Pet Passages Franchise

Michael Harris founded Pet Passages, Inc. and Pet Passages Franchising, Inc. The brand’s earlier company began licensing software, websites and coaching to pet funeral homes and cremation businesses in 2011. The franchising company was formed in New York on November 23, 2015 and began offering franchises on January 25, 2016. Its principal office is in Ontario, New York. The March 27, 2026 FDD identifies Harris as president and CEO and records his work in the pet cremation industry since 2009.

The business developed through affiliated facilities as well as franchising. Affiliate MindyAnn, Inc. opened its Melbourne, Florida operation in November 2016 and its Ontario, New York facility at the end of 2017. A separate affiliated company has operated in Lafayette, Louisiana since 2024. The system offers pet funeral services, cremation and memorial products to individual families and to veterinary hospitals, humane societies and other businesses. It accepts candidates with existing funeral or veterinary businesses as well as those without prior funeral or crematorium experience.

A typical facility occupies approximately 2,500–3,000 square feet, often in a standalone building with light-industrial zoning. Owners must secure a suitable approved location and the permits needed for cremation operations. The system includes the Secure Passages software and Digital Operations Portal, which supports access to operating standards and resources.

Item 7 of the 2026 FDD estimates an initial investment of $303,643–$567,958, including three months of additional funds. The standard $55,000 franchise fee covers a negotiated county-based territory of roughly 300,000 housing units. Optional additional territory increases the fee, generally up to $95,000 for roughly 500,000 housing units; larger territories can involve further charges. Active U.S. military personnel and qualifying veterans receive a 10% initial franchise fee discount under the disclosed program.

Initial training and certification. The Designated Operator and Designated Manager must complete the franchisor’s initial program satisfactorily and become Certified Pet Funeral Directors before opening. This certification means completion of the franchisor’s course. The FDD describes approximately 80 hours at the Learning Center and Headquarters in Ontario, New York, or another designated location, with programs intended at least quarterly. Michael Harris oversees the program. Topics include pet loss, the business model, local demographics, sales and veterinary relationships, pet transfers, crematory operations, technology and daily business management. Instruction combines electronic or classroom work with substantial practical training.

The initial franchise fee covers training costs for two people. Additional participants at the initial bootcamp cost $2,500 each; staff attending a later bootcamp cost $3,000 each. Trainees pay food, travel and lodging. The franchisor also provides a pre-opening site visit and instruction, described as three to five days, with estimated travel and lodging reimbursement of $3,500–$8,000. Training materials are provided without a separate materials charge for the initial trainees.

Opening preparation. Owners receive approved supplier information, purchasing specifications and access to the Brand Standards Manual through the Digital Operations Portal. The franchisor approves the location and construction plans and inspects the facility before authorizing opening. Owners remain responsible for local permits, building-code compliance, construction and hiring and training their own employees. Grand-opening marketing support and other opening assistance are provided within the scope described in the franchise agreement.

Ongoing support. The system provides portal resources, consultation on operating questions, a franchisee website and access to brand advertising materials. Two hours of marketing-team consultation per month are included for campaign planning, materials and local marketing; additional time costs extra. Additional onsite visits may be requested and can require reimbursement for time and expenses. Secure Passages software maintenance, hosting and support form part of the technology fee.

Continuing development. Periodic conferences are required to maintain the franchisor’s certification, and the Designated Operator must attend an operator conference at least once every two years. Additional certification meetings may be held at the franchisor’s discretion, no more than monthly, and are currently conducted by video. Refresher or advanced training may carry per-person fees, and attendees cover travel and living costs. At least two Certified Pet Funeral Directors must remain on staff, with direct onsite supervision by one or both.

Pet Passages brings together family-facing care and the operational systems needed for pet funeral and cremation services. The combination of memorial products, proprietary tracking software, practical training and relationships with veterinary organizations gives an owner a defined service offering to develop locally. The work can be personally meaningful for someone who values careful handling, clear communication and compassionate service during a difficult time for families.

The model suits an organized, hands-on owner who can manage a facility and team while building trust with pet owners and professional partners. A designated owner must participate actively in day-to-day management and operations, and the Designated Manager devotes their entire working time to the business. Consistent procedures, attention to service quality and sensitivity to customers are central to making this model work.

For questions about manager coverage, reporting and the responsibilities an owner retains, use our owner participation and management checklist. Evaluate each offering’s actual scope and requirements separately.