Our History

The History of Columbia Pet Cremation Center and McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation

Early Beginnings

Columbia Pet Cremation Center was founded in 2019 by founders Margie and Mike Johnson. former owners of Columbia Wilburt Vault Company in Cayce, South Carolina. They recognized the need for a dedicated service that would provide dignified aftercare for pets, offering services such as private and communal cremations, memorials, and grief support. Over the years, the center established itself as a trusted and compassionate provider, becoming an essential part of the local community.

McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation: A Legacy of Care

McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, with roots tracing back to 1886 in Charleston, South Carolina, has long been a family-owned and operated business. Founded by J. Henry McAlister, the funeral home has maintained a legacy of compassionate and professional service through generations. In 1999 the Smith Family joined McAlister to form McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation and expanded operations. The McAlister-Smith family expanded their services over the decades, incorporating modern practices while upholding traditional values. By the 21st century, McAlister-Smith Funeral Home had grown significantly, offering a comprehensive range of services including pre-planning, cremation, and grief counseling.

Acquisition and Integration in 2024

In 2024, McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation acquired Columbia Pet Cremation Center, marking a significant expansion into the pet aftercare market. The acquisition was driven by a shared ethos of compassionate care and community service. McAlister-Smith’s experience in providing dignified and respectful services for families and their pets was seamlessly integrated into the operations of Columbia Pet Cremation Center.

Family-Owned and Operated Influence

The influence of McAlister-Smith’s family-owned and operated service brought a renewed focus on personalized care to Columbia Pet Cremation Center. The McAlister-Smith family’s dedication to maintaining high standards of service extended to their new venture, ensuring that pet owners received the same level of empathy and professionalism that had characterized their human funeral services.

• Personal Touch: The McAlister-Smith family emphasized a personal touch in every aspect of the service, from initial consultations to the final farewell, mirroring their approach in the Charleston area.
• Community Engagement: Staying true to their legacy, the family engaged with the local community, participating in pet-related events and supporting animal welfare organizations, further cementing their role as a compassionate service provider.
• Enhanced Services: Under McAlister-Smith’s ownership, Columbia Pet Cremation Center expanded its services to include advanced memorial options, customized tributes, and excellence in customer care and support tailored specifically for pet owners.

Continuing the Legacy

By 2024, Columbia Pet Cremation Center, under the ownership and guidance of McAlister-Smith Funeral & Cremation, had solidified its reputation as a premier provider of pet aftercare services in South Carolina. The McAlister-Smith family’s influence ensured that the center operated with the same core values of dignity, respect, and compassion that had defined their funeral home for over a century. This integration not only honored the legacy of both institutions but also enhanced the support system available to grieving families, whether they were mourning a human loved one or a cherished pet. Our belief that every funeral or memorial is an opportunity to honor, celebrate and remember is just as strong today as it was more than 135 years ago.

We are proud members of PLPA, Pet Loss Professionals Alliance; ICCFA, International Cemetery, Cremation & Funeral Association, and the West Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Our Staff