Let me start by saying that we've used Friends Forever Pet Crematory before, and despite our grief, our past experiences were positive. Andrea's compassion truly resonated with us as pet owners. Unfortunately, this Sunday was a completely different experience. I called early in the morning, and while Andrea responded promptly, she never mentioned the $150 after-hours drop-off charge over the phone. I understand there might be a fee for after-hours service, but $150 is excessive, and not disclosing it until we arrived felt unfair. While it's listed on the website, it should have been communicated directly during our call. We arrived at 6:30 PM, slightly delayed due to an accident on I-195, but the attitude we received was unnecessary. Andrea rushed us out because another client was expected at 7:00. For a $150 charge, we expected more than just 20 minutes of her time. She seemed more focused on getting us out quickly than listening to our requests, especially regarding the name plate and the type of urn we wanted for our pet's ashes. It became clear that the person we encountered this time was not the same caring individual we had met before. When we returned on Tuesday for the cremation, we made sure to arrive early, mindful of the $50 late fee. However, when we entered 10 minutes ahead of schedule, Andrea greeted us with a curt, "You're 10 minutes early, do you want to start now or wait?" In the past, we were allowed to say goodbye to our pet inside the garage, but this time, we had to stand outside in the heat with no privacy for our final moments. For another $150 fee, just to see our pet be placed in the cremation incinerator, we expected more than just a few rushed minutes. By Friday, when Andrea called to say everything was ready for pickup, I drove an hour to the crematory, only to find that the name plates were incorrect, despite telling me everything was ready. She also blamed the error on someone else. I asked if she would fix it and mail it to me, but she said that would require an additional fee, or I could drive back and pick it up in 45 days. It's baffling how something that originally took 5 days now required 45 days. When I expressed how unfair this seemed, she replied, "Well, it's not my fault either." When I asked whose fault it was, she sarcastically said, "It's China's fault," and walked away. I was disappointed she didn't offer to correct the mistake and mail the plates at no extra cost, especially after we paid $25 each for them. Additionally, the urn provided was not what we had requested, likely because she didn't listen to us during our earlier visit. We had specifically asked for a smooth wood urn not the one with the wood carvings. I even tried to address the situation calmly, asking why this experience had been so different from our past visits, but she was dismissive and shifted the blame onto me. There was no apology, no acknowledgment of the mistakes made or accountability taken, and certainly none of the kindness and respect we had previously experienced. What was once an exceptional and compassionate service has now become disappointing and impersonal. The costs have increased by $400, yet the quality of service has drastically declined. While I hope this was just a bad week for Andrea, I can no longer recommend Friends Forever Pet Crematory. The warmth and compassion that once defined this place seem to be gone. read more

On December 1st 2015, I rescued a male Japanese Chin who I later named Buddy. Even though I was told that Buddy had a heart murmur, I didn't care. There was an instant bond between the two of us. In the three years we were blessed to have Buddy as part of our family, he became my shadow and best pal. No matter where I was, he had to be right there by my side, or sitting on the back of the couch, resting his head on my shoulder. Eight months ago, Buddy became very ill. He stopped eating and began losing his coat. After being misdiagnosed by the vet who was at the time treating him, we rushed him to Northstar. The vets at Northstar Veterinary Hospital ran numerous tests on Buddy and we finally learned that he was diabetic, had developed Cushing's Decease and thyroid issues. We cared for Buddy's medical needs like we would a sick child. When he lost his sight due to the diabetes, we carried him in and out of the house to relieve himself and made him special meals. As if our Buddy hadn't suffered enough, a few months ago, Buddy suffered two consecutive inner ear strokes which really took a toll on our Buddy boy. Buddy's quality of life had diminished so badly that we had no alternative but to help him find his way across the Rainbow Bridge into God's waiting arms. I'm sharing our story because once our decision was made, we began making the necessary arrangements. We were told about Forever Friends Pet Crematory by a family member. In today's "social media" it's not often that you read about the good deeds of others. It seems that many thrive on the negative. I want to share that in dealing with Andrea, owner of FFPC, we were treated like family and as if we lost a child. The care, passion, love and respect we received from Andrea was so heartwarming and meaningful that we were able to find some solace in the loss of our Buddy boy. Thank you, Andrea for your kind and gentle soul. It's wonderful to know that there really are angels walking amongst us. read more

