The Pet Cremation Process: What You Need to Know from Your Friend on the Inside

Losing a beloved pet is a deeply emotional experience. Many pet owners want to honor their furry friends with dignity and respect after they pass away. One option that has become increasingly common is pet cremation. Understanding the pet cremation process can help you make informed decisions during a difficult time. This article will guide you through the steps involved, answer common questions, and provide practical advice to help you navigate this sensitive subject.

Understanding the Pet Cremation Process

Pet cremation is a method of respectfully handling the remains of a deceased pet by reducing the body to ashes through high-temperature burning. The process is designed to be both sanitary and environmentally responsible. Here’s a breakdown of the typical steps involved:

1. Transportation: After your pet passes, you can either choose to drop off their body at the crematory or many pet crematories will come to your home and pick up. This can be arranged by your veterinarian or a pet cremation service directly. But be careful! Many pet crematories charge to pick up and (incredibly) to drop off as well! I know, I couldn't believe it either. If you're in the North and Central Florida region, APC-FL can help you in both scenarios. I don't charge you if you want to drop off your beloved pet. But if handling their body is just too much to bear, or they're just a little too big for you to pick up on your own, I can come to you for a small fee.

2. Identification: Once we take your pet into our care, your pet is identified and logged to ensure proper handling. Some facilities use ID tags or paperwork to track each pet. I do both. Your furry friend will get BOTH a steel disc that follows them throughout our entire process as well as paperwork that indicates your wishes (communal/private, urn type, etc.). I also record your wishes in our database and you'll also get an email confirming everything.

3. Cremation: When it's time to cremate, their body is placed in the cremation chamber where it is exposed to intense heat, usually between 1400 and 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. This process takes 1 to 3 hours depending on the size of your pet. I usually cremate twice a week, but if you would like their remains back faster, we absolutely can provide a rush service, usually within the same day if you like.

4. Cooling and Processing: After cremation, the remains are allowed to cool. Any metal items such as collars or tags are removed. The bone fragments are then processed into fine ashes.

5. Return of Ashes: The ashes are placed in an urn or container of your choice and returned to you. Here at APC, I offer personalized services such as engraving free of charge. My first job when I got out of the military was as an awards engraver! I enjoy the engraving and layout process and if you have any special request, I love those. So please, don't be shy!

   
   

My process ensures that your pet’s remains are handled with care and respect. I take my responsibility very seriously; this MUST BE a zero mistake process. There can be no errors when caring for the final disposition of your dear pet. I take pride in this fact and my 5-Star google rating is proof of the care I take.

Pet cremation urn on display

How to Choose the Right Pet Cremation Service

Selecting a trustworthy pet cremation service is important to ensure your pet is treated with dignity. Here are some tips to help you choose:

• Ask for Recommendations: Your veterinarian or local animal shelter can often recommend reputable cremation providers.

• Visit the Facility: If possible, tour the cremation facility to see their operations and cleanliness. I offer tours of my facility to anyone who asks. I'm proud of the cleanliness and organization of my facility and I fully recognize the importance of peace of mind when choosing a pet crematory. Unfortunately, there ARE some disreputable facilities out there. I believe in radical transparency and accountability.

• Check for Individual Cremation: Some services offer communal cremation where multiple pets are cremated together. If you want your pet’s ashes returned separately, confirm they provide individual cremation. Also, be sure to ask the crematory if their cremations are truly private or if they are "partitioned." A partitioned cremation is where multiple animals are placed in the chamber at once, but are physically separated by a single row of bricks. This is NOT a private cremation! While the animals are separated, some ash WILL MIX just from the air flows within the chamber. If the pet crematory you're talking to tells you they do private cremations, but only segregate them within the chamber, pick a different pet crematory! At APC, I don't do segregated/partitioned cremations. I ONLY do private and communal cremations. Remember what I said about radical transparency?

• Review Pricing and Services: Compare costs and what is included, such as transportation, urns, and memorial options. Prices vary, as you might imagine.

• Read Reviews: Look for customer feedback online to gauge the quality of service and professionalism. Besides hearing from your friend on their experience, Google Reviews are, by far, the best way to determine if it's the right pet cremation facility for you. And, as you might imagine, I'm damn proud of my 5-star rating on Google.

  

  
  

Will a Vet Cremate a Dog That Died at Home?

Many pet owners wonder if their veterinarian can cremate a dog that has passed away at home. The answer is often yes, but it depends on the vet’s policies and local regulations.

Veterinarians typically work with pet cremation companies and can arrange for the pickup and cremation of your dog regardless of where the death occurred. If your dog dies at home, you can contact your vet promptly to discuss the next steps, but it isn't necessary. You can always contact Affordable Pet Cremation of Florida directly for the best pricing.

What to Expect During the Pet Cremation Process

Understanding what happens during the pet cremation process can help ease anxiety. Here’s what you can expect:

• Timing: The entire process from pickup to return of ashes can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the service, and it's especially long when working through your vet to coordinate for the cremation. APC prides itself on its industry-leading turnaround times. My process is set up so that the busier I get, the faster you get your pet's remains back! But what should you expect? Well, many pet crematories promise 2 weeks. My process gets your pet back to you within 7 days, guaranteed. But that's the LONGEST you'll wait; many times, it's just 3-5 days.

• Documentation: You will receive paperwork confirming the cremation and details about the process. You'll get it both via email when service is requested and then upon pick up you'll also get a piece of paper, signed by me personally, attesting to the date and time of their cremation as well as the type of cremation that was conducted.

  
  

It’s normal to feel overwhelmed, so don’t hesitate to ask questions and seek support from friends, family, or pet loss counselors. You can call me any time, I always pick up and I am always happy to set your mind at ease.

Caring for Your Pet’s Memory After Cremation

After receiving your pet’s ashes, many owners want to create a meaningful tribute. Here are some ideas:

• Display an Urn: Choose an urn that reflects your pet’s personality or your home decor.

• Create a Memorial Space: Dedicate a spot in your home or garden with photos, toys, and the urn.

• Plant a Tree or Garden: Use the ashes to nourish a tree or garden as a living memorial.

• Make Keepsakes: Turn ashes into jewelry, glass art, or other keepsakes.

• Hold a Ceremony: Gather family and friends to celebrate your pet’s life.

  
  

These actions can provide comfort and help you honor the special bond you shared.

Exploring the pet cremation process can bring peace of mind during a difficult time. By understanding the steps involved and knowing your options, you can make thoughtful decisions that honor your pet’s memory with love and respect.

Sincerely, R. Altomare

Affordable Pet Cremation of Florida, Owner