Animal Cremation FAQs
If you have recently suffered the loss of a pet you may have questions about companion animal cremation services.
There are many pet crematoriums across the country offering both local and national services. CPC (Cambridge Pet Crematorium) has 30 years of experience, and as the country.s largest pet crematorium we have been at the forefront of personal, caring and ethical pet cremation services.
It is understandable for pet owners to want to ask many questions of the pet crematorium entrusted with their pet.s final farewell. We have answered a few frequently asked questions below, however, should your question remain unanswered please contact one of our bereavement advisers.
- What options are available for my pet?
Individual Cremation
Your pet is cremated on its own with the ashes returned to you in a casket or urn of your choice. Alternatively, your pet’s ashes can be interred or scattered in our Garden of Remembrance.Communal Cremation
Your pet will be cremated with other pets. Return of ash will not be possible.Home Burial
This enables you to have a private ceremony in the comfort of your own surroundings.
- What does an individual cremation actually mean?
An individual cremation is when your pet is cremated separately from other pets enabling us to guarantee the ashes we return are those of your pet and only your pet. A sympathy card will accompany your pet’s ashes confirming details of the individual cremation.
- How long does an individual cremation take to perform?
An individual cremation will vary in time depending on the size of the pet. A small pet, for example a rabbit or a cat would take approximately an hour, whilst a Great Dane or Bullmastiff may take two and a half to three hours. This is a process that cannot be hurried and may vary slightly.
- Is individual cremation expensive?
Most people are surprised at how reasonable the price for an individual cremation service is. Pet cremation is roughly one tenth of the price of a human cremation.
We will always tell you the full price at the time of making the arrangements.
- How do I know if my veterinary practice uses CPC?
Many veterinary practices use our cremation services but it is best to ask if your practice does. Your veterinary practice won’t mind if you ask about which crematorium they use; they will want you to have peace of mind.
If you have any doubts we advise that you visit the pet crematorium in advance to be sure.
- Can I be present at the time of my pet’s individual cremation?
You are welcome to attend your pet’s individual cremation providing you with one last chance to say farewell.
On arrival at CPC, your bereavement advisor will explain the service to you and be on hand throughout to provide support and comfort. For further information please click here.
If you would like to attend your pet’s individual cremation please contact our bereavement advisors on 01763 207700 to make an appointment.
- How do I make the final arrangements?
If your pet has been euthanised at your veterinary practice, your vet should be able to make the final arrangements for you on your behalf. To ensure you receive the service you would like for your pet please inform your vet of your wishes.
If your pet has passed away peacefully at home you can contact us to make the arrangements yourself or if you wish to bring your pet to us directly.
- What happens if my pet dies in the evening or at a weekend?
If your pet passes away in the evening you should contact your veterinary practice or the crematorium on 01763 207700 the following morning.
If your pet passes away during the weekend we advise you to contact your veterinary practice.
- Can I bring my pet to CPC?
You are welcome to bring your companion to CPC yourself. To do so, we simply ask that you telephone us on 01763 207700 to inform us of your wishes and to arrange a time.
- Do you collect from home?
Rest Assured, our premier individual cremation service, is available to pet owners living in the Greater London, the Home Counties and Cambridgeshire. This service ensures your companion will be personally collected from your home and the ashes will be returned back to you in person.
For further information please telephone 01763 207700 and ask for the Rest Assured Service, or click here.
- How and when should I pay for the cremation?
If you have made the final arrangements through your veterinary practice, in most cases they will ask for payment to be taken.
If your vet has asked you to contact CPC please telephone 01763 207700 to confirm arrangements for the individual cremation and to make payment by debit or credit card.
- Is cremation something I should consider before my pet dies?
Yes, you should. After death, especially by euthanasia, the feeling of loss can take over and rational thoughts can be difficult. Your veterinary practice will often give you time to decide but you should specify Individual Cremation as early as possible. It is better to notify the practice before your pet dies.
The creation of an Expression of Wishes document enables you to make informed decisions in advance of your pet's passing helping you to pre-plan and inform your vet of your wishes.
You can even set up a pre-payment plan to cover the cost of individual cremation providing peace of mind. Contact us on 01763 207700 for further information and to discuss setting up a pre-payment plan
- Do I have to have a garden to inter or scatter my pet’s ashes in?
No. There are several options available:
- Many people chose to keep their pet’s ashes, for example in their pet’s favourite room. We provide a range of caskets and urns suitable as keepsakes, please click here for further information
- The ashes could be scattered in a place where you and your pet spend a lot of time together
- It is possible to inter the ashes here at CPC in an individual plot in our garden. Please see the Garden of Remembrance page for pictures of our gardens
- Or alternatively, some clients have the ashes put in a beech casket and when their own time comes they make it their wish to be cremated with their pet’s ashes
- How long should I wait before considering getting another pet?
On average many pet owners acquire another pet within six months; however everyone is different so there is never a set period of time. We all cope with grief in different ways and we know that you can never replace the pet you have lost as each has their own unique character.
- Can CPC cremate an exhumed pet?
Yes we can cremate an exhumed pet and still offer you all of our normal cremation services.
You will need to make arrangements for the pet to be brought to CPC but we can offer individual cremation and return ashes in the casket or urn of your choice.
- Can more than one pet be cremated together?
Yes, many people often wish to cremate companions together.
It will depend on the size of each individual pet whether we can do this but if possible we will make the final arrangements.
Please contact a bereavement advisor for advice and confirmation before proceeding.
- Can the ashes of a human be interred or scattered in CPC’s Garden of Remembrance?
Yes, many people choose to be laid to rest with their beloved pets in our tranquil Garden of Remembrance at Thriplow Heath.
Please contact a bereavement advisor for further details and to discuss what you would like to do. They will help you make all necessary arrangements.
- Does CPC provide any religious services?
We do not provide any specific religious services. However, we do welcome people of all faiths to CPC and respect any customs or practices you may wish to carry out within reason.
If you have any special requests, please contact one of our bereavement advisors who will be happy to discuss your requirement.
- Can I take my pets ashes abroad?
We cannot guarantee the passage of ashes into any particular country, however, we are happy to supply a letter for customs officers to confirm that your pet was cremated by CPC. The letter also explains that the ashes pose no hazard to anyone coming in to contact with them.
We recommend that further information should be sought about the regulations of that country before travelling.
- Can I collect my pets’ ashes from CPC even if I have not attended my pets’ cremation?
Yes, please speak to your veterinary practice to let them know of your wishes in the first instance.
Then please contact a CPC bereavement advisor prior to the collection of your pet from your vets. They will then provide advice and make any necessary arrangements that you might wish to make.
