Whether you receive your pet's ashes back depends entirely on the type of cremation you choose, not the provider alone.
The short answer
- Private (individual) cremation: yes, your pet's ashes are returned to you.
- Communal (shared) cremation: generally no, ashes are not returned.
How ashes are returned
With private cremation, ashes are usually returned in a basic urn or a wooden box, with the option to upgrade to a different urn or keepsake. You can normally collect the ashes yourself, have them returned via your vet or in some cases have them delivered.
Questions worth asking
- Is this a private (individual) cremation and do you guarantee I receive only my pet's ashes?
- How long until the ashes are ready and how will they be returned to me?
- What urn or container is included and what are the upgrade options?
- Can I add a paw print, fur clipping or other keepsake?