welfare organisations and promoting sustainable solutions within veterinary practices.

Founding and Expertise

EarthPet was founded by a veterinarian who is well-versed in the complexities of the legal requirements within the veterinary profession. While the South African Veterinary Council (SAVC) and the South African Veterinary Association (SAVA) provide general information, specific guidelines can be unclear, and government laws add to the intricacy. In addition to holding certification from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries, and the Environment (link to certificate), EarthPet strives to stay current on all relevant regulations. Our founder’s commitment ensures that our processes are compliant and reliable, offering veterinarians peace of mind. By ensuring that no carcasses end up on landfills, EarthPet also helps avoid many potential legal issues associated with traditional disposal methods.

Conclusion

The EarthPet welfare programme is a pioneering approach that aligns with the growing demand for sustainable and ethical practices in veterinary care. By offering a transparent and affordable bio-burial process, EarthPet empowers veterinarians to make environmentally responsible choices while, at the same time, supporting welfare organisations. Join the movement towards a more sustainable future with EarthPet, where every choice makes a difference.

Please note that the new welfare pricing and offers described in this article took effect starting 1 September 2024.