Columbia Pet Cremation Center and Funeral Chapel is a professional and qualified operation that also lists compassion and caring as one its most-important attributes.

McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation took ownership of the Columbia Pet Cremation Center a year ago in the convenient location of 1733 Airport Blvd, Cayce. CPCC is located less than one mile from I-26, and just minutes from I-77 and I-20.

Parker Smith is a Licensed Funeral Director, Embalmer, and Advanced Planner. He is also the CPCC Executive Vice President.

“Pets are family members,” he said. “And we offer a dignified way for families to honor their pets and say good-bye in a comforting and safe space. We deal with your pet with love and compassion.”

Smith said because of the association with McAlister-Smith Funeral, which has roots dating back to 1886 in Charleston, CPCC offers an elevated level of service.

“The McAlister-Smith family’s dedication to maintaining high standards of service has been extended to the Pet Cremation Center,” he said. “That ensures pet owners receive the same level of empathy and professionalism of our human funeral services.”

Cayce City Councilman Hunter Sox represents the district in which CPCC sits. He welcomes the business. “We are grateful to have Columbia Pet Cremation Center right here in Cayce. It’s a place where families can say good-bye to their pets with the care and respect they deserve. Parker and the CPCC team have created a warm, thoughtful space that truly serves our community. “

Wilenda Turner is the Manager and Chapel Administrator for the Pet Cremation Center. She is also a Licensed Funeral Director Apprentice.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve our families as Manager of Columbia Pet Cremation Center,” she said. “When their loved one is in our care, we treat them as though they are part of our own family. We take pride in helping our families through a very difficult time in a way that is meaningful and comforting for them.”

Turner also said Columbia Pet Cremation Center has a full array of memorial products, including classic metal, wood and earth-friendly urns. Other memorial items include garden stones, pendants, bracelets, rings and other keepsakes with paw prints or nose prints.

Gia Kondakor is the Director of Pet Loss Services at McAlister-Smith and Columbia Pet Cremation Center. Gia also holds the position as Vice Chair of the Pet Loss Professionals Alliance. She said along with all of the services offered, community service is also important to the business. The staff at the Pet Cremation Center makes an effort to create mutually beneficial relationships with state, regional, international and allied associations. One way they do that is by working with the law enforcement K9 units throughout the state of South Carolina.

“We serve agencies like SLED, SWAT, and other law enforcement K9 units,” Kondakor said. “We provide them with a safe place to honor and memorialize their K9 partners when they pass away. Whether the K9 was retired at the time of passing, or killed in the line of duty, we provide the handler/agency with a free private cremation. It’s a way we can give back to the community, and ensure these selfless dogs that work to keep us safe are treated with the respect they deserve, even after they’re gone.”

Smith said the services for K9s are well attended with lots of blue lights on hand. In addition to funeral services, CPCC offers euthanasia services, administered by a veterinarian in a comfortable and peaceful setting.