Funeral Director Charged with Defrauding Pet Owners

Why this matters: This case highlights the vulnerability of pet owners during a time of grief and the importance of ensuring ethical practices within the pet funeral industry. It also underscores the legal consequences for those who exploit the trust of grieving families.

Jacob Vereb, 70, operated Vereb Funeral Home and Eternity Pet Memorial in Pittsburgh. The investigation revealed that Vereb collected over $650,000 from pet owners for private cremation services that were never performed. Instead of proper cremations, the pets were disposed of in landfills. Employees became suspicious when they noticed the business was taking in more animals than it was cremating. Vereb admitted to investigators that he sometimes gave customers ashes from other animals if he didn't have the correct ones, and that pets meant to be buried in a "common" grave were also dumped in a landfill. The Attorney General’s office is encouraging potential victims from Allegheny, Armstrong, Washington and Westmoreland counties to come forward.

This situation underscores the need for oversight and regulation within the pet funeral industry. While many providers offer legitimate and compassionate services, the lack of stringent regulations can create opportunities for exploitation. Pet owners should research and vet funeral homes thoroughly to ensure their beloved animals are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

Vereb is charged with felony counts of theft by deception, receiving stolen property, and deceptive business practices.

Prosecutors have identified more than 6,500 potential victims.

Contact the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office through their website to provide your contact information, share victim impact statements, and receive updates on the case.

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