FAQ

Yes. Even though most veterinarians have some knowledge of the cremation process, it is not their profession nor are they well versed in the procedures. However, Friends Forever Pet Crematory only provides trained licensed Funeral Directors who have extensive knowledge and experience in pet cremation and the death care industry.

The death care industry runs 365/24/7. So, as Licensed Funeral Directors we understand that we may be needed at a moment’s notice. Whether you need us in the middle of the night or on a holiday, we are here for you and are ready to respond immediately.

Not at all. Unlike some crematories that operate like a disposal business and go unregulated by the state, we do things differently. We care for all of the animals as if they were the people that we care for at our funeral homes. Every member of our staff is committed to creating a heart-warming experience for our pet parents.

Choose Friends Forever Pet Crematory! If you are trying to decide between us or another crematory then we advise you to ask your Veterinarian or Cremation Provider the following questions:

• What is the name and phone number of the pet crematory? It is best to go right to the source if you have any questions about the services being performed.
• Where is the crematory located? Many families are unaware that their pet is being taken far away to have the cremation process completed.
• How and where is my pet kept until cremation?
• How will my pet be transported to the crematory?
• May I walk through the facility where my pet’s cremation will be taking place?
• When will my pet be cremated and returned to me? Many are shocked when they hear that their pet will be held at the Vet’s office in a cooler with other animals in the same compartment for several days to a week before they are picked up in bulk with other animals by the cremation provider. Then, learn it will be another week before their pet’s cremated remains are available to be picked up.

Yes. As in funeral service, we encourage you to make arrangements with us ahead of time because being prepared helps relieve some of the stress and burden of having to make hasty decisions.

This is a decision that is completely up to you. However, the majority of pets are cremated for the following reasons:

Many municipalities’ laws consider it illegal for owners to bury their pets in their back yard. Furthermore, if you decide to bury your pet on your property and your municipality prohibits it, you may be forced to bury your pet in a pet cemetery or face fines. This option tends to be expensive because you will need to purchase a grave, an outer burial container if required by the cemetery for the casket or urn, and pay for the opening and closing of the grave.

Cremation is a much more simple and affordable option and you have the opportunity to take your pet’s cremated remains with you should you relocate.

Most pet cremation providers are vague when they answer this often asked question and many veterinarians cannot answer this question with confidence.

We are here to change all this. 

We guarantee it! When our own pet, an adorable little rat named Spike was cremated we got back what appeared to be the amount of cremated remains of a small dog, even though we asked for a Private Cremation and knew we should have only received a few tablespoonfuls of cremated remains.

Our heartbreaking experience with Spike has now become your peace of mind knowing that what happened to us will not happen to you.

How we can assure you: Friends Forever Pet Crematory uses strict identification procedures for tracking your loved one from the moment we bring them into our care until their cremated remains are placed safely back into your hands.

We use a special metal pet identification tag, tracking and chain of custody procedure along with state of the art tracking software. 

Through the use of our secure tracking, we provide the most accurate and effective tracking procedure available anywhere. By using our system, we can provide you with absolute proof that you are receiving back your pet’s cremated remains. Furthermore, if you desire to witness the cremation of your pet during a private cremation for peace of mind, we will honor your request and try to make you as comfortable as possible during this process.

Unfortunately there are no regulations set forth that govern pet crematory operations, unlike human crematories, to protect both you the consumer and your beloved friend. It is important that you become educated and when you ask your cremation provider and your local Veterinarian office questions you get the correct answers.

Families will find that pet cremation providers may be misleading when labeling their services. These providers may be using the same terminology, but for different types of cremation services. It is important for families to understand their options before making a selection so there is no confusion. It is also important that your Vet understands what these options mean.

There are 3 cremation options available at Friends Forever:

1. A “Private” cremation is where only ONE animal’s body is present in the cremation chamber during the cremation process and the pet’s cremated remains are returned to their owner.
2. A “Semi-Private” or also referred to as “Individual” or “Partitioned” cremation is where MORE THAN ONE animal’s body is present in the cremation chamber during the cremation process. Each animal has its own segregated space within the chamber to reduce the chances of them becoming commingled when they are being cremated. After the cremation process the cremated remains of the specific animals are returned to their owner.
   WARNING: “Individual” cremation is what most pet crematories call a “Private” Cremation.
   Furthermore, due to the fact that there are multiple pets being cremated simultaneously within the same chamber, active commingling of cremated remains can occur.  
3. A “Communal” cremation is where there are multiple pets that are cremated together in the chamber without being separated. The cremated remains of the animals are commingled and are not returned to their owners.

No. It is not required to purchase a casket for cremation. Many families wrap their friend in a special blanket or some other type of material that is special to them.

We provide a very simple, yet dignified wooden urn in both our Private and Semi-private cremations. For families who wish to select an upgraded urn that reflects their pet’s nature, or that just goes nicely with their home decor these urns can be selected from our website. We also offer a large assortment of jewelry for men and women, memorial stones, keepsakes, and other merchandise to create an everlasting memory of your beloved friend.

Yes, absolutely. A viewing can help your family through the grieving process. Our quaint and cozy chapels provide the opportunity to have a quiet good-bye and to honor your beloved friend.

Friends Forever Pet Crematory will give you a much faster response time when you need us. Since we do not utilize an answering service, we will personally answer your call 24 hrs a day 7 days a week. Our family will respond immediately and transfer your pet into our care right away. Your pet’s remains will be available for return usually within 72 hours.

With most other crematories, your Veterinarian will have to hold your pet in a cooler at their facilities for up to a week until the crematory makes its next scheduled pick up. It may even take another week before the remains are available depending on how busy they are.

Pricing varies depending on your cremation preference, “Private, Semi-Private, or Communal” and the size of your pet. Please visit our “Services” page on our website or call Friends Forever Pet Crematory at 609.882.1800 for more information.

This is a process where a pet is placed inside the cremation chamber while fuel and intense heat raise temperatures inside the chamber up to 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. The body of the pet is reduced to calcium compounds. The crematory operator may have to at times open the chamber door to readjust the position of the pet to allow for a more thorough cremation. 

After the cremation is complete all that is left of the pet is bone fragments/calcium compounds. Any metals such as surgical implants or metal objects from collars or leashes that do remain in with the pet’s bone fragments are discarded. However, special metal id tags we utilize that are with the pet(s) in the chamber are not discarded, but continue to stay with the pet throughout the rest of their Passage.

After the cremated remains are cooled we remove them from the chamber using brushes, high temperature vacuums, and other industry standard tools. While using every effort possible to remove all of the cremated remains, it is impossible to remove all of the dust and other microscopic particles from the chamber floor. Depending upon which cremation option selected there may be more or less commingling of cremated remains.

If Private cremation is selected where ONLY ONE pet’s body is present in the chamber during the cremation process the commingling of other pet’s cremated remains cannot occur. However, even though all efforts are made to avoid commingling, commingling of particles of prior residues of cremated remains is possible. 

After the cremated remains are removed from the chamber, they are then placed into the pulverizer where they are reduced to a powdery like substance. When this procedure takes place the grinding may cause incidental commingling with the residue from the prior processing.

After this process is complete the cremated remains are placed in a wooden urn and given back to their owner.