With deep sadness our beloved best friend OTIS passed away at home on a Sunday. We searched online for a pet crematory and found Friends Forever Pet Crematory. I have to say from the second Andrea was contacted by phone to the day I received Otis's ashes it was the most compassionate, caring, respectful, understanding experience I have ever had in this time of sadness. Andrea offered to come and help bring Otis to the facility if need be. When my children and I arrived Andrea greeted us and spent a tremendous amount of time explaining in detail all of the different services they provide. The option of allowing us to be there during the cremation to the letter style of plaque, the saying on the wooden box, the clay paw print, the clippings of the fur. She did not push us into getting anything more then we wanted. The facility was very clean and beautiful. They also provide services to put your beloved pet to sleep there if need be. These were separate rooms in the facility that were very comforting. I never knew such an amazing heartfelt place and people existed like this. I am glad to know now if these services are ever needed I know just where to go. If my family and friends would have known about this facility they would have definitely took their beloved pets here then any other crematory. Our Otis was a family member losing him left a hole in our hearts that will never be replaced but at this time of sorrow it was comforting to know he was well taken care of by Andrea. I couldn't have asked for a better experience because of her we have our Otis with us until we meet again over the rainbow bridge. I just want to say I cannot recommend this family owned pet crematory enough. Our family would like to thank you from the bottom of our hearts for taking care of our OTIS. read more

On January 19, 2016, my daughter's beloved cat Shadow passed away suddenly. We didn't have much money and called around. When I got to friends forever, Andrea answered my call. She was kind, compassionate, and truly caring. She talked me through the process, answering questions I didn't even realize I had. We tried to go to her that night but there was a truck accident on RT 287 and we would never have made it on time. We agreed to meet at 9am. Andrea was there ready for us. She expressed sympathy right off the bat and brought us to a sitting room. Andra walked us through everything, giving us plenty of options and showing nothing but empathy for our loss. After we picked everything and paid, she gave us plenty of time to sit with shadow and mourn. She treated our shadow with such care, it brought us to more tears seeing someone treat her with such respect. Andrea gave us the option of being there for the creamation, but I didn't think my daughter would be able to handle it, so we declined. When it was through, Andrea gave us a beautiful little cedar box with shadows ashes in them, along with her hair and whiskers in a cute little vial and her paw prints on a card for my daughter to always have. before we left, she showed us where she lovingly took care of shadow and hugged my daughter as we left. I don't want to think about ever having to go through this again, but seeing as I have a dog and turtle at home, one day I will need it. I would 100% go to Andrea and recommend everyone I know and love to go to Andrea. She made a very hard, emotional, terrible thing become a little more tolerable and a whole lot more loving and caring. Thank you so much Andrea. read more

I had met Andrea previously and was glad to hear I could have my beloved pet taken care of and returned to me, so when my best friend got to the point of just existing I contacted Andrea and set up a date for both tasks of having my precious Samantha put to sleep and her remaining body taken care of. Andrea is a compassionate, caring, respectful and extremely comforting professional. She contacted a mobile vet {who also was kind and caring} and working with my weird schedule had everything in line for such a dark time in my life, she and the rooms were very comforting. When we arrived we had some time before the vet's scheduled time, did I say she was comforting, she helped me with the fact that I was doing the right thing by my sweet Samantha, You can tell right away even speaking with her on the phone she is a true animal lover. I didn't know this option was available for animals and Samantha was too good a life companion for just a hole in the ground, so this was a perfect solution for me and I have her with me until the time we are together again. We all dread the time that our family fur-baby has to leave us; but knowing that there are people like Andrea close by to help with such a sad time is a blessing. Thank you Andrea for being there for me in assisting and taking control of such a sensitive task, you will be highly spoken of with friends. In loving memory of Samantha 1/16/05-2/11/17 Bill S. read more

Truly lucky to have found this pet funeral home/crematory! Our dear cat, Yankee, who was part of our family life for 13+ years, died unexpectedly 2 weeks after being diagnosed with lymphoma. We were devastated. A cremation service was suggested, which would "return the remains in 5-7 business days". It sounded like a factory line! Not for our cat! We were lucky to come across Robert and Andrea, who were sympathetic, very professional and helpful, and made us feel special because they treated us and Yankee with dignity and care. They did an individual cremation, gave us 3 little bottles with his hair, 3 small containers with his ashes, and the rest in a nice velvet bag inside a wooden box and a golden plaque with his name and date of birth. All of this within 2 days. They have a well located small funeral home and we brought Yankee to them, although they offer to pick up your pet from wherever in the area. Their funeral home even allows you to invite friends and family to be with you and give closing to the sad event of saying goodbye to your pet before the cremation. You can also put a story, with pictures, for people to read it on their website. We will be doing that soon. I think it will help the children who are very sad with their loss. THANK YOU, Robert and Andrea!!! We will spread the word. read more

