Pet Cremation Answers

What are the differences between private individual pet cremation, partitioned pet cremation and communal pet cremation?

Private individual pet cremation means only one pet is cremated during the cremation process, which allows us to guarantee the return of your pet’s cremated remains. Private individual cremation is performed using the same industry standards as are followed for human cremation.

During partitioned pet cremation, multiple pets are present in the cremation chamber, however pets are placed in and removed from the cremation chamber separately, and cremated remains are returned to pet families. Because of the nature of the cremation process, active commingling of cremated remains does occur with partitioned pet cremation. This is the most commonly-selected cremation option.

Communal pet cremation means pets are cremated at the same time along with other pets, and remains will be mixed at the end of the cremation process. Your pet’s cremated remains will not be returned to you following communal cremation, but we will scatter your pet’s remains in a local pet memorial garden.

If you are working with your veterinarian and are in doubt about the type of service being provided, we suggest you contact us directly. We welcome your questions and are happy to talk with you about the best option for your pet and your family.

If I choose communal cremation, what happens to my pet’s cremated remains?

Although your pet’s cremated remains will not be returned to you following communal cremation, we will scatter your pet’s remains in a local pet memorial garden. You will be contacted when this occurs, and you will be able to visit the memorial garden as you desire.

How will my pet get to you, and what happens after my pet is transferred to your care?

We are able to transfer your pet to our care directly from your home* or veterinarian’s office. As soon as this transfer occurs, you will receive an email notification and be able to follow your pet’s status through PETS, our exclusive online pet tracking system. Throughout the transfer and cremation process, we will provide the highest level of care to ensure a dignified and respectable final disposition for your pet.

When can I expect to receive my pet’s cremated remains?

If you select private individual pet cremation or partitioned pet cremation, your pet’s remains will be personally delivered to your veterinarian’s office or residence* within 7-10 days of your pet’s cremation. Delivery arrangements will be made in advance based on your wishes.

Does cremation cause pollution?

Caring Pet Cremation Services uses the most technologically-advanced equipment so there is no odor or smoke generated by our crematory.

What are my options if my pet passes away after normal business hours?

We answer the phones from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays. We realize that pets do not always pass away during regular business hours and would still be honored to help you. If your pet passes away after hours, call us at 804-885-0499, and leave a detailed voice mail message. We will return your call by the next business morning.

If your pet passes away at home, you can call your veterinarian’s office (or an emergency veterinarian’s office) and ask them to hold your pet until the next business day. If you prefer to keep your pet at home, it is best to keep him or her as cold as possible in a cooler, spare refrigerator or freezer until we can transfer your pet to our care. We recognize that it may be upsetting to keep your pet cold during this time, but it is the most caring way to honor your pet until cremation occurs.

What if I don’t want to cremate my pet? Can you help me with other options?

We recognize that cremation may not be a choice for every family and are happy to arrange ground burial for your pet. Contact us for more details.

What additional ways are there to honor my pet?

All Caring Pet Cremation Services families are invited to submit a pet remembrance to post on our company’s Facebook page. (We reserve the right to edit all submissions for length and content.) You may also choose to honor your pet with a memorial service, personalized memorabilia, or special portrait or painting. We are happy to work with you to create a customized service package to honor your faithful friends.

How do I talk to my children about my pet’s death? What resources are available for dealing with pet loss?

Losing a pet is like losing a member of your family and can be difficult for children as well as adults. Your local library or bookstore should be able to suggest helpful books for your family. In addition, the Internet has a variety of websites and articles that offer support to individuals grieving the loss of a pet. Some of these sites include:

I’d like make arrangements prior to my pet’s death. What are my options?

Preparing yourself in advance for the death of your pet, while emotionally taxing, is a wise and thoughtful thing to do. At Caring Pet Cremation Services we have created a pre-planning brochure to help you in this process. Please contact us to discuss your wishes in more detail.

* Additional fees apply for home transfers.