The Process of Cremations

The cremation process follows these basic steps:

  1. The animal’s remains are incinerated using high heat. The amount of time it takes depends on the size of the animal. They will be placed in a cremation chamber and subjected to intense temperatures of at least 1400 – 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. This reduces the organic matter down to ash and bone.

  2. The remains are inspected for metal objects; any that are discovered are removed. Next, the surgical, pins, rods, tags, broken pieces of collars, and other metal objects are removed from the dust with the help of a magnet or manual inspection.

  3. Large pieces of bone that did not incinerate are pulverized to a fine dust resembling ash

  4. For animals in a private cremation, the cremains are then placed in their storage compartment. Your cremation center may allow you to provide an urn, box, or other enclosed container that they are to use to inter your pet. If the crematorium does not accept urn or you’re still looking for the perfect resting place for your pet, the cremains are usually poured into a plastic sealed bag. The sealed bag is then placed in a urn and delivered to you.

  5. You may then transfer the cremated remains in a nice cremation urn meant for holding the ashes of a pet. Having received the ashes you may choose to scatter, store, or bury them.

  6. The cremated remains are usually variety in color. However, the color may vary due to certain medications or health issues.

    The time for cremation depends on the type of pet you have. For instance, cremation of smaller animals such as birds, mice, rabbits, hamsters, does not take long.

    On the other hand, larger animals like horse, large breeds of dogs, etc. are cremated in hours. On an average, though, cremation of a pet may take 45 minutes to two hours for more. Based on a in-house case load basis.

    The weight of the cremation ashes also depends on the weight and bone structure of your beloved pet. Until the process of cremation begins, the pet is kept in a refrigerated cooler.

  7. If you would like to witness the cremation at our crematorium we can make this special arrangement to do this at an additional cost. This is limited to availability at each of our crematoriums.


Are Pet Ashes Meant to Be Kept or Buried? All Questions Answered

Has your pet recently passed away?

For many of us, we consider our pets to be beloved members of the family.

Pets enrich our lives on a daily basis. We look forward to the time we spend with them, and we adopt regular routines that include activities with our pets. Many times, it is our pets who comfort us on our gloomiest days.

It's no wonder, then, that when our pets pass away, we experience a deep, heartfelt loss. 

Studies have found that after the loss of a pet, people regularly experience acute grief for up to two months, with symptoms persisting up to one year later.

A proper cremation ceremony for your pet can help you process your grief and allow you time to say goodbye.

Some people choose to keep pet ashes in a special place. But, many consider other options.

Here are some of the choices you might consider for your pet's ashes!

Special & Interesting Places for Pet Ashes

There is no right or wrong when it comes to keeping, burying, or scattering your pet's ashes after cremation. Every pet owner must find the solution that they feel most comfortable with. 

You may not know what to expect when having your pet cremated. But, loving professionals will ensure that the process is respectable from start to finish.

Upon the completion of the cremation, your pet's ashes are returned to you. Then, it will be up to you where your pet's ashes will go from there.

Storing Your Pet's Ashes

Some pet owners prefer a traditional urn or a similar container to keep their pet's ashes on display. They might choose to place the container in a room that their pet spent much of their time. Or, they might display their urn over the mantle, or atop their dresser.

This is a common option for pet owners, as it gives them a way to feel like their pets are still nearby.

Another way to keep your pet close to you is to store a portion of their ashes in a smaller, portable container. A locket or tiny heart-shaped box allows you to carry your pet's ashes with you practically everywhere you might go. For some, this may help them during the early months after losing their pet.

Cremation Followed By a Burial 

It's not unusual for pet owners to choose to bury their pet post-cremation. They might bury their beloved under a tree or next to a bench in the yard. Or, they might want to memorialize their pet's ashes with a small headstone or marker.

For some people, this allows a sacred place that they can always come back to where they can feel close to their pet once again.

Scattering Your Pet's Ashes

Scattering ashes is a common choice, although the places where folks choose to scatter can vary widely. Ask about our BIO urns or the scattering tubes.

If your four-legged friend loved splashing in the waves, you might choose to scatter their ashes along the sea breeze of beautiful a beach or toss them into the white ocean's surf.

If you spent time hiking nature trails together, perhaps you will choose to scatter them along a creek bank or spread them as you walk near a forest.

If you should choose to scatter your pet's ashes, just be sure that you are not disobeying any laws and that you retain any appropriate permissions that might be necessary. This is especially important if you choose a public place or some other kind of private property.

Of course, there are additional options for memorializing your pet if none of these traditional methods appeal to you.

Interesting Options for Pet Ashes

There are also several other interesting options for pet ashes that some owners might prefer. Ask about our healing stones or Real Diamonds where we will mix human or pet cremains to make a special stone or gems of your loved ones.

A Tattoo to Remember Your Pet

Some tattoo artists will mix your loved one's ashes with ink. You might then choose to have your pet's image, name, or other symbol reminding you of them, tattooed on your skin. This is an option for those who want to feel as if their pet remains physically with them, even after they have passed.

An Eternal Reef

There is a company called Eternal Reef that will turn your loved one's ashes into a concrete habitat to protect oceanic creatures in the deep blue sea. Albeit unusual, some people might find it comforting to know that their pet's ashes are being used to aid in the welfare of living beings in another ecosystem.

Want to Find Out More About Pet Cremation?

Whether you have recently lost a beloved pet or have questions pertaining to pet cremation, we want to be there for you. It's never easy to discuss the thought of losing someone you love. But, we aim to provide the support and compassion you need while you plan your earthly goodbyes.

Talking to our professional staff might help you understand more about the cremation process.

We have encountered many pet owners, and have answered many questions about pet ashes. And, our experience has shown us how difficult it can be to deal with the loss of a pet.

Our staff shares a deep sympathy with grieving pet owners, and appreciate the opportunity to help you honor your pet's memory.

We currently have multiple locations to serve pet owners living in the greater southern California area.

Are you interested in learning more about pet cremation? CALL 424-343-2836

Contact us today to get the answers to your questions and the support of a community who cares about pets and their owners.