Faithful Companion Charlotte, South Carolina

I have a recent non-consensual encounter with Faithful Companion. Our cat was put to sleep at Commonwealth Animal Hospital on New Year's Eve. It wasn't planned, and we haven't really done this before, so when the vet asked "will you want her ashes back," of course we said yes without any hesitation or follow up question. No one at the vet office explained the cost, our options (yes, you have options) or the fact that they use Faithful Companion. Fast forward to Monday, I got a call from Faithful Companion stating that our cat's ashes was ready to be picked up, and that the charge is $315. I was dumbfounded. We already paid a sizable bill at the vet's office on Friday, we thought that included the cremation (since we told them that's our wish BEFORE we were given the bill). Turned out that was just the vet bill for test, x-ray and euthanasia. Keep in mind, our cat was just barely over 6 pounds. How could a 6 pounds cat cost that much to cremate. It led me to research. Average cost to private cremate is $150-200 for pet weight 0-30lb. However this company says they charge a flat fee ($275, $40 for paw print). I guess if you have a large pet, this is a bargain place to go. After several days of back and forth calling the vet office and Faithful Companion, I find out we could have asked the vet office to hold our pet's body until we decide where to send her. Except no one will tell you that option. Instead, they send your pet to the most expensive and further place in Charlotte. That leads me to ask "why?" My guess is the vet offices receive kickback from using Faithful Companion. Otherwise why would a vet office in Midwood not use a less expensive crematory in South End, but send to somewhere by airport that charges almost double the price? I am giving 3 stars (and not less) because 1) they were nice on the phone even though I was losing my cool; 2) it's equally the fault and greed of the vet office; 3) I was able to come to agreement with the manager Grayson; 4) eventually after 3 days, I was able to get our cat's ashes and paw print back. But I literally had the worst 3 days of my life (and didn't want to worry my elderly parents so I couldn't tell them about the fight I had trying to get their cat's ashes back). I want all pet owners to know you have to ask questions even when you're crying your eyeballs out and you have options. DO NOT allow unethical businesses to continue taking advantage of grieving pet owners.

Incredible customer service. Everyone that I was in contact was very kind & compassionate. I absolutely love the urn & the paw print that was included. I really can’t recommend this company enough.

They seem to genuinely care and I think their prices are very reasonable.

We were referred to Faithful Cremation by our vet..Brookdale Animal Hospital. Our loving cat, Charlie, was attended to by Aaron with kindness and compassion. The service provided was prompt and efficient and we really appreciated their extra effort during this difficult time. The engraved urn is beautiful.

The staff was amazing - thank you for making one of the hardest days of my life a little bit easier. The service was heartfelt, efficient and I had my baby back the very next morning.

I lost both my baby girls this year, mother and daughter. Faithful companion took wonderful care of my babies remains. Beautiful memory boxes. Compassionate service.

I can’t remember the name of the man I spoke to on the phone because I couldn’t stop crying. But he was wonderful I had to let go of baby Reagan and he made me feel at ease with this process and worked with me greatly. I appreciate him and the people at Faithful Companion. It’s so hard losing what I considered to be my baby so suddenly. Thank you so much for what you did for me I can’t thank you enough.

My beautiful black German Shepherd named Doc died suddenly at home without warning a couple of weeks ago, and because of his size (he was a big-boned, 120-130 pounds) I had a difficult time finding a service that could accommodate him. Faithful Companion was recommended to me by my vet. Their amazing service and genuine compassion made a very difficult day a lot easier. I called to schedule the service, paid over the phone, and within 40 minutes they met us outside of the shop to help us get him out of our truck. They also offer pick up service if you are unable to transport your pet. I was able to see the area where the cremations are performed, and it truly is a series of individual chambers. I fully believe I have my dog's remains exclusively. The service was very reasonably priced, especially for Doc's large size, and included a beautifully carved wooden urn. There are options for engraving as well. I also added a clay paw print, which comes with a stand and nice mesh carry bag. We dropped Doc off at 12 noon, he was ready and everything was neatly packaged up for us by 3pm. The entire process was 100% stress free, and we were do grateful for that. I was amazed that in 3 hours we had him back home with us, and it honestly made it so much easier for us to say goodbye. Thank you Faithful Companion ????

I am grateful to the staff at Faithful Companion. We lost our cat on a Monday evening and we took her to FC first thing Tuesday. The two associates I interacted with showed great compassion. They took the time to listen to me share the most special things about Thelonious. I felt like they truly were engaged. Additionally, they were able to return our cat to us that same day.

I’m so grateful for this business. They’re so kind and compassionate plus very quick to respond. I had no idea where to turn when I lost my Charlie but these people walked me through every step. Now I have mementos to remember my angel and can’t say enough good about this place. Wonderful

Having lost Linus, I was simply stuck and in a fog of deep heartache. Having him back to me within 24 hours was indescribable. He is known and loved by so many and I continue to receive condolences for his passing. Thank you for being so caring and sensitive to my best companion ever. He went with me everywhere. It is such a void to not have him by my side where he always insisted on being. I will miss him every moment and I'm grateful for your service. Thank you so much for making this difficult process simple.

