Locally owned and operated, caring for Wilmington families and their pets with warmth, honor and respect.
The Heart Behind Perkins Goodbye Hugs
Perkins Goodbye Hugs is backed by a simple truth - John Best and his family are animal people first, and the love John gives his own dogs is the exact same love he brings to every pet placed in his care.
That belief is the foundation of everything we do. When your companion comes to us, they are cared for with the same tenderness, patience, and respect we would want for our own. You are trusting us with a member of your family, and we never lose sight of what that means for our clients.
Meet Our Staff
The caring hands behind every goodbye. Local, dedicated, and devoted to treating your pet like one of their own.
John and his wife live in Wilmington with their two children and Labradors Penny and Ellie. John graduated from NC State University. Their family acquired Perkins in 2020. They enjoy spending time as a family at the beach or on their boat.
Christine has lived in Wilmington for more than 30 years. She and her husband enjoy spending their free time with their dog Ezramelda. Christine is an avid animal lover, having adopted several rescues during the many years she has spent in Wilmington.
Joe is a graduate of New Hanover High School and has lived in Wilmington his entire life. Joe has been with Perkins for about four years. He enjoys cooking and gaming with his sons in his free time.
Mark is retired from the international shipping industry. He and his wife enjoy spending their time with their children, grandchildren and grand-dogs. Mark also enjoys golfing and boating and has rescued multiple Golden Retrievers over the years.
Jim is a widower and Vietnam veteran. He has worked at Perkins since 2012. Jim enjoys playing the drums at church and spending time with his faithful dog Shotgun.
Originally from Texas, Austin has lived in Surf City since 2018 with his fiancé and two cats.
Chris is a graduate of Brockport State in NY. He is a former veterinary technician and has lived in North Carolina for over 30 years. Chris enjoys swimming and participating in triathlons.
Craig is a retired government official after 22 years of service in New Hanover County. Craig works for Perkins part time. He especially enjoys spending his free time with his grandson.
Kind Words From Families We Have Served
Trusted Local Partners
We proudly partner with these Wilmington area veterinary clinics and home hospice veterinarians. We are always glad to work with non-partner clinics too, so your pet is cared for either way.
A Country Vet
Coastal Carolina Animal Hospital
Four Oaks Pet Hospital
Hampstead Animal Hospital
Healing Hands Animal Hospital
Holly Ridge Animal Hospital
Needham Animal Hospital
Ocean Rose Veterinary Hospital
Paws & Claws Animal Hospital
Pet Health of Hampstead
Pet Vet on Main
Pine Valley Animal Hospital
Port City Animal Hospital
Rocky Point Animal Hospital
Surf City Pet Hospital
The Sound Cat Veterinary Hospital
Topsail Animal Hospital
Vet Cross Animal Urgent Care Hospital
Coastal Pet Hospice
No Place Like Home
Memorial Keepsakes
From handmade clay paw prints to memorial jewelry, urns, and personal keepsakes. Many pieces can hold a small portion of ashes.
Done with Private Packages.
Ask us about our stock.
Paw charms and more.
Carved Tree of Life.
Honored by name w/ Private Cremations.
Given w/ Private Cremation.
A heartfelt note with Private Package.
Find the perfect piece and send it to us to fill with ashes for free.
Gentle guidance for every step of saying goodbye, and for finding your way forward when you are ready.
Grief after losing a companion is real and valid. Gentle, practical ways to move through the pain at your own pace.
Read More »One of the hardest choices a pet owner faces. What to weigh, what to expect, and how to plan a peaceful goodbye.
Read More »A pet's passing is often a child's first experience of loss. How to be honest, reassuring, and supportive through it.
Read More »
