Pet cremation is a respectful way of handling your pet’s remains. It is conducted with respect, dignity, and love in honor of your cherished family member.
Losing your beloved pet is an emotional time. By understanding the cremation process, you can feel confident in the choice you make for your pet.
How cremation works
After your pet has passed, the process begins with transportation and preparation.
Next, you choose the type of service you would like, the cremation process is then performed, and finally, you take possession of their ashes.
The cremation process explained
1. Transportation and preparation: After your pet has passed, they will be transported to a crematory, often arranged through your veterinarian, or you can choose to bring your pet yourself.
Once your pet arrives at the crematory, it will be tagged with a special identification tag that will stay with your pet throughout the process. This gives you the peace of mind that your pet’s remains will be returned to you.
2. Type of service: Private cremation or communal cremation are your cremation options.
Private cremation means that only your pet will be in the chamber, assuring you that you receive only your pet’s remains.
Communal cremation is where multiple pets are cremated at the same time. If you choose this option, your pet’s remains will be buried together with the others in a memorial garden or cemetery.
The cremation
Your tag is examined to be sure your pet belongs to you. Then they are placed in a special cremation chamber.
What happens to the body during cremation?
The chamber is heated and once the process begins it usually takes 30 minutes to 2 hours, at which point the pet’s ashes will be handled based on the type of cremation you chose.
After the cremation
Once the cremation has been completed, the ashes are processed into a fine powder and handled according to your specifications.
If you chose a private cremation, they are returned to you. If you opted for a communal creation, all of the ashes will be taken to a cemetery or memorial garden for burial.
Safety and regulations
Pet cremation is regulated with a combined focus on environmental law, workplace safety, and professional ethics.
The focus is always on giving each pet and their owner the peace of mind that the process is handled in an accredited, reputable facility that follows strict protocols to ensure your pet’s ashes are identified and handled properly.
Common myths
Here are a few of the most common cremation myths:
- Not getting your own pet’s ashes back.
- Pets are cremated with their blankets or bedding.
- The ashes are not really pet ashes but wood ash.
- Communal cremation is disrespectful to the animal.
- You can only arrange cremation through a vet.
None of these common myths is true, and at Rest Assured Cremations, we welcome questions to help you make the right choice for your pet during such a difficult time.
