Are Pet Cremations Legitimate?

Losing a pet is devastating. When it is time to say goodbye, many owners choose cremation. Yet worries creep in: “Is it legal to cremate pets?” We, at Paws into Grace, answer owners’ questions about the cremation process. With many years of experience in cremation services, we understand their need for reassurance on this issue. 

We explain what happens before, during, and after individual pet cremation. Owners learn how to ensure their pet is cremated ethically and separately. At an already heartbreaking time, we provide owners with the knowledge and assurance they need about the legitimacy of pet cremations.

Are Pet Cremations Legitimate?

Yes, pet cremations are a legitimate and widely accepted practice. Many pet owners have their beloved pets cremated to honor their memory and respectfully handle their remains. Specialized facilities provide pet cremation services.

They are regulated to guarantee ethical and proper procedures are followed. Reliable pet cremation facilities, like Paws into Grace, maintain strict protocols to ensure that the remains of each pet are handled separately and that the ashes returned to the owners are indeed those of their beloved pets.

Sand + Fog's award-winning memory game: a close-up of colorful cards arranged in a grid pattern

Why Did Pet Cremation Start to Become Popular?

In the past, pets were often buried in the backyard, a simple, heartfelt ceremony that marked the end of a beloved companion’s journey. Today, with shrinking backyard spaces and the increase in urban living, animal cremations have surged in popularity.

They offer a practical solution that respects urban regulations and provides a certain level of convenience for grieving owners of pets. It emerged from a genuine need and has since developed into a very common practice. 

What Is the Legitimate Side of Pet Cremations?

In essence, pet cremation services are created to give owners of pets a feeling of closure and a concrete method to remember their cherished pets. They are lawful because of the following main factors:

  • Regulated Industry. In the United States, pet crematoriums are regulated by governmental and industry bodies. These regulations make sure that the cremation process is carried out humanely and ethically. 
  • Variety of Options. From private to communal cremations, these services offer a range of options to suit individual needs and budgets.
  • Memorial Products. Many pet incineration services offer memorial products, such as urns or memorial pet jewelry containing a small amount of ashes, allowing owners of pets to keep the ashes of their pets in their homes.

While these aspects enhance the legitimacy of pet cremations, owners of pets need to do their research. Choosing a reputable provider, like us at Paws into Grace, is crucial to ensure that the remains of their pets are treated with the respect and dignity they deserve.

What to Expect From a Reputable Pet Cremation Provider

When considering cremation, finding a provider you can trust fully is crucial. This involves doing thorough research, asking probing questions, and requiring proof that your pet will be treated ethically. Signs of a reputable, professional cremation provider include:Little girl cuddling her gray cat close to her face

  • Being a licensed and accredited facility that follows rigorous industry standards
  • Offering guaranteed individual cremation so your pet is cremated alone
  • Allowing owners to witness the process if desired
  • Returning a microchip scanner or other verification to confirm your pet’s identity
  • Treating each animal with dignity and care throughout the process
  • Providing compassionate, personalized service and memorial options
  • Being transparent about pricing with no hidden fees
  • Having current owners willing to provide referrals and testimonials

Finding a cremation provider dedicated to honoring each pet as an individual will give you confidence that your beloved friend is in good hands. 

They will understand your need for peace of mind and take extra steps to show how your pet will be cared for respectfully. With so much emotion involved, having a crematorium you can completely trust makes all the difference.

What Happens During the Cremation Procedure?

A thorough understanding of the typical cremation process can provide greater peace of mind. After an owner relinquishes their pet’s body to the crematorium, the animal is placed in a specialized cremation chamber that is only large enough for one body at a time. Each pet is assigned a unique metal tag that stays with them throughout the entire cremation process. The tag is verified by our staff at least five times, at every stage of the cremation process. You can be sure that your pet is in good hands with us and that you will receive your pet’s ashes back. 

Do Pet Cremations Provide Emotional Healing?

Pet cremation provides a pathway to emotional healing and closure for grieving pet owners, allowing them to navigate the intricate process of saying goodbye and finding solace in cherished memories.Cat with orange, white and black spots curled sleeping on a white blanket

A Farewell Ritual

Pet owners can cope with their sorrow by planning out their pet’s ends of life plan and engaging in goodbye rites. It gives them closure, letting them go on with their lives while honoring the unique bond they enjoyed with their beloved pets.

