Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s natural to have questions about how to handle the loss of a pet. Below, you’ll find answers to common questions on pet cremation, holding a pet memorial service and how to cope with the grief of losing a pet. If you have any other questions we can assist you with, please don’t hesitate to contact our office.

 

What should I do if my pet dies at home?

We’re here to serve you whenever the need arises.  If your pet passes at home, contact our office to begin the final arrangements process. If a death occurs when our office is closed we suggest taking your pet to a 24/7 vet clinic and we will be happy to pick your loved one up on the next business day. 

How does pet cremation work?

Pet cremation is a process by which your pet’s body is transformed into ashes through the use of direct heat. Pet cremation typically takes between 30-90 minutes to accomplish, and will depend on the size of your pet and whether any special cremation containers were used. Once your pet’s cremated remains have cooled, they will either be returned to you or scattered in a memorial location of your choosing by our staff.

What’s the difference between private and communal cremation?

In a private cremation, your pet is the only one placed in the crematory.  If you plan to memorialize your pet in a special way, this option is the only one that ensures you receive the ashes of your cherished pet following cremation.Communal cremation, on the other hand, involves the disposition of several pets at once.  If you do not need to receive your pet’s individual ashes back, this option allows our staff to either bury or scatter your pet’s cremated remains on your behalf. 

What does pet cremation cost?

We offer a number of different pet cremation packages, depending on whether you elect to have a private or communal cremation, a pet memorial service or any memorial products. Our prices range from $55-$350 depending on your choices. Any of our experienced pet loss specialists can give you specific pricing information and answer any other questions you may have.

Do I have to buy an urn or casket for pet cremation?

An urn or casket is not required for the cremation process, though many of our families choose to leave their pets wrapped in a special blanket or other personal item.  Following cremation, we provide all of our families with a simple urn, though we have more decorative options available for display.  Contact us or browse our website to learn more about the urns and memorial items we have available for purchase.

Are all pet crematories the same?

Unfortunately, no.  There are very few state or federal regulations that apply to pet crematories, which leads to a wide variety in terms of facility quality, staff quality and service quality.  To learn more about the steps we take to enforce appropriate standards at our location, give our office a call today. 

Can my pet be buried anywhere?

This depends on local regulations in your area.  Some cities and municipalities specify where your pet can be buried, while others are more lax.  To learn more about appropriate burial locations and any restrictions that may affect your burial choices, call or email our office.

How can you help me through the pet loss process?

As experts in the pet loss process, we are here to support you as you begin to cope with the absence of your former friend.  Our office offers a number of different grief support resources.  Browse our site to learn more about these different offerings or give our office a call to get connected with the right resources for your needs. 

 

If you have any other questions, we are always here to help. Please feel free to call our offices. We are ready to guide you through the process of saying goodbye to your beloved friend.