§ 7–4B-04
Statutes in effect as of October 1, 2026.
Md. Code Ann., Health Occ. § 7-4B-04 (2026)
Title 7. Morticians and Funeral Directors
Subtitle 4B
§ 7–4B-04LinkCopy Citation
(a)
If pet cremation services provided by a licensee include the return of pet cremains, the licensee shall provide a written certificate with the returned pet cremains that includes:
(1)
The date the cremation was completed;
(2)
A statement that, to the best of the licensee’s knowledge and belief, the cremation and related services were performed in accordance with the licensee’s written description of services unless otherwise indicated on the certificate;
(3)
A statement that the cremation was conducted in accordance with prevailing industry standards and best practices and in compliance with applicable federal and State laws; and
(4)
The following statement: “The posted disclosure of pet cremation rights and responsibilities is a summary of Maryland law. The full provisions of the law are set forth in the Pet Cremation Consumer Protection Act in Title 7, Subtitle 4B of the Health Occupations Article of the Maryland Annotated Code.”.
(b)
A veterinarian, pet shop, or other person responsible for returning pet cremains to a pet owner shall provide to the pet owner:
(1)
A copy of the certificate provided by the licensee under subsection (a) of this section; and
(2)
An additional certificate that states, to the best of the person’s knowledge and belief, and except as otherwise indicated on the certificate, the returned pet cremains:
(i)
Are those of the pet owner’s deceased pet; and
(ii)
Have been returned in accordance with the licensee’s representations to the pet owner.
(c)
A veterinarian, pet shop, or any other person responsible for returning pet cremains to a pet owner:
(1)
May rely in good faith on the certificate provided and representations made by a licensee providing pet cremation services in accordance with the requirements of this section; and
(2)
Is not required to observe the cremation process.