Grief Support and Commemorative Services

Many pet cremation facilities offer grief support and commemorative services, recognizing the profound impact losing a pet can have on an individual’s emotional well-being. These additional resources and ceremonies provide comfort and support, fostering healing and helping pet owners navigate their grief.

Related Questions

Do You Get Your Own Pet’s Ashes Back?

In reputable pet cremation facilities, when you opt for an individual or private cremation, you receive your pet’s ashes back. To give you peace of mind, the process involves identifying and tracking the pet’s remains throughout the cremation procedure.

Is It Wrong to Not Want My Dog’s Ashes?

It is not wrong at all. Your feelings are understandable and valid. While many treasure their pet’s ashes, others gain peace by saying a final goodbye and finding closure in the cremation. There is no right or wrong decision – just what feels comforting for your grieving process. 

How Much Ash Is Left After Cremation of a Dog?

The amount of ash left after cremating a dog varies based on size and bone density, yet typically ranges from 1-2 cups for small dogs up to 8+ cups for extra large breeds. The cremated remains are composed of bone fragments and represent a symbolic portion of your cherished pet.

Conclusion

Pet cremation offers an essential service for bereaved pet owners. They provide a humane, practical solution for the final disposition of our beloved animal companions. Through the grief, remember that hope and love endure. Saying goodbye is never easy, yet the comfort of legitimate cremation sustains cherished memories.

Dr. Benson started Paws into Grace in 2007. She wanted to give pets and their parents a beautiful last encounter that didn't have to be in an unfamiliar office where pets were often frightened. The empathy she shows each family creates a lasting impression on them. In her free time, Dr. Benson enjoys running and spending time with her family, dogs, cats, and chickens.

  

Testimonials

I can't recommend them enough. I had to say goodbye to my 21 year old cat companion. I read the reviews here on Yelp and chose Paws Into Grace and they made an unbearable situation not worse - from the people on the phone to the amazing doctor who... read more

Renee C.

My absolute love Dante had heart failure three months ago. After having him on many medications to help him, his enthusiasm and appetite declined last couple of days. He was in pain and we decided to help him go to heaven rather than torturing him... read more

Diane C.

I wanted to thank you for sending Dr. Brown to euthanize our beloved Myleigh on March 4, 2021. She was compassionate and accommodating, she explained every step of the procedure, and gave us some alone time with Myleigh after she sedated her, but... read more

Terry A.

Renee C.

I can't recommend them enough. I had to say goodbye to my 21 year old cat companion. I read the reviews here on Yelp and chose Paws Into Grace and they made an unbearable situation not worse - from the people on the phone to the amazing doctor who came out to the house. She was so understanding and supportive. They were all so helpful, understanding and nice. My girl got to stay at home and say goodbye in the backyard (a hummingbird flew over and it seemed like a good sign too). So glad I didn't have to take her to a cold vet office.

Diane C.

My absolute love Dante had heart failure three months ago. After having him on many medications to help him, his enthusiasm and appetite declined last couple of days. He was in pain and we decided to help him go to heaven rather than torturing him with more medications which would make him even more miserable. I called and spoke to a very kind lady who was patient as I cried through making an appointment. We made an appointment for 1:30pm. Dr. Toni arrived. She was very kind, explained everything to us and gave us the time to be with our boy after the first shot. He wasn't relaxing enough so she gave him a second shot. We stayed with him throughout the entire process and I carried him to her car in the end. It was a very difficult decision but knowing that our boy is not in pain, gives us some peace. We are thankful to Dr. Toni for her kindness and compassion. They will arrange the cremation for us. Since we are in a pandemic, we had our masks on and said goodbye to our boy in our garden.

Terry A.

I wanted to thank you for sending Dr. Brown to euthanize our beloved Myleigh on March 4, 2021. She was compassionate and accommodating, she explained every step of the procedure, and gave us some alone time with Myleigh after she sedated her, but before she attached the IV. We were relieved that we made the decision to let her go to doggy heaven at home. It was a tranquil and serene passing for her, and it very much aids us in the grieving and healing process knowing that she passed away so peacefully. Based on the grace and compassion Dr. Brown demonstrated on one of the most awful days of our lives we would not hesitate to recommend Paws Into Grace for others facing this very painful time.
San Diego Orange County Cremation Office