Access to our parking lot will be limited on Friday 10/4 & Saturday 10/5 as pavers resurface our parking lot. Please call ahead if you'd like to bring us your pet so that we can make necessary arrangements to greet you. Thank you for your understanding.

We're here when you need us

About Perkins Goodbye Hugs and What Sets Us Apart From Other Pet Crematories

Established in 2008, Perkins Goodbye Hugs is family-owned and operated. In September 2020, Perkins underwent new ownership and remains a family-owned and operated business.

We are pet parents ourselves. We’ve personally experienced the loss of a pet and know all too well the heartbreak and range of emotions that follow.
We’ll treat your pet as if it were our own. Our commitment and priority lie with providing families individual attention and compassion with careful and respectful treatment of their pet.

Meet our Staff

Meet the Perkins Team

John Best

Owner & General Manager

Crematory Operator

Jim Bailey

Crematory Operator

Joseph Amundrud

Crematory Operator

Christine Moore

Office Manager

Josh Leadingham

Driver & Handler

Bob Musacchio

Driver & Handler

Preferred Veterinary Partners

We’re proud to partner with the following veterinary clinics and home hospice veterinarians within Wilmington and the surrounding area. We are, however, happy to work with all non-partner veterinary clinics. Preferred veterinary partners and home hospice veterinarians will make arrangements with us to pick up your pet; payment for the cremation service is handled directly with them. If you’ve chosen a Private Cremation with one of our preferred veterinary partners or non-partner veterinary clinic, your pet’s cremation package will be returned to their clinic; for those customers using a home hospice service, your pet’s cremation package will be returned to your home.

Home Hospice Veterinarians

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We're Here for You

Here we’ll guide you how to properly handle the death of your pet under a few different scenarios. Understandably, some may find the following guidance disturbing and/or disrespectful. However difficult, these are the proper ways to handle your pet after death.
Call us so that we can get some brief information from you. No appointment is necessary, you can bring your pet to us immediately or request us to pick up your pet from your home.
You’ll want to prevent or limit decomposition as much as possible. Cover your pet with a towel/blanket or place them inside a plastic bag. Keep your pet cool and dry; a freezer or iced cooler is best. Call and leave us a voicemail with your contact information and we’ll call you immediately upon opening the following business day to arrange cremation services.

We’re proud to partner with most veterinary clinics in the Wilmington and surrounding areas however we’re happy to work with all veterinary clinics. A list of our Preferred Veterinary Partners can be found in “About Us”.

They will make arrangements with us to pick up your pet. Payment for the cremation service is handled directly with them. If you’ve chosen a Private Cremation, your pet’s cremation package will be returned to your veterinarian’s office and they will contact you to make pick up arrangements.

You must notify them that you would like for us to pick up your pet for cremation, then call us directly so that we can confirm your request with their office. If you’ve chosen a Private Cremation, you pet’s cremation package will be returned to your veterinarian’s office or to your home at your choosing. You may also pick up your pet’s cremation package from our office.
Costs for our cremation services are based upon your pet’s weight, competitively structured within industry standards.
Appointments are not required however a phone call letting us know you’re coming is appreciated so we can be prepared to receive your pet.
Most private cremations are performed the same day your pet arrives in our care. The cremation process and preparation of your Private Cremation Package is completed usually within 24 hours.
Including something with your pet may be of comfort to you. Many pets have a favorite; be it a toy, blanket, or bed. Perhaps you would like your pet adorned with flowers. While we do our best to respect your wishes and accommodate your individual needs, due to safety precautions, there are limits as to what can accompany your pet during the cremation process. Just ask us and we’ll do our best to see that your wishes are met.
Whether we are picking your pet up from your home or your veterinarian’s office, they will be safely transported to our facility. Your pet will never leave our care, cremation is performed on site. If you’ve chosen a Private Cremation, your pet’s cremation package will be returned to the pickup location.
Absolutely. You have the right to choose the best aftercare your pet receives. Whether it be Perkins Goodbye Hugs or another pet crematory, let your personal or emergency veterinarian know who you would like to care for your pet.
We are here for you. Reach out today.