Did you know that 70% of households in the United States own a pet? Everyone with a furry companion thinks about that sad day when we have to say goodbye.
We must choose between pet cremation and traditional burial for our beloved animals. Unfortunately, this is often while we’re grieving, which makes it even more difficult to decide.
Losing a pet never gets easier, whether you have to put them down or they pass away unexpectedly. We often push death to the back of our minds so we don’t have to think about it.
But death is a natural part of living, and we must prepare for it someday. That’s why planning ahead is a good idea, so the process is as painless as possible.
There are over 1.5 million pet cremations in the US per year. And whether you lose your pet cat, dog, or horse, cremation remains a viable option for your family’s needs. Keep reading to learn about the pet cremation process and whether it’s right for your family.
Pet Cremation vs. Pet Burial
Many people don’t realize that a pet burial can become complicated. You must pick a spot to bury your friend, choose a casket, and prepare a grave.
To make it harder, some states, like California, made it illegal to bury pets on private property. And while these rules are relaxed in rural areas, that doesn’t help urban families. You’ll likely have to locate a pet cemetery and drive to see your departed friend’s burial site.
Pet cremation is an easy way to avoid the difficulties of pet burials. Your pet’s remains are incinerated and carefully prepared for your family.
Pet cremation allows you to keep your pet close. And the cost of pet cremation is usually affordable. It can range from $25 to a few hundred dollars based on various factors. Plus, cremation comes with options.
Pet Cremation Options
Pet cremation offers your family a few options based on your needs. You can choose from communal cremation, private cremation, and witness cremation plans.
Communal Cremation
Communal cremation is the most affordable option available. Your pet will be cremated along with other pets. But, unfortunately, you won’t be able to keep their remains.
Their ashes will be mixed with other animals and handled by the crematorium. We work with local nurseries to scatter your pets’ remains in nature. Others will bury the ashes.
If you don’t want your pet’s ashes back or need a cheap option, communal cremation is a good choice. However, if you want a personal experience, it probably isn’t for you.
Private Cremation
Over 95% of people consider their pets a member of the family. And private cremation takes this statistic into mind. This process allows you to cremate your pet and receive its remains back separately. It’s also the preferred option for most pet owners.
You can have your pet delivered to the crematorium, prepared, and receive your pet’s remains the same week. You’ll often receive your pet’s ashes back in a small container. If you choose us, we’ll provide you with an urn, certificate, and ink paw impressions.
Witness Cremation
Did you do everything together with your furry companion? Then witness cremation may be something worth looking into. Witness cremation is the most intimate cremation service available. It allows you to come to the crematorium and witness the process.
Some people will find this option emotionally difficult, but others want to be there every step of the way. At our crematorium, you’ll have the choice of watching from our reception area using a monitor. Or, you can observe from a Facetime call.
Dog Cremation Services
For some, dogs are man’s best friend. It can be a heavy blow to the heart when they pass on. Here’s what you can expect if you plan on cremating your dog.
Before Dog Cremation
We’ll have you complete an inquiry form so we can get to know your beloved friend. Depending on your needs, you’ll choose from communal, private, and witness cremation.
Then we come to your home and pick up your dog for preparation. You can also drive to our facility and deliver your dog with your family if you’d like.
During Dog Cremation
The cremation process will depend on the option you choose for your dog. Communal cremation means your pet will enter the cremation chamber with other pets.
A private cremation means your dog will have its own cremation procedure. Once in the chamber, the incinerator reaches up to 1,300 degrees and reduces the pet remains to ash.
We’ll care for your dog and prepare for the cremation. Then we’ll begin the process of cremating your dog using our state-of-the-art machinery. Our machine tracks the process and ensures that your dog is safely cared for.
After Dog Cremation
After cremation, you will be notified by the crematorium. For communal cremations, your dog will be safely buried or scattered with the remains of other animals. For private cremations, you’ll receive the remains back under the procedure of the crematorium.
We notify your family when we’ve finished the cremation. If you choose private cremation, you can come to our facility and pick up your pet’s remains.
You can select a custom urn for your dog and get a certificate and paw prints to remember them. We also provide ongoing support to help you heal through this difficult time.
Cat Cremation Services
Cats are adored by their owners. And losing our feline companion is no easier than losing a dog. Here is what you can expect when you decide to cremate your cat.
Before Cat Cremation
You’ll complete our inquiry form and tell us about your cat’s life. Then you’ll choose from a communal, private, or witness cremation for your kitty.
We’ll travel to your home, pick up your cat, and get them ready for the cremation option you chose. You can also drive your cat to our facility, drop them off, and we’ll prepare them for cremation.
During Cat Cremation
If you choose a communal cremation for your feline friend, they will be cremated along with other animals and cared for by a local nursery.
They will enter the cremation chamber separately for a private cremation. The incinerator will reduce your cat’s remains to dust, and we’ll inspect for belongings, then we’ll refine the ashes.
At our facility, we’ll return any belongings or trinkets to your family. Our machine uses a Halcyon system to ensure your cat is treated with proper care.
After Cat Cremation
After cremation, the crematorium will notify you. If you choose a communal cremation, they will be carefully buried or scattered in nature with other animals. For private cremations, you’ll get your cat’s ashes back according to the crematorium’s standards.
Choosing us means you get the best care for your cat’s cremation process. You’ll receive your furry friend’s remains with paw prints, a certificate, and a beautiful urn. We’ll be there to help you through the grieving process with materials and support.
Horse Cremation Services
The bond between you and your horse is unique, and losing them can be heartbreaking. If you want to cremate your horse, here’s what you need to know.
Before Horse Cremation
Horse cremation can be different from smaller animals like cats and dogs. And it’s important that you choose a crematorium equipped to handle such an animal. Note that the pet cremation cost of a horse will also be higher than other pets.
You’ll fill out a simple inquiry and tell us about your horse. You’ll then choose your service.
You have the option of a communal, private, or witness cremation. It’s important to note that not every crematorium offers communal cremations for horses.
Since it’s difficult to preserve a horse’s body, we’ll act quickly to pick up your horse in a timely matter. We can retrieve your horse from the stable or the field. Or, if you feel you have the proper resources, you’re free to deliver your horse to our facility.
During Horse Cremation
Our facility is equipped to offer you a communal or private cremation for your horse. If you choose a communal cremation, your horse will be cremated with other pets. A private cremation ensures that your horse’s ashes are not mixed with other animals.
Our machinery is fully capable of cremating your horse safely and with care. Belongings will be returned to you, and ashes will be inspected to ensure there are no issues.
After Horse Cremation
We’ll contact you after the cremation process concludes. If you choose communal cremation, we’ll ensure that a local nursery properly handles your pet. If you choose a private cremation for your horse, you can come and pick up the remains.
You will receive your horse’s remains with a certificate and a proper urn to suit your departed friend. We’ll provide you with the best aftercare and support.
Pet Cremation Near Me: We’re Here for Your Family
Losing a pet is a challenging time. We know how hard it is to part with a loved one, but it’s best to plan ahead. Pet cremation services can help you get through the process without additional hassle. They can offer you options to suit your needs and budget.
If you need a crematorium in Long Beach, CA, we’re here to help. We provide the most compassionate services for families who lost their cherished animals.
Whether you need care for your deceased dog, cat, or horse, our facilities are prepared to help. We’ll treat you like family and help you honor your pet with dignity. Contact us for help today.
