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A pet crematorium that treats your pets 'as if they are their own' has reopened in County Durham following an eight-month closure.
Resting Paws has been given the green light by the Animal and Plant Health Agency (APHA) to operate from its new home in Annfield Plain.
The agency is responsible for regulating pet crematoriums in England and premises must be inspected and approved before they can legally operate.
Owner Claire said the new site underwent a detailed inspection by APHA veterinary officers before reopening.
They examined the premises and cremation equipment, as well as procedures, hygiene and cleaning, record keeping and how pets are handled and cared for.
Claire said: "Much of this happens quietly behind the scenes and, as an owner, it’s hopefully something you’ll never need to give much thought to. But I think you should know it’s there."
She added: "Entrusting someone with your pet after they have passed away takes an enormous amount of trust. Knowing where they are going, who will be caring for them, and that the crematorium has been independently inspected and approved all matter."
The new site in units 8-10 on the Willow Way industrial estate brings three adjoining units together.
The premises include dedicated spaces for reception and farewell, memorials and pet cremation, with reception and farewell still being created.
Claire said the reception area is expected to open before Christmas.
She said: "Set on the quiet, beautifully maintained Willow Way estate and surrounded by trees, I knew from the moment I first saw this building that I could create something really special here."
She added: "For months I’ve had a picture in my head of how I wanted it all to look, so standing across the road and finally seeing the Resting Paws signs above those doors was a bit of a moment."
Resting Paws reopened on Tuesday, September 29.
Claire said the business would continue to offer individual cremations and personal care, with every pet treated with "love, dignity, and respect".
She said: "It’s official… Resting Paws is back."
"After eight months away, and what feels like a very long wait for all of the necessary approvals, I’m absolutely delighted to finally have the green light."
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She added: "Everything that made Resting Paws remains exactly the same - individual cremations, personal care, and the promise that every pet entrusted to me will be treated with the same love, dignity, and respect I would want for my own."
"It has taken a little longer than I ever imagined to get here, but I honestly cannot tell you how good it feels to finally be able to say…
"We’re back."