If you're considering cremation as final care for your pet, this informative page is the right place to start. It includes an overview of the process and explains your cremation options.
Since our funeral professionals control the entire process, we can ensure that your pet's cremated remains will be available for return much faster than other providers, typically within days of your pet's passage. Because we are your local funeral home, we can guarantee that your pet will be treated with dignity and respect and we will care for your companion pet with the same reverence as we would treat any other member of your family. To help with peace of mind we can even arrange for your family to witness the cremation process if you so desire. Below are Frequently Asked Questions to provide you with more information on pet cremation.
Should I bury or cremate my pet?
That is a very personal decison and only one you can make. However, the majority of pets in our society are cremated and there are several reasons for this. First, in many urban communities, laws and ordinances make it illegal for owners to bury their pets in the back yard. Second, if you did choose burial, that would more than likely require you to bury your pet in a designated pet cemetery. This option tends to be expensive. Third, cremation is an affordable and simple option that often did not exist in the past. Finally, with our society becoming so much more mobile, choosing cremation gives you the ability to take your pet's cremated remains with you if you move to another home.
Can my veterinarian help me with cremation for my pet?
Yes. People typically choose their veterinarians for their heroic life-prolonging or sustaining capabilities. Though many veterinarians have some knowledge of the cremation process, this is not their specialty. However, by using our funeral facilities to handle your pets cremation, you can rest assured that you are getting a professional who has been highly trained and has extensive experience when it comes to cremation. Though your veterinarian has been a trusted advisor to you when it comes to your pet's health, it only makes sense to seek out a death care professional when it comes to a pet's death care needs.
Are all pet crematories alike?
No. Most states do not regulate pet crematories. Thus, the quality of their facilities, services and staff can vary widely. What most pet owners don't realize is that the majority of pet cremation providers are not even located in their community.
Since there is very little regulation in the pet cremation industry, what should I be doing to make sure that my pet is being treated with respect and dignity?
The best thing you can do is to contact us directly. If not possible, then we advise that you ask your Veterinarian, or the Cremation Provider directly the following very important questions:
- Where is the crematory located? Most families are shocked to learn that their pet is going to be transported several hundred miles away. - May I inspect the facility where my pet's cremation will take place?
- How will my pet be transported to the crematory?
- How and where is my pet kept until cremation?
- When will my pet be cremated and returned to me? Many are shocked to learn that their beloved pet is going to be held in a freezer at the Vet's facility for several days if not a week or more before they are picked up by a standard cremation provider. Then, it is going to be another week before their pet's cremated remains are ready for pickup.
Do I have options for my pet's cremation?
Unlike the human cremation profession, there is very little or no regulation when it comes to pet cremations. Thus, different pet cremation providers might be using the same terminology but for different types of cremation services. Basically, there are 3 types of pet cremations.
- A "Private" cremation is a cremation procedure during which only one animal's body is present in the cremation chamber during the cremation process and the cremated remains of the pet are to be returned to its owner.
- A "Semi-Private" or also referred to as "Individual" or "Partitioned" is a cremation procedure during which more than one animal's body is present in the cremation chamber and the cremated remains of specfic pets are to be returned to the owner. Each pet will have its own private segrated section within the cremation chamber during the cremation process. This type of cremation procedure is what most pet crematories call a Private Cremation. Please note: Due to a number of factors and by virtue of multiple pets being cremated within the same chamber, active commingling of cremated remains can occur.
- A "Communal or Batch" is a cremation procedure where multiple pets are cremated together without any form of separation. These commingled cremated remains are not returned to the owners.
Because of the lack of regulation, it is important for you to ask your pet cremation provider what they mean when they use the terms like "private cremation" or "individual cremation".
How do I know I am going to get back my pet's cremated remains?
Most pet cremation providers do nothing to answer this often-asked question and in many cases your veterinarian can not answer this question with confidence either. However, Forever Meadows uses a trade marked stainless steel tag for pet identification, tracking and chain of custody procedures using our tracking software.
Using the stainless steel tag system is most accurate and effective tracking procedure available anywhere and by using this system, Forever Meadows can provide you with absolute proof that you are receiving back your pet's cremated remains. Furthermore, if you desire, we can facilitate arrangements for you to be present at your pet's cremation for the ultimate peace of mind.
