The loss of a beloved pet can be absolutely devastating. During this difficult time, pet parents have many decisions to make, including whether to choose cremation. Cremation allows you to keep your pet’s ashes or spread them in a special place as a memorial. But how long does the cremation process take? Here is a detailed overview of what to expect.
The Pet Cremation Process
The pet cremation process involves several steps, which are outlined below:
Preparation of the Pet’s Body
Once your pet passes away, whether at home or at the veterinarian’s office, the body will need to be transported to the cremation facility. The crematory will place your pet into a refrigerated holding area while awaiting cremation. This preserves the body until the process can begin.
Some crematories offer viewing of your pet’s body before cremation. You can spend some final moments with your beloved companion if you choose. This can provide closure.
Your pet’s body will be handled with care and respect throughout the entire cremation process.
Placement in the Cremation Chamber
When it is time for the cremation, your pet will be placed in an individual chamber or unit within the cremation machine. Pet crematories use specialized equipment that can accommodate animals of various sizes, from small birds and rodents to large dogs.
The cremation unit is designed to maintain extremely high temperatures ranging from 1400 to 1800 degrees Fahrenheit. This heat helps reduce the body to bone fragments within 1 to 3 hours.
Processing the Ashes
After cremation, the remaining bone fragments, known as cremains, are collected from the chamber. They often contain small shard-like pieces. The crematory will pulse these bone fragments in a machine to process them into fine powdery ashes.
A magnet is used to remove any metal pieces like microchips or surgical pins first. The ashes are then placed into a sealed urn or special container chosen by the pet parents.
Optional Second Cremation Cycle
For those who elect communal cremation, an optional second cremation cycle may be performed. This helps ensure there is no remaining organic material from your pet within the cremated remains. Individual cremations do not require a secondary cycle.
The full cremation process usually takes from 3 to 7 business days to complete. Here is a breakdown of the timeline:
Pet Cremation Timeline
Transportation to the Cremation Facility
Your pet’s body will need to be transported to the crematory facility for cremation. If the pet passed away at home, the cremation service will schedule a convenient time to come pick up the body for cremation. This is usually within 48 hours.
If your pet died at the veterinary clinic, the vet’s office will arrange transfer of the body to the cremation facility. This often occurs within 24 hours.
Refrigeration Until Cremation
The crematory will refrigerate your pet’s body upon arrival at their facility. Cremation is scheduled as soon as possible, but delays can occur during busy seasons. Refrigeration preserves the body for up to 14 days until cremation can take place.
The Cremation Process
The actual cremation process takes 1 to 3 hours for an individual pet in a separate chamber. Communal cremations may take a bit longer with multiple animals.
As soon as the cremation is complete, the crematory can start processing the cremated remains. This takes an additional 1 to 2 hours.
Return of the Ashes
The time it takes to get your pet’s ashes back will vary based on any additional services elected. Basic cremation ashes are usually ready for pick-up within 2 business days after the process is complete.
If selecting an urn, paw print, or other memorial items, allow an extra day or two for creating these special mementos. The crematory will contact you when everything is ready for pick-up.
Total Time for Pet Cremation
Putting the entire pet cremation process together, you can expect it to take between 3 to 7 business days from the time of passing until the ashes are returned.
Rush cremation services are sometimes available if you need your pet’s ashes sooner, but this costs extra.
Here is a summary of the cremation timeline:
| Pet Cremation Step | Time Required |
|---|---|
| Transportation of Body to Cremation Facility | 24-48 hours |
| Refrigerated Holding Before Cremation | Up to 14 days |
| Cremation Process | 1-3 hours |
| Processing Ashes | 1-2 hours |
| Optional Second Cremation | 1-3 hours |
| Creating Urns or Memorial Items | 1-2 days |
| Total Time for Cremation & Return of Ashes | 3-7 business days |
As you can see, owners can expect their beloved pet’s ashes to be returned typically within one week from the time of passing. This allows for closure during the grieving process.
What Affects the Pet Cremation Timeline?
While most cremations take a week or less, there are some factors that can result in a slightly longer timeframe:
- Transportation delays such as weather or traffic getting the pet’s body to the crematory.
- High demand during busy seasons meaning a longer refrigerated hold prior to cremation.
- Special handling for larger pets over 150 lbs requiring more time.
- Multiple memorial keepsake requests that take 1-2 days to prepare.
- Second cremation cycle preferred for communal cremations.
Discuss any time constraints you may have with your cremation service. Most facilities aim to work within your timeframe. Rush cremations can sometimes be arranged if needed sooner.
An individual or partitioned cremation generally speeds up the process since only one pet is in the chamber. Communal pet cremations take longer as multiple animals are cremated together, and the ashes are not separated.
Picking Up Your Pet’s Ashes
The crematory will contact you once your pet’s ashes are ready for pick-up after cremation. You can either pick them up in person or arrange delivery.
When you arrive, the staff will go over all the cremation paperwork, and you can sign any release forms. If purchasing an urn, engraving, or other keepsakes, the crematory will have everything ready as you requested.
Many facilities invite you into a comfortable room to open the urn and examine your pet’s ashes before taking them home. Don’t feel rushed – take as much time as you need in this final goodbye.
Storing the Ashes at Home
Once the ashes are in your care, you’ll need to choose a storage location at home. Some options are:
- Display the urn on a mantle or shelf
- Keep the urn in a closet, cabinet or other protected space
- Create a memorial garden outside to scatter a portion of ashes
- Pour ashes into cremation jewelry like a pendant to carry with you
The ashes should be sealed tightly in an airtight container like a wooden, metal or acrylic urn. Plastic containers are not recommended as they can degrade over time.
If storing ashes at home, avoid direct sunlight and extreme temperatures to prevent damage. Some crematories offer urn rental programs where they handle the storage securely offsite.
Conclusion
Losing your beloved pet is an intensely painful process. During this difficult time, cremation provides a source of comfort and closure. Understanding what to expect with the cremation process and timeline allows pet parents to prepare emotionally.
Most individual pet cremations take 3 to 7 business days from passing to getting the ashes back. This includes transportation, refrigeration, cremation, processing the remains, and any memorial options chosen.
While each crematory has their own protocols, you can rest assured your pet will be cared for properly. The ashes provide a lasting memorial and connection to your cherished companion.