On Saturday morning, my beautiful pet duck died after having sustained a spinal injury from an attack by a Canada Goose on April 4th. My heart is broken..... On a Saturday of a holiday weekend, we got lucky when we found Friends Forever Pet Crematory in Ewing, NJ. Andrea couldn't have been any more helpful, compassionate or supportive. She gave us the option of being there when our duck was cremated, which we accepted since we'd heard horror stories about people receiving the wrong ashes or a mix of many animals cremated together at some crematories. It's upsetting enough to lose your pet and it makes you feel so much better knowing that your pet was cared for as if it was their own, right up to the end. Everything was done with such care and professionalism. I could tell as soon as I met her and the way she took care of our duck that she loves animals. I like to share positive information and positive experiences, even though losing a beloved pet is what creates a possible need for cremation. When and if we have a need for this service again with another pet, I definitely will choose Friends Forever Pet Crematory. I can't say enough nice things about how this experience helped us get through a difficult time. Now, my broken heart just needs to heal. Michelle S read more

Watching our pet become more and more tired and pained is one of the worst experiences. Bentley hung in there and rebounded a few times and we were so ever grateful to him. When we made our decision to finally let go, we found and contacted Friends Forever Pet Crematory and speaking with Andrea on the phone and we schedule a visit to the crematory. We were very pleased with Andrea, showing us her facility and discussing all her available options for the passing of our pet. When we were ready Friends Forever Pet Crematory provided us with a very comforting and calm family room which had a window that Bentley was able to look out of while we had our last moments and last good byes to our beloved Bentley. Later, I was able to witness Bentley remains being placed into the crematory, Andrea prior to my arrival had placed Bentley in the same family room, for me to have a last moment and respect of his remains, he looked so serene and comfortable, and I'm forever grateful to have had that last moment with Bentley remains and participate in his cremation. Our deepest appreciation to Forever Friends Pet Crematory for providing calm and supportive process of our beloved Bentley's (06/30/2004 - 07/08/2019) journey onto the Rainbow Bridge. read more

When our much beloved 17yo miniature pinscher passed away peacefully in my arms at home, I checked online for a pet crematory in NJ. I called three or four places and found that the prices and services offered were all pretty similar. Andrea of Friends Forever had a phone manner that I liked. She was understanding and compassionate, but not overly solicitous or patronizing. Meeting her, I appreciated her careful explanation of the process and my options. She did not at any point push or recommend more than what we wanted. We opted for the private witnessed cremation the next day. Andrea was very professional and the service was short but respectful. We went back the following week to pick up the ashes, which were nicely boxed. I appreciate very much her efficiency and kindness. Everything happened exactly as she promised, when she promised. Other places seemed to offer more hand-holding and grief counseling, but I thought her mix of caring and pragmatic was perfect. The whole process felt like a personal service rendered by Andrea, rather than a business. Thank you for your integrity in providing this service well! The Friends Forever logo is also very cool. I like the rats framing the cat and dog. read more

Andrea is superb and the experience at friends forever was exactly what you would hope to have in the situation. In fact, beyond expectation. Andrea is so compassionate and handles your fur baby with love and care. We were so heartbroken when we had to put to sleep our 14 month old puppy after discovering he had lymphoma and his lymph node exploded. To have to put your animal to sleep is traumatizing no matter what and heart breaking but because our Blue was only 14 months, it seemed extra cruel. With our previous dog, we took him to Abby Glen and we really really regret that after finding out we probably didn't get our dogs remains but a mass burning despite paying for private. Andrea let us watch (our choice but not required) the process as hard as it was to do but we wanted to make sure it was our Blue boy we were getting. We couldn't have been happier with how Andrea treated Blue and us in our time of need and sadness. This place is truly a blessing. If you have to go thru this- don't consider anywhere else but Andrea and Friends Forever. read more

My experience with Friends Forever was so extraordinary that it prompted me to join Yelp just so I could offer a review. My partner and I were devastated to lose our beloved 13-year-old fur baby. She had been sick a short while, but her passing was far quicker than we could have imagined. We were in shock when we called Andrea and she was amazing from the beginning. The funeral home was as lovely as that for any human - peaceful, respectful, tasteful. Andrea explained everything again as she did on the phone. She offered us additional time to say goodbye to our doggy companion, she gently handled our pup as she was taken, and with respectful reverence gently laid her out. Although she did not have to, Andrea brought back one of the flowers that had blown back out. She placed it in a plastic bag and gave it to us saying it must have been a gift sent back for us. It's a terrible thing, but if you must say goodbye to your best friend, call Andrea. read more

