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?

Our staff members work on call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so that we’re here to serve you whenever the need arises.  If your pet passes at home, contact our office immediately - day or night - to begin the final arrangements process.  We can assist with transporting your beloved pet to our facility and determining which final disposition options will best suit your needs.

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. 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 cremated remains of your cherished pet following cremation.

Group cremation, on the other hand, involves the disposition of several pets at once.  If you do not need to receive your pet’s individual cremated remains back, this option allows our staff to either bury or scatter your pet’s cremated remains on your behalf. 

What does pet cremation cost?

$200.00 for small animals (cats, smaller breed dogs, birds, rabbits) and $300.00 for large animals (larger breed canines).

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 personalized options available for display. Contact us or browse our website to learn more about the urns and memorial items we have available for purchase.

How long will it be until I receive my urn?

We make it a priority to offer you a quick response following your pet’s death.  Not only are we able to respond immediately to your home or veterinary office to begin the final arrangements process. Our goal is to have your pet back in your care as soon as possible, generally within the same week.

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. It’s important to know we are family owned and operated, open door policy, on site crematory with certified operators, the Matthews PowerPak II crematory, prompt removal of pet from the place of death, private visitation room, memorial wall, we also use a customized transportation van that respectfully carries your beloved pet to our crematory. Other facilities transport in the back of uncovered trucks with no respectful handling of your beloved pet. Do you know where your pet is going after their removal? Why trust someone who is not local? Your pet never leaves our care and custody to a third party.

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.

Can my pet have a funeral service?

Absolutely!  Just as funeral services help humans to come to terms with their losses, pet memorial services give pet owners the closure and support needed to move forward with their lives in a positive way.  We are happy to help design a memorial service that celebrates the unique life your pet lived - whether a festive celebration or a solemn service is more your style.  Contact us today to get started with the service planning process.

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 “365 Days of Grief & Healing” newsletter that will deliver messages of support directly to your email inbox. Our office is staffed 365 days a year, 24 hours a day with professional pet loss specialists who are ready to guide you through the process of saying goodbye to your beloved friend.