The idea of starting a business involved in the cremation of pets first originated when the three members of Envirocin were still at university in Stellenbosch. During their holidays spent in Johannesburg, they started researching the idea of pet cremation after discovering a local newspaper article describing how a distraught man found his own deceased pet on a council landfill. It soon became apparent that a huge void existed when it came to the disposal of bodies of deceased pets.
Dean Webb, Mark Slaughter and Dave Oxenham approached 20 veterinarians in the Johannesburg area in order to ascertain whether or not they would be interested in making use of the envisaged service.The response was an overwhelming yes and the business was born in May 1996.
Initially, Envirocins’ client base consisted of approximately 20 vets in Johannesburg as very little awareness existed with regard to the abhorrent practices which were taking place at that time. The dumping of pets bodies does still take place in some areas, but the practice is certainly on the decline since most vets are totally opposed to it and would much rather advise their clients to have the body disposed of in a hygienic and dignified manner. Today, Envirocin is now proud to service a client base of over 200 veterinary practices in Gauteng, 60 in Kwa-Zulu Natal and over 10 vets in the Free State and North West Provinces. Pet owners are no longer content with not knowing where or how their pet was disposed of and are now insisting that their pet receive the kind of treatment worthy of a friend or family member.
Envirocin is a transparent, professional operation and we encourage veterinarians to inspect our premises at any time. The Johannesburg crematorium is situated in Kya Sands, north of Johannesburg, and the Durban crematorium is situated at the Heron Farm on Georgedale Road in Cato Ridge.
Envirocin has been in operation for nearly 20 years and in that time we have come to understand the amazing bond that exists between South African pet owners and their faithful animal companions. We will continue to strive to improve all of our services over the next decade and welcome all feedback from you in order to achieve this.