Types of Cremation

Making a choice

Private Cremation is often chosen by families who want the option to bring their pet’s cremated remains home. Your beloved pet is placed individually in the cremation chamber, so you are guaranteed to receive only the remains of your own pet. The ashes, also known as cremains, are placed in an urn or a small wooden box, and you will pick them up later at your trusted veterinarian’s office.  Afterward, some families choose to bury the box or scatter the ashes in a meaningful place (where permitted), or keep them close in another way.

Individual Cremation occurs when your pet is placed in the cremation chamber in an individually partitioned area, with other animals in the chamber. Your pet’s remains are individually tracked through the entire process, and you only receive your pet’s ashes. Your beloved pet’s cremated remains are placed in a small wooden box or ceramic urn, which you can pick up later from your family veterinary clinic. Afterward, families make a special place to display their memorial box or urn.

Group or Communal Cremation means multiple pets are cared for during the cremation process, and remains are not separated for individual return. Because the remains aren’t kept distinct, there is no return of ashes/remains to the family. Families sometimes choose the communal option when they don’t feel a need to receive cremains, when they prefer a simpler option, or when they find comfort knowing their pet is being cared for respectfully alongside others. Our providers handle communal remains with a dignified memorial, scattering the ashes at sea.