How Does Pet Cremation Work?

Written by Elsa Mou

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Posted on October 26 2024

Losing a pet is one of the hardest things anyone can go through.
Our pets are more than just animals. They are family members, companions and our best friends.

When they pass away, it’s a time of deep grief and amidst that sadness, many pet owners are faced with difficult decisions.
One of those decisions is how to handle their remains, with pet cremation being a popular option.

Cremation allows pet parents to keep their pets' ashes, providing a lasting memory or tribute. But many are unfamiliar with how the cremation process works, the different types available, and how to choose what's right for them.
In this article, we'll walk you through the three main types of cremation and explain the traditional process in more detail, so you can make an informed decision about what to do if you’re saying goodbye to your best friend.


3 main types of cremation

The first thing to know is that there are different types of cremation. We’ll explain what they are below.


Traditional cremation

Traditional cremation is the most common method used for pets.
It involves high heat to reduce the pet’s body to ashes, which are then collected and returned to the owner.  We explain in detail below how traditional cremation works.

One important point to keep in mind is that, depending on your location, there may be legal restrictions on where you can scatter your pet’s ashes.
For example, spreading ashes in public parks, oceans, or even your own backyard could be prohibited by local regulations. Always check with your local government before deciding to scatter your pet’s remains.


Aquamation (Water-based Cremation)

Aquamation, also known as ‘alkaline hydrolysis’ or water cremation, is a relatively new and more environmentally friendly alternative to traditional cremation It uses water, heat and an alkaline solution to break down the body of the pet into its natural components.

The body is carefully placed in a container and then into a stainless steel chamber. Through a combination of gentle water flow, elevated temperature and alkaline solution, the natural breakdown of tissues is accelerated. It effectively mimics the body’s own hydrolysis.

By the end, all organic material is reduced to its simplest components, leaving no trace of DNA or RNA.

The resulting purified water is safely released back into the environment, while the remaining bone minerals, now free of organic matter, are refined into a powder and returned to the family.


Terramation

Terramation, or natural organic reduction, is a process that allows your pet’s remains to be turned into soil. It is often chosen by people who want to return their pets to the earth in a meaningful and environmentally friendly way.

During terramation, the pet’s body is transformed over time into nutrient-rich soil through microbial processes.


How traditional cremation works

Traditional cremation involves using high temperatures to transform a body into ash. It is a respectful and time-honored method of final disposition.


Choose between communal and private cremations

When choosing traditional cremation for your pet, there are two main options: communal cremation and private cremation.

In communal cremation, your pet is cremated alongside other animals, and their ashes are not returned to you. This option is often less expensive but does not provide you with any ashes to keep or scatter.

Private cremation ensures that your pet is cremated individually. The ashes are returned to you in an urn or container. Many pet owners prefer this option because it gives them a tangible way to remember their beloved companion.


The cremation unit

For a private cremation, your pet is gently placed in a cremation unit. This unit uses very high temperatures, typically reaching between 1,400-1,800 degrees Fahrenheit.
The heat vaporizes the body to dust and dry bones. These are then carefully collected as ashes.

The ashes are cleaned.

Once cremation is complete, the remains are thoroughly processed.
Any large bone fragments are further ground down into a fine ash. Metals or surgical implants (if your pet had any) are removed, often with a magnet.
What remains is the pulverized ashes, which are cleaned and prepared for storage.


The ashes are stored & transported to your vet

After the ashes are ready, they are typically placed in a standard container or wooden box by the cremation provider.

These are then transported back to your veterinary clinic, where they will wait for you to collect them.
Some cremation services offer the option to send the ashes directly to your home, but many owners prefer picking them up from their vet for a more personal experience.


You store or spread the ashes

When it comes to deciding what to do with your pet’s ashes, you have many options.

Some people choose to keep them in a memorial urn or a special container in their home, while others opt to scatter them in a meaningful place.

This decision can be emotionally overwhelming. It’s important to take your time.
Many pet owners find it comforting to keep their pet’s ashes in a safe place until they feel ready to decide on a final resting place.


Take your time – the decision of what to do with your pet’s ashes is personal and emotional.

One of our customers was a woman whose beloved dog was euthanized by her veterinarian.

After the cremation, the ashes were returned to her in a simple wooden box, but she wasn’t emotionally ready to deal with them.

For nearly a year, she kept the box tucked away, unsure of what to do with it.
Eventually, she found a beautiful urn online and decided it was time to transfer her dog’s ashes.

The day she did, she felt an overwhelming sense of relief, almost as if her dog was saying, “I’m home.”

The urn provided her with a sense of closure and peace.

Now the urn sits in a special place in her home, where she can always feel connected to her pet for the rest of her life.


Looking for a special way to store your pet’s ashes?

Whether you choose to keep your pet’s ashes in your home or scatter them in a special location, finding the right urn or keepsake can be a comforting way to honor their memory.

We offer a wide selection of beautiful pet urns and pet memorial jewellery to help you keep your pet close to your heart forever.
Browse our collection today and find the perfect tribute for your cherished companion.

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