A COMPASSIONATE woman has been praised for her the way she supports grieving pet owners.

Paula Parsons, 54, lives on a farm near Birtley and runs Northumbria Pet Crematorium.

It operates 365 days a year for those who need it.

She has run the business for just over two years.

It is understood to be the only pet crematorium service in Northumberland that is not linked to a veterinary practice.

Paula said: “It’s so important people know we will care for your pet, treat them with respect, and look after them.”

Because of this, the crematorium offers a more personal, one-to-one service.

They can collect pets from homes or the vet and return their ashes.

When her black Labrador Brae passed away at 14 and a half, Paula was unable to find anywhere local to cremate her beloved pet.

This was her incentive to open the pet crematorium and support other pet owners who were experiencing their time of need.

“I want people to feel I really care,” says Paula.

Northumbria Pet Crematorium is open Christmas, New Year, weekends, and Paula has been known to even answer the phone at midnight to offer advice and support for distraught pet owners.

Providing individual cremations and returning the ashes within 24 hours assures pet owners they are getting the best service.

Since other pet crematoriums close their doors on weekends, Paula provides a vital service 24 hours a day.

Knowing how much Paula cares for animals “offers peace of mind” for people, who can relax knowing their pet is in safe hands.

During Covid, the business always remained open, but they were not entitled to any government support to ease their struggles.

One Google review said: “Amazing service, very happy we used these people to look after our Rosie.”

Despite this, the business maintained their high level of care for both owners and pets, because “people need to know there’s someone there for them 24/7.”

After having plenty of pets through her lifetime, she “knows the pain, knows the hurt” of losing them.

If you would like to arrange a cremation, Paula can be contacted on 07393481561.