We understand the sorrow that you feel and will assist you in handling all arrangements to help ease your pain.
Our trained, certified staff understands how important it is to properly say goodbye to every member of your pet family. Pets bring so much love, joy, and happiness to us that they are often considered family members. When a beloved pet dies, the loss can be devastating. During this time of loss, pet owners expect a very high level of care for their pet and many seek the same level of care for their pet as they do for their human family members. Unfortunately for decades and even still to this day, there is a significant lack of information available to guide grieving families for their pets afterlife care. Service levels and operational practices vary greatly between cremation providers with quality not assured. This is extremely concerning to us especially because it is very challenging for pet owners to find accurate information regarding their pets aftercare. We want your beloved pet family to be handled with the utmost respect and dignity that they deserve. Be an informed pet parent, ask questions, and demand detailed answers.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
What do I do if my pet dies?
Please do not hesitate to contact us anytime day or night. If you call after business hours, the call will automatically be transferred to our 24-hour cellular phone. It is our guarantee that one of our staff members will answer or call you back as soon as they receive your detailed message.
How do I care for my pet after they pass?
Until decisions and preparations can be made, place your pet in the coldest part of your home. Put plastic down on the floor with newspaper or a blanket on top of the plastic. Place your pet on that and cover him/her with another towel or blanket. Now is the time to make any necessary aftercare arrangements.
Should I cremate or bury my pet?
That is a very peronal decision and only you can decide. However, the vast majority of pets are cremated and there are several reasons for this. First, in most communities, there are lengthy and cumbersome ordinances or rules for home burial that must be followed and in some cases home burial is illegal. Second, you may choose burial in a pet cemetery, but this can be expensive. Third, our society is becoming much more mobile. If you do bury your pet, what would you do if you move? Cremation is much less expensive and if you relocate you can take your pet's cremated remains with you. Many clients scatter some of their pet's ashes in an area where the pet loved to spend time and keep the remainder of their ashes in an urn.
Do I have options for my pet's cremation?
Unlike the human cremation profession, there are various types of cremations for pets. Different providers often use the same terminology for different types of cremation services. Basically, there are three types of cremation foe pets. "Private" cremation is where there is only one pet in the cremation chamber during that cremation process and only those remains are returned to the pet owner. In excess of 90% of our clients choose this procedure. "Individual" or also referred to as "semi-private or partitioned" cremation is where multiple pets are placed in the cremation chamber. Each pet is segregated within the chamber by bricks, trays, or simply space. many pet owners are led to believe that this is the same as "private" cremation and it is simply not true. Pet Heaven does not offer this type of cremation, because due to a number of factors, active commingling of cremated remains can occur. "Communal" or "group" cremation is a cremation procedure where multiple pets are placed in the cremation chamber without any type of separation. These commingled cremated remains are not returned to their owners.
How much does cremation cost?
Pricing varies depending on your preferred type of cremation and the size of your pet. but it is much less than most clients anticipate. Pet Heaven also offers special pricing for "exotic" pets such as birds, hamsters, reptiles, etc.
Communal cremation pricing starts at $14.00 and private cremation starts at $30.00.
Can my veterinarian help me with cremation for my pet?
Though your veterinarian is a trusted adviser to you when it comes to your pet's health, it only makes sense to seek out a death acre professional when it comes to your pet's after-life care. Most veterinarians have limited knowledge of the cremation process, but it is not their specialty. It is extremely unlikely that your veterinarian owns and operates a pet crematory. most likely they have a contracted cremation service provider. The tye and quality of after-care you want fr your pet is a personal decision that only you can make. You have a choice to use their provider or contacting the one of your choice.
Are all pet crematories alike?
Absolutely not. When considering aftercare for your beloved pet, owners want a cremation facility that they can trust. The quality of facilities, services, and staff can vary widely. It is highly recommended to ask your veterinarian or preferably the cremation provider itself many detailed and important questions. Ideally, inspect the facility for yourself. Pet Heaven welcomes all pet owners to tour our facility at any time during our business hours without a prior appointment. We are licensed, registered, and certified by the State of New York and are very proud of our facilities. If you are denied unannounced access to a pet crematory facility or not given detailed answers to all of your questions, it should raise a red flag.
How do I know that I am receiving my pets ashes?
Pet Heaven is absolutely committed to returning all and only your pets ashes to you. Each pet receives an identification tag that stays with that pet through the entire process. This uniquely numbered color coded tag that includes the pets full name and weight. This tag is accompanied with a detailed form that further identifies that pet and their owner or authorized agent. Identification of every pet cremated is checked multiple times by a minimum of two of our employees. Our private cremation pricing includes the option of witnessing the actual cremation of your pet if you desire.
When do I get my pets ashes back?
We cremate all pets that arrive at our facility, regardless of the type of cremation, within four business days and in many circumstances, much sooner. If a cremation is requested through one of our contracted veterinarians, we pick up those pets once per week and return the cremains to that clinic one week later.
How is my pet transported?
Because we have deep respect for pets, they are transported in a clearly marked, clean vehicle and our employees are always dressed in proper attire. We understand that a cherished loved on is taking their final journey and we want to display our respect for your pet.
What will my pets ashes be placed in?
Our private cremation pricing includes a standard metal urn. We also have a wide variety of beautiful urns that can be engraved to memorialize your beloved pet. Many clients want the availability to scatter a portion of the ashes or divide them with other family members and retain the rest in a beautiful photo urn.
Do you euthanize pets?
No. It is highly recommended that you contact the veterinarian that has a relationship with your pet. If you do not have one, we will gladly give referrals. Many pet owners request home euthanasia, because their companions health prevents transportation to a clinic or they want the pet to pass comfortably at home. We have a working relationship with veterinarians that will perform home euthanasia. Pet Heaven is committed to helping all pet owners during this difficult time so contact us for more information.
Can I prepare for the passing of my pet?
Pet Heaven strongly recommends pre-planning for your pets after-life care. No one wants to think about the impending death of their companion. If your beloved pets health is failing or you have an upcoming appointment with your veterinarian where euthanasia may be needed, call us. Grieving pet owners are focused on their pet and often make rash decisions during this time. We invite all pet owners to tour our facilities, ask questions and pre-arrange for their pets after-care.