Though the passing of our beloved Sadie was expected soon it was not expected as quickly as it happened and we were not prepared. Faithful Companion made this dreadful after moment needs easy. I had in my head that my baby would arrive in a plastic bag and I would need to figure out a resting place for her. I was overwhelmed in the moment. Not only did the vet call me sooner than expected but when I arrived my baby was compassionately and lovingly taken care of. They included her paw print for me to have forever and that was the closure I needed. She arrived in a beautiful wooden urn worthy of placement on my mantle with no upgrade needed. I cannot thank you enough for your compassion

My pup passed away at Long Animal and Faithful Companion handled Jake’s cremation. FC picked him up the same day, and when the cremation was completed the next day, Dana left me such a kind, caring voicemail wanting to “return Jake home”. His voice and kindness and empathy was just, so very appreciated. I returned Dana’s call and confirmed a time for Jake to come home, and they were on time and had taken such great care with their packaging of the remains and paw prints. The paw prints are amazingly done, and so beautiful. Having Jake back with me within 24 hours was so special and helpful for my healing. The wooden box Jake came in is beautiful- no need for an upgrade. Thank you, FC, for taking care of my boy, and me.

I don’t normally give reviews but this was well deserved I just want to thank faithful companion for helping my family and I through this devastating ordeal of loosing my buddy of 14 years from the first phone call to the delivery of my maltipoos remains was so caring and the compassion that was showed to us was just very appreciated he was treated with so much respect like the king that he was he passed the night of Sept 2 it’s Sept 4 and he’s back with us where he belongs You guys are awesome Thank you for the comfort you provided

Very patient and caring with my baby. We will use them again. Thank you so much.

What a special service this company provided. They took care of Missy our dog's passing and cremation with such kindness and compassion. They were very trusting with her body and made our very sad time go much easier because of the care, respect and efficiency. Thank you Faithful Companion!

Faithful Companion performed cremation service for my Tyson, the big Polydactyl cat. They were kind, professional and very sensitive to our needs. The memorial items were of the upmost in quality..

From start to finish they were kind and professional. They explained the whole process and kept me updated when there was a delay picking up my dog.

Everyone at this amazing business was wonderful!! Our Mitties passed and they were here to get , him within 4 hours and he was back home the next day. Chad and all the others , including the individuals that picked him up and brought him back were loving, compassionate and awesome loveable people. If you have a fur baby that passes, call Faithful Companions of Charlotte. ❤❤

Our sweet boy guinea pig had to be euthanized Sunday 5/23 due to urinary stones and GI stasis. This has been very painful losing our baby at only 3 years old but Faithful Companion has made this process a joyous one. They have been so helpful and returned our guinea pig to us the next morning. They even gave us a clay paw print of our Frankie. Highly recommend going with these guys for your pets cremation!

Took my dear Kirby to them after his passing. Dave and his assoc could not have been nicer. They were so kind to me during a most difficult time.

These guys are the best! I lost my baby girl kitty today - everyone was wonderful and compassionate. They also cared for my previous kitty.

Everything was so pretty for my dog Teacup and the people were nice. They made us a clay paw print too. Thank you Love always Mikayla Heath

They have been amazing during the very difficult process of our sweet Prometheus' death. They were very compassionate and arrived at our home to retrieve him in a timely manner. They returned him within 23 hours of pickup. Everything was perfect. I highly recommend them. They were so kind and respectful.

I was referred to Faithful Companion in Charlotte, NC by a local veterinarian office who I had never seen before-Friendship Animal Hospital in Pineville NC. I lucked out so to speak in this extremely difficult and emotional time. Both the veterinary clinic mentioned above who performed the Euthanasia in a lovely setting in their office and Faithful Companion for cremation in Charlotte are to be commended on their sympathy, patience and communication as to the process in a manner which could not be better. I knew my sweet dog was in the right hands. Thank you both...... Sincerely Peter

Our dear Maltipoo passed away and my friend recommended Faithful Companions for cremation. Their customer service was exceptional from start to finish. My dog is now in a beautiful, engraved urn.

The kindness and transparency of this team during an impossibly difficult time in my life was incredible. This was my first experience losing a dog and I had no idea what steps I needed to take. I spoke to a couple team members and they were all helpful and sympathetic throughout. When I asked if I could pick up my dog’s remains instead of using their delivery service, I was immediately told yes and received a call a few hours later to let me know they were ready. Thank you, Faithful Companion, for taking care of my Nelson.

Wonderful, caring, professional, beautiful box, cards, poem, all included in the cute bag. My Lola was 14 year old, my loyal companion since she was 8 weeks old. A loving pitbull that showed me unconditional love until the end. Thank you Faithful Companion. I appreciate all you did, caring for my Lola at the end of her life.

Loving, genuine, sincere, empathetic. Great personal attention.

Thanks to Tom, Luke and the wonderful driver for their tender and compassionate service on the passing of our dear cat. He was delivered back to us in less than 24 hours. Everyone was so kind.