Get to know us

A more personal way to say goodbye

I’m Naithan Vance, and I started Fudge & Frankie’s Pet Cremation to offer families a more personal way to say goodbye to their beloved pets.

My reasons for starting this business go back to my childhood, when I experienced the loss of a beloved dog without the opportunity to say goodbye. That experience stayed with me, and I never forgot how much that final goodbye mattered.

As my own dogs have grown older, and through seeing friends and clients experience the loss of their pets, I’ve become increasingly aware of how important those final moments are. I began thinking about what I’d want for my own dogs when their time comes, and what I could offer other families facing the same heartbreak.

I wanted to create a service where families have the time and space to say goodbye in their own way, knowing their pet will be cared for with love and gentleness. And so, Fudge & Frankie’s Pet Cremation began.

Our Story

The family behind the name

Originally from Northern Ireland, I now live in rural Manawatū with my wife, Cara, our three dogs, Fudge, Frankie and Daisy, and our chickens. New Zealand is home, and I’ve built a life centred around family, animals and the things that matter most.

Fudge and Frankie are the dogs behind our business name, and they hold an incredibly special place in our lives. Frankie is my soul dog, while Fudge is Cara’s. They’ve both been our best friends and a huge part of our lives, reminding us just how deeply an animal can become part of your family.

Although I’m the one running the day-to-day side of the business, Fudge & Frankie’s is very much a family business, built around our shared love of animals and our belief that every pet deserves to be treated as the precious family member they are.

The care your pet deserves

I’m naturally a quiet person, but I’ve always had a real connection with animals. I wanted to create a service where families know exactly who is caring for their pet, rather than feeling like they’re handing them over to a process they know little about.

From the first conversation and collection through to the cremation and return of your pet’s ashes, I’m personally involved in every step. I’ll answer your questions, keep you updated and help with the practical arrangements wherever I can.

I treat every pet as I would my own, with the care, tenderness and respect they deserve. Just because they’ve passed away doesn’t mean they deserve any less.

Because they are family

I know I can’t take away the pain of losing a beloved companion. But I can give you the reassurance that your pet has been cared for with genuine kindness and respect, and help make their farewell a little easier.

They’re never just another job. They’re someone’s best friend, their baby and a much- loved member of the family.

Every pet deserves a beautiful farewell.