FAQs
Q. What is Cremation?
A. Cremation is an alternative to burial for handling your pets remains. We are such a mobile society in today's times, with all of us moving and changing residences several times during our life time. Also, as new residential developments come along there are sometimes restrictions on whether you can any longer bury your pet in your backyard. Cremation is an option that allows you the choice to handle your pets remains as you wish. Whether you choose to then bury them, scatter them or place them a decorative urn or other memorial. The choice is up to you. The decision you make should be the one that you and your family members are most comfortable with in keeping the precious memory close to your heart.
When considering if cremation is right for your situation, keep in mind your future plans, your current living situation, your religious and personal values. All of these can help you determine if cremation is the right choice for you.
The Cremation Process itself consists of placing your pet into into a cremation chamber. A very intense heat then returns your pets body back to it's basic elements. Once the animal has been placed into the chamber the heat builds to where the cremation actually starts. The larger the pet the longer this will take.
Once this process is complete, the end result is what are called the cremains, or commonly referred to as ashes. The cremains may also contain small pieces of bone fragments. All non-combustible material will be separated and removed. When the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber, the skeletal remains often will contain recognizable bone fragments. The remains 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.
Although the crematory will take all reasonable efforts to remove all of the cremated remains from the cremation chamber, some dust and residue from the process will be left behind. Depending on the cremation option, there may or may not be more commingling, or mixing of cremated remains. Active commingling 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 partitioning but is it impossible to assert that it can be eliminated entirely.
Active commingling cannot by definition, occur with private cremation. However, while every effort will be made to avoid commingling, inadvertent and incidental commingling of some minute particles of cremated remains from the residue of previous cremations is possible.
Q. What is the difference between Segregated/Partitioned, Private, and Communal cremation?
A. Segregated/partitioned Cremation is when more than one animal is processed at a time. All animals are separated from each other during the process to assure the remains are those of said animal. The ashes are then separately collected, processed and placed in an attractive urn.
Private Cremation is when the pet is cremated entirely alone in the chamber. Though this is not necessary for maintaining separation, we acknowledge that some pet owners might prefer this option. We will try to accommodate a request for this at an additional charge.
Communal Cremation is when multiple animals will be cremated together with no separation.. No ashes will be returned. All animals entrusted to Peaceful Paws Pet Cremation will be cremated. We do not and will not use rendering, fertilizer.
Q. How Can I Be Sure I'm Getting Back My Own Pet?
Peaceful Paws Pet Cremation & Memorials exclusively uses a positive ID system. This guarantees that the remains of the pet can be identified throughout the entire process. We issue the Veterinarian Facility an ID tag " that is assigned to the pet. As we proceed through the process this tag remains with the pet until it is returned either to the family or the clinic.
Q. How do I get my pet cremated?
A. If your veterinarian is one of our "Preferred Veterinarians" we work closely with them. They will handle all the details for you. When your pet dies or is put to sleep, they will call us to pick them up. When your pet is ready to return home we will deliver them back to their office. We will also pick up from most clinics in the Vancouver area. Arrangements need to be made with us ahead of time. You are also welcome to bring you pet directly to us, by appointment.
Q. What do I get Back?
A. All pets that have been cremated (except Communal cremations) are returned in our Memorial Package. These will be returned back to the Veterinarian or you may pick them up at our facility. Communal remains are not returned.
Q. How long does the process take?
A. The actual cremation process itself may take several hours, depending on the crematory schedule and the weight of the pet. The ashes are generally returned to you within a few days
Q. Can I scatter my pets ashes?
A. Yes, you may scatter your pets ashes most anyplace place you like. You may check with your local authorities if you have any questions. REMEMBER scattering is an irreversible act. Please be sure that is what you really want to do.
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If Love Could Have Saved Them
They Would Have Lived Forever
