House passes Markosek bill to protect pet owners from deceptive cremation practices

Rep. Brandon Markosek March 23, 2026 | 4:18 PM

HARRISBURG, March 23 – State Rep. Brandon Markosek, D-Allegheny, announced today that the House of Representatives unanimously passed his legislation, H.B. 1750, to strengthen oversight of pet cremation providers to ensure transparency and accountability.

“Grieving families should not have to wonder if the cremation provider they trusted handled their pet’s remains with care and dignity,” Markosek said. “This legislation is about protecting families during a vulnerable time and making sure the goodbye they paid for is the one they actually received.”

Currently, Pennsylvania law provides no regulatory framework governing how the cremated remains of pets should be handled. House Bill 1750 would create the Companion Animal Cremation Consumer Protection Act and would require cremation providers to give pet owners a clear written description of all available services, including private and communal cremation options. Providers would also need to include a certification with any returned remains confirming services were performed as promised. The bill would also establish health and safety standards for holding facilities and detailed recordkeeping requirements.

Markosek introduced the legislation following charges involving the mishandling of pet remains at Vereb Funeral Home. A companion bill, S.B. 950, sponsored by Sen. Nick Pisciottano, D-Allegheny, also aims to strengthen accountability for pet cremation services.

House Bill 1750 now moves to the Senate for consideration.

###

Send Feedback