Do I have to purchase a casket for my pet's cremation?
No. Often family members will wrap their pet in a favorite blanket or some other personal article of meaning to the pet or family members.
How long after my pet's death will it take to receive back the urn?
By using Forever Meadows, you receive a much quicker response when your pet dies either at your home or Vet's Clinic. We are trained to respond immediately and will transfer your pet into our care right away. This means you can have your pet's cremated remains avaialble for return usually within 72 hours of us receiving your pet. This is not the same timeline for other pet cremation providers in our area. Usually, your Veterinarian will have to hold your pet in a freezer at their facilities for upwards of a week until the the cremation provider they use makes its next scheduled visit to their hospital. Then, it may be another week before the urn is ready for you to pick up. In our facilities, we never freeze pets and the only cremation service is onsite cremation.
What if my pet dies at home or when my veterinarian is closed?
Forever Meadows has professional staff "on call" 24 hours a day. We realize that death comes at all hours on any given day. Thus, they are ready to respond immediately to take your pet into their care whenever you may need their services.
Do most pet owners choose a "private" or "communal" cremation?
Just as cremation has gained in popularity over the last 2 decades, the preference has changed here as well. Fifteen years ago, only about 1 in 4 pet families chose "private cremation" - as most chose not to receive back their pet's cremated remains. Today, that ratio has flipped, as research indicates that today more than 70% of all pet families choosing cremation want their pet's cremated remains back.
How much does cremation cost?
Pricing varies depending on your preferred type of cremation and the size of your pet. Please call Forget-Me-Not at (315) 219-5602 or visit our Pricing page.
Is an urn required and where do I get one?
Many pet cremation providers return your pet's cremated remains in a temporary container, often a tin can or cardboard box. However, Forever Meadows understands the dignity and respect your pet's cremated remains deserve. Accordingly, we provide a very simple, yet dignified wooden urn in all of our cremation offerings. Although, many families still choose to upgrade to an urn that speaks of their pet's life. We do offer additional urns and memorial jewelery by contacting us.
What is cremation?
This is a process where a pet is placed in a cremation chamber by crematory staff, and using a suitable fuel that will create intense heat and flame (1400 – 1800 degrees Fahrenheit) the body of the pet is reduced to basic compounds (calcium compounds). During the cremation process, it may be necessary to open the cremation chamber and reposition the remains of the animal in order to facilitate a complete and thorough cremation. Upon completion of the cremation, all substances are consumed or driven off, except bone fragments (calcium compounds) and metal other non-combustible materials, as the temperature is not sufficient to consume them. Due to the nature of the cremation process, any possessions or materials, such as collars or tags that are left with the animal and not removed prior to cremation may be destroyed or if not destroyed, will be disposed of by the Crematory in a non-recoverable manner.
Following a cooling period, the cremated remains shall be recovered by manual means, such as brushing, and industry-specific mechanical means, such as vacuuming, in order to retrieve the cremated remains from the cremation chamber. Although the Crematory will make a reasonable and prudent effort to remove all of the cremated remains from the cremation chamber, some dust and other residue from the process will be left behind. Depending on the cremation option, there may or may not be more commingling/mixing of cremated remains. Active commingling can occur between animals during the cremation and/or retrieval process when multiple animals are cremated together in the same chamber. This type of commingling can be minimized with effective partioning but it is impossible to assert that it can be eliminated entirely. Active commingling cannot, by definition, occur with a private cremation. However, while every effort will be made to avoid commingling, inadvertent or incidental commingling of minute particles of cremated remains from the residues of previous cremations is possible no matter what type of cremation option selected.
After the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber, the skeletal remains often will contain recognizable bone fragments. Unless otherwise specified, after the bone fragments have been separated from the other non-combustible material, they will be mechanically processed, pulverized. The process of crushing or grinding may cause incidental commingling of the remains with the residue from the processing of previously cremated remains. These granulated particles of unidentifiable dimensions, which are virtually unrecognizable as animal remains, will then be placed into a designated container based on the type of cremation identified above (Private, Semi-Private or Communal).