
Three Different Types Of Pet Cremation
Most pet owners decide on cremation of their beloved companions because it is a way to keep your pet around and still close to you. It is also more practical if you move and less expensive than a burial. We never want to think about the day when we will loose our beloved pet. So it is important to know all your cremation options in order to alleviate potential regrets. And also to empower you to make the most emotionally and financially suitable choice. An educated owner is a less stressed owner.
Private Cremation
Cost:
- $$$ (most expensive)
Process:
- The body of your pet is the only one placed with care and respect inside the cremation chamber and no other pet will be cremated at the same time.
Remains:
- The remains will be returned to you and are available immediately after the cremation process is complete. It will only contain the ashes of your pet.
Urn:
- You may provide your own urn or choose an urn from the selection at the crematory. If you do not make a selection, the remains are generally returned to you in a standard urn provided by the crematory. The standard urn is included in the cost of the service and is often a tin can or a simple box made of wood or cardboard.
Pick-Up:
- You may pick up the urn personally or have it delivered to your veterinarian’s office.
NOTE:
- Using this method, it is also possible to request a viewing prior to the cremation. You may wish to bring flowers or your pet’s favorite toy to be included in the cremation. You may also choose to witness the start of the cremation process.
Individual Or Semi-Private Cremation
Cost:
- $$ (moderate cost)
Process:
- The bodies of several pets are respectfully and gently placed inside the cremation chamber but kept individually separated. For instance, the partition can be in the form of individual trays or clay bricks.
Remains:
- Using this method creates some unavoidable co-mingling of the different pets’ ashes, even though the bodies are separated.
Urn:
- You may provide your own urn or choose an urn from the selection at the crematory. If you do not make a selection, the remains are generally returned to you in a standard urn provided by the crematory. The standard urn is included in the cost of the service and is often a tin can or a simple box made of wood or cardboard.
Pick-Up:
- The urn will be delivered to your veterinarian’s office.
NOTE:
- Check with the crematory of your choice to ensure they use numbered metal identifications tags or comparable types of IDs for each pet during the cremation process.
Communal Cremation
Cost:
- $ (least expensive)
Process:
- The bodies of several pets are respectfully placed in the cremation chamber at the same time and all their ashes mingle as no partitions are used.
Remains:
- Using this method mingles the remains of all the pets and the ashes will NOT be returned to you. The ashes will be scattered with care in a communal garden area of the crematory’s pet cemetery or in an idyllic location chosen by the crematory.
Urn:
- No urn necessary or provided as the ashes are not returned.
Pick-Up:
- No pick-up or delivery available.
NOTE:
- A reputable crematory will not scatter the ashes in landfills or take them to rendering companies. Be sure to consult with whomever you choose to ensure the dignity and memory of your pet is honored.
