Pet Memorial Services in Mooresville & Denver, NC | Pet Pilgrimage Crematory & Memorials

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Pet Memorial Services in Mooresville & Denver, NC

Meeting Your Family’s Needs

When you choose Pet Pilgrimage Crematory & Memorials, you receive more than just cremation services. Our staff is dedicated to offering the care, compassion, and support you and your family need at this difficult time. Serving Mooresville and Denver, NC, you can also depend on our pet memorial services to celebrate the life of your pet and honor the special time you shared with them.

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Our Story

Established in 2008, Pet Pilgrimage Crematory & Memorials was founded by H. Mike Cook, owner of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory. As a funeral director for over 50 years, Mike understands the bonds of family and recognizes that pets are often considered to be an integral part of the family relationship. As part of the family, pets deserve the same care and respect you would expect for your human family members. It is our mission to honor your pet as family and be a source of comfort and support to you.

In 2022, Mike had the vision to provide water-based cremation, also known as aquamation as an option for families seeking a gentler, eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation. The vision became reality in 2024 with the startup of Serenity Aquamation providing this respectful care for our human family members as well as aquamation through Pet Pilgrimage for our pet family. More and more families have embraced having a choice in honoring their pet and human loved ones.

Our Staff

H Mike Cook Owner at Pet Pilgrimage Crematory & Memorials in Mooresville & Denver, NC

H. Mike Cook | Owner

Owner

As a young boy growing up in Mooresville, I took on the role of taking care of my neighbors’ pets whenever one would pass away.

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My parents owned a vacant lot behind our home where they allowed me to bury family friends’ pets. With my wagon serving as the pet’s hearse, I would bring my furry friends to their final resting place, direct a pet service for them, and then carefully bury them. These pets were my friends – they watched over me as I mowed the yards and played in the neighborhood – and I always felt my pet friends should be treated with dignity.

My childhood tribute to four-legged friends became a vision for a full-service pet funeral home and crematory. Pet Pilgrimage was created by a pet lover, for pet lovers, to ensure that families’ treasured pet children are given the gentle care and respect they deserve. A lot has changed since my youth; however, what has not changed is my belief that our pets are special and should be treated as family. “Honoring Your Pet As Family” is more than just a company tagline to me; rather, it serves as the foundation on which Pet Pilgrimage is based.

Michael Cook at Pet Pilgrimage Crematory & Memorials in Mooresville & Denver, NC

Michael Cook

Vice President of Operations

I joined my father, Mike Cook, in 2014 to assist with the operations of Cavin-Cook Funeral Home, Pet Pilgrimage Crematory, and the Heritage House event venue.

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Since my father has been in the death-care industry for over 50 years, I grew up with an appreciation for the dedication it requires. My parents instilled a lot of work ethics in me, but the most important one to me is to make sure families are taken care of during the most difficult times of their lives. At Pet Pilgrimage, we serve families in exactly the same way that we do at Cavin-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory. I can promise you that while your beloved pet is in our care, they will be treated with dignity and respect. We are also fortunate to have a compassionate team that understands the importance of supporting pet families. We understand that grief for a pet can be more overwhelming than anything a person has ever experienced, and we are here for you.

My wife, Sherry, and I have two children, Casey and Landon. We also have two dogs, Luna and Aubie, who come with me to work from time to time. We have had Luna since she was 8 weeks old and Aubie since she was a year old. Luna is very calm and Aubie is like the Tasmanian Devil, but both of these dogs are an integral part of the fabric of our family. I treat all pets we encounter like I would expect Luna and Aubie to be treated.

Becky Carlton at Pet Pilgrimage Crematory & Memorials in Mooresville & Denver, NC

Becky Carlton

Family Care Coordinator
Andrew Fuller at Pet Pilgrimage Crematory & Memorials in Mooresville & Denver, NC

Andrew Fuller

Family Care Coordinator
Shaun Cruse at Pet Pilgrimage Crematory & Memorials in Mooresville & Denver, NC

Shaun Cruse

Family Care Coordinator
Alex Reid at Pet Pilgrimage Crematory & Memorials in Mooresville & Denver, NC

Alex Reid

Family Care Coordinator
Lisa Heafner at Pet Pilgrimage Crematory & Memorials in Mooresville & Denver, NC

Lisa Heafner

Family Care Coordinator
Josh Toler at Pet Pilgrimage Crematory & Memorials in Mooresville & Denver, NC

Josh Toler

Family Care Coordinator

General Frequently Asked Questions

dog running in Mooresville & Denver, NC
When my pet dies, what are my options for my pet's remains?

