.jpg?fit=outside&w=1600&h=900)
Photo courtesy of Pet Passages
Pet Passages
When the loss of a beloved pet shook their family to the core, Mark and Jaime Barnes turned grief into purpose. After saying goodbye to their dog, Shotsey, in March 2021, they chose cremation so that wherever life might take them, she could still come along. That heartbreaking experience sparked the realization that Billings needed something more, a service that offered not just cremation, but compassion, dignity, and the chance to say goodbye in a meaningful way. Out of that came Pet Passages, a locally owned and operated franchise that treats pets the way a traditional funeral home would treat people: with love, respect, and care every step of the way.
What drew the Barnes family to Pet Passages was its unique approach. Beyond the practical services, the franchise offered something rarely seen before: a true pet funeral home experience. In Billings, that means on-site cremation, memorial options, and beautifully designed Rainbow Bridge Rooms where families can say goodbye. These spaces can be simple and private or arranged like a formal funeral, giving pet parents the chance to honor their companions in a way that feels right for them. Many clients have said they didn’t realize how much they needed such a space until they experienced it, one of the most meaningful compliments the team has received.
Pet Passages is also proud to offer thoughtful tools that bring comfort during a difficult time. Families can use the “Finalize Your Pet’s Plans” option on the website to make afterlife care decisions from home, whether in advance or immediately after a loss. The Pet Parent Gateway allows real-time tracking, so owners know exactly where their pet is while in care. Their online obituary service, Pet Tales, gives families a place to share stories, photos, and memories. They also offer an online store with urns, keepsakes, and jewelry, offering ways to memorialize pets that feel personal and lasting. To provide even more peace of mind, Pet Passages guarantees the return of remains within 72 hours of cremation.
The atmosphere at Pet Passages is calm, loving, and deeply respectful. Every family who walks through the door is met with reassurance that their pet will be treated with the dignity they deserve. Mark and Jaime say their favorite part of running this business is helping community members through one of the hardest moments in pet ownership. Word of mouth has played a huge role in their growth, a reflection of the trust and gratitude families feel after experiencing the care provided here.
Community connection is central to what they do. Pet Passages partners with several local veterinary offices and supports nonprofits through seasonal contests, like their Halloween and Christmas pet photo contests. Winners receive gift cards, and donations are made to local charities in their pet’s name.
At its core, Pet Passages wants every family to feel that their pets are in the best of hands. The goal is simple: to treat every animal with the same love, dignity, and respect they would give their own. Losing a pet will never be easy, but with Pet Passages, families in Billings can walk that journey with peace of mind, comfort, and care.
