Hartsdale Pet Cemetery: The Final Resting Place for Our Truest Companions

One of the most beautiful and peaceful attractions in Westchester County, NY is the Hartsdale Pet Cemetery. Located in Hartsdale, NY at 75 North Central Avenue, this converted apple orchard is the quintessential resting place for the remains of over 70,000 pets and counting.

According to the cemetery's own web site, the Hartsdale Pet Cemetery is billed as America's first and most prestigious cemetery honoring the love and devotion of departed pets. This beautifully landscaped, hillside memorial was made possible through the generous donation of land by Dr. Samuel Johnson a New York City veterinarian and the first official veterinarian of the State.

In an effort to answer the pleas of a distraught pet owner who had recently lost her dog, Dr. Johnson hit upon an idea that seemed to not only comfort his patients owners but to fill a real need in the community. In 1896, the cemetery opened for business and has become a place of peace and contemplation.

This is a full service cemetery offering pet cremation services, burial, caskets, floral arrangements, and urns. All of these services are handled with the gentlest of care by a top notch staff of professionals who make your pet their main goal. In fact, taking care of your pet and your needs is a family business.

One of the presidents and directors of the cemetery is Edward C. Martin, Jr. He came upon his profession through his father,who was the original engraver of the monuments that he created for pets that were laid to rest. Currently, Edward Martin Jr., along with other staff members who include two of his own sons are there to serve your funeral needs. Edward C. Martin, Jr. has truly taken the family business to heart. He has penned an interesting book, Dr. Johnson's Apple Orchard: The Story of America's First Pet Cemetery.

Hartsdale Pet Cemetery is the final resting place of every pet imaginable, including a lion. While it can claim many show dog winners as it's residents, it is also the memorial resting place for Siruis, the only dog to perish in the 911 World Trade Center attack. Siruis was a search and rescue dog that gave his all like so many others on that day. He joins, Robby, a dog who served as a symbol for all those dogs that were euthanized after serving in the military. Robby symbolized all those military dogs and his plight led to the enacting of the War Dog Retirement Law. This law has made it possible for all dogs serving in the military to be adopted by their handlers.

The cemetery is open everyday except holidays. Weekday hours are 8:00 am until 4:30 pm, and Sunday hours are 9:30 am until 4:30 pm. Hartsdale Pet Cemetery is home to three events featuring pets throughout the year. All ceremonies are held at the front gate entrance. These events are the War Dog Memorial and Pet Adoption Day every June, The Pet Memorial and Blessing of the Animals each September, and the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in December.

The town of Hartsdale is listed as a historical landmark as it the Hartsdale Pet Cemetery. For further information please email the cemetery directly at infor@pet.com or telephone toll free 800-375-5234 or 914 949-2583, if you are in the area. All staff members will be happy to answer all of your questions and can provide a web address where a map can be accessed, along with wonderful information.