1  What should I do if my pet passes away at home?
It can be very distressing for you and your family if a beloved pet unexpectedly passes away at home. Not knowing how to look after your deceased pet can make this even more of an overwhelming experience.
If you choose us to carry out your pet’s cremation service, there are a few things you can do if we are unable to immediately support you:
One of the first things you can do is move your companion to a cooler room which can help slow down natural changes that occur when a pet passes away. These changes can be upsetting, but are completely normal and nothing to worry about.
We recommend gently placing your companion into a curled-up position on their bed, or on a towel and cover with a blanket as if sleeping. This may offer a sense of peace. At this time, you may wish to allow other family members and pets to say goodbye which can help with the grieving process.
When you are ready, if your pet passed away in the evening, contact us in the morning or Monday morning after a weekend to make arrangements for their cremation service.
However, if you feel unsure about keeping your companion at home before final arrangements are made, contact your vet who may be able to take care of your pet’s body while their collection is arranged.
If you would like your pet collected from your home or veterinary practice between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday, please call us directly to make arrangements. Please note: our opening hours may vary and is subject to Bank Holidays.
2  Can you collect my pet from my home?
Yes, all our crematoriums provide a local service. Our Gold Leaf Service is a premium service which allows you to have your pet collected from your home (or veterinary practice) within 24 hours of your telephone call by a uniformed member of staff. Your beloved pet will be cremated individually as per your wishes and returned to you within three working days. Please click here for further information and availability.
3  Can I bring my pet to the crematorium?
Yes. If your pet has passed away at home or if you decide not to leave your pet in the care of your veterinarian you may wish to bring your pet to the crematorium yourself. We simply ask you to contact your local crematorium to make arrangements with them.
4  How will I know it's my pet’s ashes I receive?
Our crematoria adhere to Pet Cremation with Confidence™ standards for individual cremation. This provides assurance that your beloved pet is treated with the care and dignity they deserve and that ashes returned are exclusively those of your pet.
Pet Cremation with Confidence™ is based on a tracking system to ensure that your beloved pet remains safe throughout the collection and cremation process and a certificate is provided to verify the individual cremation.
5  Can I be present at the time of cremation?
You and your family are more than welcome to attend the crematorium to say your final goodbyes to your pet in private. On the day, the crematorium will provide you with comfort and support and after the cremation you will be able to take the ashes of your pet home with you.
To ensure each client receives the time and privacy required, we ask that you contact your crematorium to notify them of your wishes and to arrange an appointment. Please note that there will be an extra charge for this service.
6  Can I witness the cremation of my pet?
We appreciate some people would like to witness the start of their pet's cremation. Regrettably, for Health and Safety reasons we are unable to allow members of the public within our cremation areas.
7  Do you provide any religious services?
Our crematoriums do not provide any specific religious services. People of all faiths are welcome and the crematorium will respect any customs or practices you may wish to carry out (within reason). Please contact your local crematorium to discuss any requests that you may have and they will do their best to accommodate your wishes.
8  What choices do I have for my pet’s ashes?
Many people choose to keep their pet’s ashes in a special place at home or inter them in their garden marking the spot with a memorial or tribute. Others decide to scatter them along a favourite walk or by a special tree.
Some people choose to have their pet's ashes interred in a plot in one of our crematorium's garden with a plaque, or arrange to scatter their pet's ashes in the garden following an individual cremation.
Others prefer to keep hold of their pet’s ashes and may leave instructions for them to be placed with their own ashes or to be buried with them.
9  Should I plan in advance?
Whenever possible we recommend that you talk to your local crematorium, along with your vet and family beforehand.
10  What do cremation professionals do?
Cremation professionals are both custodians and administrators. In their administrative duties, they make the arrangements for your pet’s cremation with you, completing and checking any necessary paperwork, liaising with your vet and implementing the choices you have made. As custodians, cremation professionals are there to listen, advise, guide and support. They have much experience assisting bereaved pet owners who are experiencing loss.
Our cremation professionals are animal lovers and many are, or have been, pet owners themselves. Most have years of experience or have undertaken qualifications such as The Blue Cross Pet Bereavement Support Service course.