STERLING, Va. (August 7, 2025) – The International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association (ICCFA), in partnership with the Pet Loss Professionals Alliance (PLPA), is proud to announce the successful conclusion of the 2025 PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course, held July 18–20 at the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta, Georgia.
The two-day program brought together funeral service professionals, crematory operators, and pet loss providers for a focused, hands-on curriculum aimed at integrating pet loss services into traditional deathcare operations. Topics ranged from compliance and crematory care to family engagement and business development.
“This course isn’t just about pet loss—it’s about leadership in a space that demands empathy, innovation, and thoughtful integration. Serving pets is serving people,” said Lauren Blevins Hogan, CCFE, CPLP, PLPA Committee Chair. “Attendees left with practical tools, renewed confidence, and a deepened sense of mission.”
Educational highlights included sessions on leveraging AI for compassionate service (Pierce Dempsey), emerging legal risks (Poul Lemasters, Esq.), how pet cremation can serve as a bridge to preplanning discussions (Tony Armogida), and operational best practices in pet cremation (Larry Stuart Jr.). Attendees also explored cemetery development strategies with John Bolton, CCE, CCrE, CSE CXE, phone etiquette with Nicki Wiedeman, CSE, and pet program development with Andrew Parsell.
“This course demonstrates what’s possible when you combine operational excellence with heartfelt service,” said ICCFA Executive Director Nadira Baddeliyanage. “It’s one of the many ways ICCFA is helping our members meet the evolving needs of today’s families.”
“As the pet loss profession continues to evolve, this course offers timely education and practical tools,” said ICCFA President Bob Gordon, Jr., CCE. “It’s encouraging to see our members thinking proactively about how to serve pet families with both compassion and innovation.”
In response to strong attendee feedback, the ICCFA and the PLPA are expanding next year’s program to a three-day format, returning to the Emory Conference Center Hotel in Atlanta. The 2026 PLPA Pet Loss & Integration Short Course will take place July 17–20, 2026.
For more information and future updates, visit iccfa.com/pet-short-course.
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Founded in 1887, the International Cemetery, Cremation, and Funeral Association is the only international trade association representing all segments of the cemetery, cremation, funeral, and memorialization profession. The association is comprised of more than 10,000 members in the cemetery, funeral home, and crematory industries, as well as supplier and related businesses worldwide.