You may choose to create a burial plot on your own property or you can have your pet cremated. We offer both flame-based cremation as well as eco-friendly, water-based aquamation. If you choose the option of cremation or aquamation, Pet Pilgrimage offers pet transportation, private and communal cremation, individual aquamation, memorial keepsakes, and memorial tributes.

How will you care for my pet?
At Pet Pilgrimage, your pet will be treated with dignity throughout the time he or she is within our care. Since we operate a private crematory and aquamation center at our Mooresville, NC location, your companion will remain within our professional care throughout the cremation process. Pets that are brought to the Denver, NC location are personally transported to and from Mooresville by our caring staff.
Who will transport my pet to the crematorium and aquamation center?

You are welcome to bring your pet to one of our facilities yourself. However, we offer personal transportation of your pet from your home or veterinary clinic if you are not physically or emotionally able to transport your pet (fees may apply).

Where is the crematorium and aquamation center, and may I visit there to help make my decision?
We have two convenient locations. One in Mooresville, NC less than three miles from I-77, and one in Denver NC on N NC-16 Business Hwy. Our private crematory and aquamation center is located at our Mooresville, NC location. We invite you to visit either of our Pet Pilgrimage locations before the need arises so you will feel comfortable with your decision. You are also welcome to make arrangements to be present during the cremation process.

Aquamation Frequently Asked Questions

What happens during the aquamation process?

With aquamation, the pet’s body is respectfully placed in a clean, stainless steel basket that is then placed in a stainless steel vessel. A combination of 95% water, 5% alkali, temperature (206-208°F), and time are used to accelerate the natural process of tissue breakdown. All organic material is reduced to its most basic building blocks with no DNA or RNA remaining at the end of the process. The sterile process water is released for recycling with the inorganic bone minerals remaining in the stainless steel basket. The bone minerals are processed into powder and returned to the family in an urn.

Is the alkali used in the water cremation process safe for the environment?
Yes. The water-based process uses a solution of 95% water and 5% alkali. At the end of the process, the alkali has been completely consumed, neutralized, and no longer remains in the water solution.
Are aquamation cremains safe to handle?
Yes, the remains are 100% free of pathogens and disease, and are completely safe to handle. The ash that is returned to the family is simply bone mineral, or calcium phosphate. The ashes will be kept in an urn, or may be buried or scattered in a special place as some families choose to do.
How long does a pet aquamation take?
The water-based cremation process for pets takes about 22-24 hours, followed by a multi-day drying time. Flame-based cremations for pets can take from 1-4 hours. These times can vary based on the size of the pet.
Is the deceased pet’s body dissolved in acid?
No, aquamation uses a catalyst called alkali, which is the chemical opposite of an acid. Potassium and sodium hydroxide are the alkalis used in this process. These ingredients are used in common cosmetic products, body washes, shaving creams, and even food preparation.
What happens to the water used in an aquamation?
The water is returned to the ecosystem via the normal water treatment facility. The aquamation process produces a completely sterile solution of amino acids, sugars, nutrients, salts, and soap in a water solution.
What is the impact of the water usage?
Virtually zero. The aquamation process uses less water than a single household uses in one day. This includes all of the water used for the process, along with the clean water rinsing of the final remains and vessel.
How are the aquamation cremains different from the cremains from flame cremation?
The cremated remains created by aquamation are softer and lighter than those created by flame cremation. They have a soft, fine powder consistency similar to flour. About 20% more cremains are returned to families with aquamation in comparison to flame cremation.

Have additional questions about our facility and services? Explore our resources or contact us today.

Email: care@petpilgrimage.com

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Mooresville Location

Pet Pilgrimage Crematory & Memorials
494 East Plaza Drive
Mooresville, NC 28115

Get Directions

Phone: 704-664-5484

Business Hours

Open 7 days a week: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
24-hour assistance available

Denver Location

Pet Pilgrimage Crematory & Memorials
2279 N NC-16 Business Hwy
Denver, NC 28037

Get Directions

Phone: 704-966-2376

Business Hours

By appointment only

24-hour assistance available