FAQs

How do I know I am getting the ashes of my own pet?

Each individual pet is placed separately on the floor of the cremator and a map is drawn of each cremation. The animals are separated during the cremation with non-combustable materials so that the remaining bones are never mixed. The cremators are vacuumed between cremations to ensure no cross contamination. A stainless tag follows the cremains throughout the process so at all times they remain identifiable.  Your vet can give you the unique ID number for your pet so you can confirm identity of the cremains when they are returned to you.

Each animal is returned with a cremation certificate completed by the operator in attendance at the cremation. All of these processes are audited by regulatory authorities monitoring our resource consent, and are traceable on a computer database as well as in paper copy.

What happens to the bones once the cremation is finished?

After the cremation, the bones of each pet are identified by their whereabouts on the map, and they are collected separately in a named container. We remove any metal components such as buckles from collars, or orthopedic surgeries, and crush the bones to a relatively fine grade of ash.

Does my pet have to go into a body bag?

No. A body bag is certainly cleaner and tidier and means the pet can be easily identified. However if you have a strong objection either ourselves or your vet can provide an indentification tag, and your pet can be transported in a blanket instead.  Unfortunately we are no longer able to cremate pets in their blankets as the materials are often synthetic and create emissions.  Instead we can return blankets to you, ;aunder and donate to an animal charity or dispose of via landfill.

Does my pet have to be frozen?

No. Again in very practical ways, freezing is cleaner and tidier, but if you have a strong objection, we can act quickly to provide transport solutions and prompt cremation service.

Can I cremate anything else with my pet?

Of course, however please avoid items that are PVC plastic or reactive metals such as copper. These are harmful to the environment, are not in keeping with the terms of our resource consent, and can damage the refractory or lining surface of the cremator.  We commonly receive flowers and letters with pets we care for.

Can two pets be cremated together?

Yes you can and the ashes will remain together in the same container.

Can you split the ashes into two urns?

Yes, we can provide two urns the same or two urns in different styles with different plaques. We can snip a lock of hair, we can take paw prints. What ever combination you would like, you can have.

What happens to my pet while waiting for cremation?

Your pet will remain in the chiller before it is cremated. We do not have a freezer so your pet will not be frozen but sometimes pets arrive to us frozen and they will be cremated in this state.

How long does the cremation take, and how long will I be without my pet?

A typical cremation lasts just a few hours, horse cremations takes up to six hours. Cremations usually occur the same day we receive the pet. After cremation the ashes need to cool before processing, so most pets are returned to the vet clinic or yourself within 3 working days. Our catalogue shows which are our most commonly used items, and therefore which ones we have the most stock of. However when you order an item that we need to order in, we will be prompt to advise how long the service will therefore take, so you are never left wondering what is happening.

Why is it better to cremate than bury my pet?

Depending on the size of your pet, digging the hole can be a daunting task, particularly when the body is in shock, and emotionally you feel weakened. Though help might be at hand, some thought is needed to positioning so that the grave won’t be subsequently disturbed. If you do not own the property, you will need to face the prospect of having to leave them behind when you move on. Cremation is clean, respectful and dignified. In many human cultures it is believed that the act of cremation frees the soul from any confusing attachments to the body after death. Cremains pose no health risk, and can be buried or scattered at another time.