In this episode of Emerging Franchise Brands, host Frank Fiume sits down with Mike Harris, founder and CEO of Pet Passages, a franchise dedicated to helping families navigate the emotional process of saying goodbye to their pets with dignity and compassion.
A licensed funeral director by trade, Mike launched Pet Passages after experiencing the painful loss of his two beloved dogs, Hannah and Luke. Realizing there were no professional, pet-focused services that honored their lives properly, he built what would become one of the first full-service pet funeral homes with on-site cremation in the country.
From the start, Mike approached the business with the same care and structure used in human funeral services—private viewing rooms, thoughtful décor, and a calming environment for grieving families. Pet Passages offers services like memorialization, ceremonies, and cremation, all in facilities designed to feel warm and welcoming—often in light industrial zones due to cremation zoning requirements.
Originally launched under a licensing model, Mike eventually shifted to franchising in 2016 to provide more consistent brand standards, processes, and training. Today, Pet Passages has 17 locations in 13 states, with more on the way. New franchisees receive extensive training, full marketing support, and ongoing access to Mike and his leadership team.
Franchisees don’t need funeral director experience—but they must lead with empathy. Ideal owners are pet parents with a deep sense of compassion, a desire to serve their community, and a long-term vision for building a meaningful business.
With startup costs averaging $410K and large protected territories based on up to 300,000 households, Pet Passages is redefining end-of-life care for pets—and creating a legacy-driven franchise along the way.
Learn more at petpassages.com.
January 12, 2026
