Frequently Asked Questions
Many pet owners who choose cremation have questions. If you have questions, please contact us and we will be glad to assist you. We are available days, evenings and weekends.
How do I know I’m getting my pet’s cremated remains back and not someone else’s?
Pets Remembered uses an identification system which involves a crematory-proof metal band with a unique identification number. This can be shown to families at the time we take possession of their pet. The band stays on the pet during the cremation process, and is affixed to the cremated remains upon removal from the crematory. We document every step and incorporate a checking system to minimize the chance of human error. You can be assured you are getting your pet’s ashes back. When using Pets Remembered, you can have 100% confidence that your pet is being cared for in a kind, gentle manner at all times.
What happens if my pet dies at home? What do I do?
If death occurs naturally or with euthanasia at home, simply call 651-633-4564. Our phone is always answered. You may then bring the pet to us if you wish, or we will arrange to come to your home. Pets Remembered Cremation Service will pick up your pet and cremate it according to your wishes. We will call you as soon as your pet’s ashes are ready to be picked up or we can deliver them to your home. (An extra charge may apply for home pick-up and delivery.)
We are having our pet euthanized at our local veterinary hospital. Then what?
Print out the cremation information form from the upper corner of the Pets Remembered website, fill it out, give it to your clinic and instruct them to call or fax the form to Pets Remembered Cremation Service. We will transport your pet from the clinic at no charge, call you to let you know the pet is in our care and arrange the cremation with you. If you choose, you can personally bring your pet to our facility. Simply call 651-633-4564 to let us know your arrival time. You can have peace of mind knowing that your pet is being cared for, and see the facility for yourself. We will call you as soon as your pet’s ashes are ready to be picked up at our center,
the clinic, or we can deliver them to your home. (An extra charge may apply for home delivery.)
What if we wish to take our pet into our neighborhood Funeral Home that you work with to say “Goodbye”?
Call to let them know you are coming. They will take the time to help you say “Goodbye” and arrange for the cremation. They will call us to arrange the pickup of your pet and return of the ashes to the funeral home for you to pick up. They have a number of grief resource materials as well as urns and keepsakes to help you remember your pet. You can arrange to have a service for your pet if you wish.
How long will the cremation take?
We ask families to allow one to two days from the day of death for the return of the ashes. If you would like more in-depth information about cremation and specific time frames, please call.
Do I need to purchase an urn?
No, an urn is not required. We provide a carved walnut-stained wood urn (not cardboard, paper or tin). Some owners do, however, elect to purchase a more unique, personalized urn or keepsake for their pet. Urns and keepsakes come in all materials, shapes, sizes and prices. We work with a number of local artists in our offerings and would be happy to discuss options with you to assist you in memorializing your pet.
How much does cremation cost?
In most cases, the cremation cost is reasonably priced at $195.00 per individual cremation, regardless of weight. Pets Remembered Cremation Service provides only individual, one-at-a-time cremation service with the return of ashes in 24 hours.
Ten questions to ask any person who is offering you cremation for your pet:
1. How and when will my pet be transported to the crematory? May I inspect the facilities where my pet’s cremation will be performed?
2. Where and how is my pet stored until such time that he or she is transported?
3. If I choose and pay for a private cremation will my pet be cremated individually and will I receive a written guarantee that states such? Will only my pet be placed in the chamber?
4. Can my pet’s cremated ashes be returned to me within 24-48 hours and if so, what is the additional cost?
5. May I be present before and during my pet’s private cremation without incurring additional cost?
6. If I choose a group cremation, can you guarantee that my pet will not be mass incinerated and sent to a landfill or a rendering or fertilizer plant?
7. If my pet is group cremated, what happens to the cremated ashes?
8. If my pet’s cremated ashes are scattered, may I visit the location?
9. If the crematory is not on site, when did you last do an inspection of the facility and do you keep an inspection report on hand?
10. Does your service offer grief support and memorial products? Is it local or is it an 800 phone number and web site.
A proper certificate should state the type of cremation received and also certify that the ashes you are receiving are those of your pet. If the service you are using cannot guarantee in writing all or any services they offer, why should you trust your pet’s cremation to them?
Minnesota currently has no laws regulating the cremation of companion pets as to the standards, practices or the definition of terms used. We at Pets Remembered believe that honesty is the best policy in situations where one uses disposal by large mass cremation or incineration. Owners would be far more distressed to learn about the true manner in which their pet’s remains were
handled and treated at a later date than if they were given honest information to begin with.
