Following the House action, the bipartisan legislation continues pending consideration by the Senate
Harrisburg, Pennsylvania – March 23, 2026 − Condition Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny), bipartisan co-chair Animal Protection Clubjoined other lawmakers, animal welfare advocates, veterinarians and pet owners in a press conference in the Capitol Rotunda to call for reform in the pet cremation industry following the unanimous passage of a resolution by the Pennsylvania House of Representatives Home Act 1750.
Legislation along with Senate Bill 950would set standards, raise oversight and bring transparency to the pet cremation industry, providing families with critical protection in times of loss. The purpose of this bill is to address the urgent need to establish regulatory oversight of third-party providers in the pet cremation industry.
Both measures will be transferred to Senate Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensingwhere continued support and cooperation will be crucial to advancing these commonsense reforms.
The Chamber’s action reflects bipartisan recognition of the need for oversight and accountability in the industry. Advocates and lawmakers stressed that strengthening consumer protections will facilitate ensure families can be confident that their pets are treated with dignity and respect.
The press conference gathered supporters, among others Humanitarian action in Pennsylvania, A humane world for animalsand Tiffany Mantzouridis, a whistleblower who raised awareness of unethical practices in the industry. Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA) Representatives and Members Animal Protection Club also participated.
Lawmakers emphasized that the House’s action represents progress and emphasized the importance of continued cooperation to ensure these protections become law.
What they say
Senator Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny):
“Losing a pet is heartbreaking, and families deserve honesty and compassion throughout the process. These commonsense reforms will help ensure that pet cremation services meet basic ethical standards and bad actors are held accountable.”
Senator Bartolotta (R-Beaver, Washington, Greene):
“As a long-time dog owner, I understand the deep bond and unconditional love that our animal companions give us. This legislation is about respect and peace of mind. We have an obligation to every pet owner to ensure that their pets are properly cared for, even after their death. Holding pet cremation companies accountable is the least we can do for these animals that have given us so much.”
Senator Brown (R-Lackawanna, Monroe, Wayne):
“This legislation aims to protect animal welfare, support pet owners and maintain public trust. Animals are part of our families and deserve to be treated with dignity both in life and after death. The mishandling of pet remains is unacceptable and it is time we set clear standards so families can have confidence in the services they rely on. I appreciate the strong bipartisan support for these efforts and look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues, stakeholders and the DA General Sunday to move this important issue forward.”
Representative Markos (D-Allegheny):
“I have worked with Senator Pisciottano on this important issue because pets deserve to be treated with respect and dignity, especially after death. I thank supporters for their hard work that led to such a strong bipartisan vote in the unanimous passage of my bill today.”
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday:
“In Pennsylvania, crematoria owners have an obligation to ensure that each family is treated with dignity, compassion and respect during the most difficult moments of life. We are committed to acting within our authority to ensure that this obligation is upheld in all aspects of care and services.”
Dr. Andrea Hongmann, president of the Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association
“The human-animal bond is a very special bond, and the process of saying goodbye can be heartbreaking. The purpose of this legislation is to introduce reforms that seem common sense, but will prevent unnecessary emotional trauma for pet owners in the future. Representing veterinarians across the Commonwealth, PVMA stands with the legislators behind these bills and we support the respectful and dignified treatment of pets throughout their lives, including the cremation process.”
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