Ferncliff Animal Cemetery will get a new entrance, walkway and parking lot

The Pet Cemetery opened in 2018 when a 3-acre parcel of land owned by the Springfield Cemetery Association, located on the west side of the cemetery, "was declared restricted and conveyed for use as a pet cemetery." To date, approximately 70 pet burials have been recorded.

According to Baker, it is a separate business corporation and operating division of Ferncliff, operating under the statutes, codes and regulations of the laws of the State of Ohio and administrative rules of the Department of Agriculture.

"There is a special place in Ferncliff where we honor the cherished companions who have warmed our homes and settled in our hearts. Our pet cemetery - the final resting place of more than 60 beloved pets - honors the unique role our furry, feathered and scaly friends play in our lives and the indescribable bond they form," Shelley wrote in one of the cemetery's newsletters. "We understand how heartbreaking it can be to lose a pet .... "

The 2021 master plan developed by Meisner & Associates and L.F. Sloane Consulting Group, included key recommendations to improve the design of the Pet Cemetery with a clear entrance, a central walkway with a focal element, edge landscaping, dedicated accessible parking, and new signage.

Work will begin in August and be completed in October. The design is by landscape architect Roger Beal of Yellow Springs Design, and the contractor for the project is Ground Systems Inc.

A portion of the proceeds from the sale of each pet plot goes into a pet cemetery perpetual care fund to ensure that funds are available to maintain the cemetery. The authority also offers a pet cemetery trust fund for families who choose to pay for their pet's burial expenses in advance.

Ferncliff was founded on 70 acres of land in 1863 as a non-profit organization for Springfield residents. The cemetery is located at 501 W. McCreight Ave.

The Pet Cemetery section features pet lots, caskets, cremation urns and storage urns, as well as custom designed memorial signs and monuments. Pet packages are available as well as memorial and burial services for families who want a full traditional service.

A full burial of any animal weighing up to 200 pounds or burial of the animal's cremated remains is offered, and burial of any service animal with proof of service is free of charge. Arrangements can be made to pick up the animal from your home or veterinarian's office.

"Ferncliff's mission is to serve our community by providing supportive, affordable and inclusive end-of-life care in a beautiful historic setting. We understand how important a pet is to their companion, so with the addition of the pet cemetery, we will be able to care for every member of the family," said Baker.