On Sunday, during the blizzard of 2016, our beloved Kodi was called to the Rainbow Bridge. Not knowing what to do, I remembered passing Friends Forever Pet Crematory every day on my way to work. I called, expecting to leave a voicemail, but was surprised when the owner answered the phone and from that moment on helped me begin to cope with my loss. She was so sensitive and even gave us suggestions on how to tell our children (one in college and one with developmental disabilities) and our other two dogs. We dropped him off today and from the moment we entered the establishment I knew we had made the right choice. Kodi's dignity was priority and never once did I feel as if I was being taken advantage of or made to feel ridiculous because I was grieving so much. I would recommend Friends Forever to anyone who loves their fur baby. Thank you Andrea for everything you did to make one of the worst days of my life a little better. read more

On January 3,2016 our beloved Golden Retriever Jake crossed the Rainbow Bridge at home. Being the New Year weekend ... Our vet was away and it was a Sunday. With tears and a broken heart, I searched the Internet. I found Friends Forever and while reading about their facilities and their own personal loss... I gave them a call. Andrea answered on this Holiday weekend and within minutes .. We sensed her love and compassion for pets and their families. She explained everything in detail from getting our 85lb. Jake to Friends Forever and what to expect from that moment on. We are so grateful to Andrea Anastasio for her show of love to Jake. Friends Forever is a clean and peaceful memorial send off for your beloved pets. I was given native wild flowers to plant this Spring in memory of Jake too . Amazing heartfelt tribute Andrea Thank You Carmen & Darlene read more

It is with an extremely heavy heart that we said goodbye to our best friend of 16 years yesterday. Nanook was one of a kind, and the best dog anyone could have ever wished for. We could not have made it through this difficult time without the support provided by Andrea & Friends Forever. Her display of compassion for us, and our beloved, helped us tremendously through the grieving process. The memorial service she provided was so beautiful, and the keepsakes she created will help us honor our boy's memory forever. ~ Andrea, we are extremely grateful for you're professionalism and compassion. Knowing our baby was in such great hands provided a level of comfort to us that words cannot express. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all that you have done for us! read more

Friends Forever Pet Crematory is the most extraordinary facility of its kind. Our beloved Westie Lilly passed away early Saturday morning. We called them, they responded immediately and allowed us to come right to them. When we arrived we were surprised to find what looked like a home. We entered to find the most comforting setting imaginable. They treated us with kindness and with the utmost in professionalism. Our Lilly was in the best possible hands as were we. They lessened the trauma and grief of our experience considerably. We had been through the loss of a pet before and I must tell you that this is the only place to take your beloved pet for its final resting. Thank you so much Andrea for being there for us and for our Lilly. read more

When our beloved orange tabby cat,Oscar, had to be euthanized, we called Andrea. She was most professional, empathetic and reassuring. We were met at the door and Andrea took Oscar and put him in a viewing room for us to say goodbye. Then she explained the process and all options. My concern was that he be treated with respect and dignity and not be frozen until the cremation. Andrea exceeded our expectations. I returned after the weekend to witness his cremation and take his ashes home. Friends Forever and Andrea made a very black day bearable with her caring attitude. Thank you Andrea, Ed Newton read more

Friends Forever Pet Crematory did a beautiful job in caring for my siamese cat, Ciro Amore's journey. He had a Private Cremation. His ashes arrived in a beautiful wooden box, and they were lovingly placed in a beautiful black velvet bag inside the box. Enclosed with the package was the Rainbow Bridge Story, his Cremation Certificate, a small card with a heart on it that contains wildflower seeds for planting, and a copy of his paw print. It brought me comfort and peace knowing he was so wonderfully handled. Totally recommend this service to anyone who goes through the loss of a fur baby. read more

I found Andrea when my boy Logan passed because I live in Ewing, NJ. I was SO happy I did because she made a horrible time in my life as easy as it could be. When my dog Ralphie got sick I knew I was going to go back to Friends Forever. I had to put Ralphie down last Thursday and that night (around 1am) I called Andrea and she made the whole process easy once again. She went and picked my boy up from the hospital so I wouldn't have to worry about it and called me the next day so my mom and I could come say goodbye one more time. I would recommend Andrea a thousand times over! read more

It is a true blessing FRIENDS FOREVER PET CREMATORY. & I'm very happy its in my township (EWING,NJ). ANDREA AND ROB are very professional, and understand the pain of losing a PET, FAMILY MEMBER, YOUR BEST FRIEND.............................................they know how to help & guide you in your time of grieving and sorrow. FOUR PAWS UP to friends forever crematory. would recommend in a heart beat, they can and will help mend your broken heart....... what a true blessing. MJ. read more