Horizon Pet Cremation Services – A Team that Treats Your Pet Like Their Own
We believe pet owners should know exactly who is caring for their companion. Meet the team that is caring for your pet throughout every step.
Meet the Team Caring for You Pet.
One team. One location. A clear continuum of care.
At Horizon Pet Cremation Services, we believe pet owners should know exactly who is caring for their companion. We are a veterinarian-owned and operated pet cremation provider. From pick up through private cremation and return home, our team personally cares for your pet throughout the process. Our goal is to provide families with a clear, accountable continuum of care without unnecessary layers between your family and the people responsible for your companion. During such a difficult time, you shouldn’t have to wonder where your companion is, who is caring for them, or which company is ultimately responsible for their aftercare.
Dr. Matthew Capitanio – Owner
Born in South Dakota, Dr. Matthew Capitanio relocated with his family to Tempe, Arizona, at the age of eight. He pursued his undergraduate studies at the University of Arizona in Tucson and later earned his Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) Tuskegee University School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating Cum Laude. During his time there, he was honored as a recipient of the Morris Animal Foundation’s Veterinary Student Scholarship Program.
After completing a rotating internship in small animal medicine and surgery at BluePearl Veterinary Partners in Southfield, Michigan, Dr. Capitanio embarked on a decade-long career as an emergency room veterinarian, serving as Medical Director at the Animal Emergency Center in Flint, Michigan. In addition to emergency care, he gained experience in general veterinary practice, preventative medicine, and export regulation during his tenure with New Zealand’s Ministry of Primary Industries. Furthermore, he successfully founded, owned, and operated Michigan’s largest independently owned, privately funded, and non-franchised pet cremation company, managing daily operations and contributing to community outreach efforts across the state.
Dr. Capitanio has devoted significant time to international wildlife conservation, working to promote animal health through hands-on initiatives. His efforts include providing care for lowland mountain gorillas in Rwanda alongside the UC Davis Mountain Gorilla Veterinary Project, assisting in the translocation of critically endangered black rhinoceroses in South Africa with the South African National Parks Veterinary Game Capture Unit and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, and tracking hamadryas baboons in Ethiopia as part of ongoing research with City University of New York’s Queens College. He has also actively participated in spay and neuter campaigns in both Mexico and New Zealand.
As a published author in the Journal of Zoo and Wildlife Medicine, Dr. Capitanio’s expertise has been recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), where he contributed to the Working Group on the Panel of Animal Depopulation to develop emergency response guidelines still in use today. He currently serves on a Medical Advisory Committee for preventative veterinary medicine. In 2025, he expanded his contributions to pet care by publishing a children’s book, A Lot of Love for Lucky, designed to help children navigate the emotional challenges of pet loss. This book is distributed free of charge to Arizona veterinary hospitals, animal clinics, and libraries.
Dr. Capitanio resides in Tempe, Arizona, with his two rescue cats, U-turn and Conan, both of whom he got during his veterinary school days.
Sarah K.
Director of People, Pets and Vets
Sarah K takes pride in guiding families through a deeply personal and emotional process as Director of People, Pets and Vets at Horizon. With a focus on building trust and offering heartfelt support, Sarah ensures each family feels understood and valued during their time of loss. By handling details with care and professionalism, she helps families honor their pets in a way that brings comfort and dignity.
Sarah is an avid hiker and adventurer, which reflects her dedication to finding meaningful connections in all aspects of life. She loves french bulldogs and currently cares for her special needs Maine Coon kitty, Liam.
Renee P.
Renee is passionate about supporting families and honoring the special bond they share with their pets. As a pet owner to two furry companions herself, she understands how much animals mean to the people who love them. In her free time, Renee enjoys hiking with friends and making the most of the outdoors.
Shaila C.
Shaila has two cats, Miso Soup and Mango Sticky Rice. She enjoys learning the different advancements of veterinary medicine and is currently on the path of becoming a certified veterinary technician with special interests in Veterinary Dentistry, Equine Surgery, and Pathology. Other passions outside of vet med include traveling to new cities and sightseeing, reading, and writing.
Destiny D.
Destiny is pursuing credentials as a certified veterinary technician, in her free time she enjoys camping, softball and hiking.
Bernice R.
Bernice was born and raised in Texas, transplanted to Arizona in 2012 and fell in love with Az immediately. Bernice began working for a Neurology Veterinarian in 2016 and fell inlove with vetmed and has been a receptionist ever since. She has one daughter and one cat. When she is not working one of her three jobs, she enjoys spending time with her Daughter, sister, and close friends in her freetime. Bernice is an active Pet sitter in her spare time to get as much time with animals as she possibly can!
Amanda P.
Amanda is a huge animal lover! In her home she has 2 dogs, Leela Rose & JD, 2 cats, Titan & Thumper, as well as a 160 gallon tank with a variety of freshwater fish!
She’s wanted to be involved in the animal industry for as long as she can remember, from working in her Aunt & Uncles dog training facility to volunteering at humane societies to going to school for Veterinary Assisting. Helping people & their pets her my passion & something she enjoy doing every day.
Outside of work, she loves to explore anywhere she can reach! She also thoroughly love rock hounding!
Xavier F.
Xavier is originally from IL and spent 9 yrs in the U.S Army before moving to AZ officially 3yrs ago. He has two cats, Miso Soup and Mango Sticky Rice. He loves pets and the companionship they bring. Outside of work he enjoys sports, traveling to new places, and playing video games.
Joseph N.
Joseph says “The people I work with are great. I admire the team effort every day. Just do your best and you’ll do just fine. Ask questions whenever unsure…. There is no I in team”
In his free time, Joseph enjoys hiking, traveling and cave exploring.
Cali M.
Cali is very passionate about helping pets in need both as a veterinary assistant and a Horizon employee. On her the off days she loves being with her family and eating new foods. She loves being kind and helping people as much as she can 🙂
Andrea H.
Andrea loves animals. She has a cat named Mew and a small tortoise with a missing arm who is about 20. In her free time she enjoys reading, traveling, and exploring the outdoors. Andrea likes that she’s able to see so much love for every fur baby during the process and that shes a part of such an important part of veterinary care.
Blinky P.
Blinky’s passions include exploring, climbing and track & field events. Hobbies include meeting people, eating paperwork (preferably letterhead), and sleeping in hard to find locations. Her favorite toys are colored, crumpled sticky notes.
Here for you, 24/7!
We’re ready to assist with any questions or to help arrange services for your pet.
- 480-215-6955
- HereToHelp@Horizon-pcs.com
- 2320 West Holly Street Phoenix, AZ 85009
