What happens when your dog is cremated?

There are several different types of cremation. A PRIVATE CREMATION is a cremation procedure during which only one animal’s body is present in the cremation chamber during the cremation process and the cremated remains of that pet are to be returned to its owner. PARTITIONED CREMATION is a cremation procedure during which more than one animal’s body is present in the cremation chamber and the cremated remains of specific pets are to be returned. Each pet will have its own private segregated section within the cremation chamber. This is what most pet cremation providers call a private cremation. Due to a number of factors and by virtue of multiple pets being cremated at the same time, active commingling of cremated remains can occur. A COMMUNAL CREMATION is a cremation procedure where multiple pets are cremated together without any form of separation. These commingled cremated remains are not returned to the owners.

During the process of cremation the pet is placed in the cremation machine by the certified/licensed crematory staff. Using a suitable fuel that will create intense heat and flame (1400-1800 degrees Fahrenheit) the body of the pet is reduced to basic compounds (calcium compounds). During the cremation process, it may be necessary to open the cremation chamber and reposition the remains of the animal in order to facilitate a complete and thorough cremation. Upon completion of the cremation, all substances are consumed or driven off, except bone fragments (calcium compounds) metal, and other non-combustible materials, as the temperature is not sufficient to consume them. Due to the nature of the cremation process, any possessions or materials such as such as collars, tags or microchips that are left with the animal and not removed prior to cremation may be destroyed or if not destroyed, will be disposed of by the crematory in a non-recoverable manner. The Authorizing Agent understands that arrangements must be made to remove any such personal possessions or materials prior to the time that the animal is transported to the crematory.

Following a cooling period, the cremated remains shall be recovered by manual means, such as brushing, as well as industry-specific mechanical means, such as vacuuming, in order to retrieve the cremated remains from the cremation chamber. Although the crematory will make a reasonable and prudent effort to remove all of the cremated remains from the cremation chamber, some dust and other residue from the process will be left behind. Depending on the cremation option, there may or may not be more commingling/mixing of cremated remains. Active commingling can occur between animals during the cremation and/or retrieval process when multiple animals are cremated together in the same chamber. This type of commingling can be minimized with effective partitioning but it is impossible to assert that it can be eliminated entirely. Active commingling cannot, by definition, occur with a private cremation. However, while every effort will be made to avoid commingling, inadvertent or incidental commingling of minute particles of cremated remains from the residues of previous cremations is possible no matter what type of cremation option selected. The Authorizing Agent understands and accepts that some incidental commingling is possible under any cremation option.

After the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber, the calcium compounds often will contain recognizable bone fragments. Unless otherwise specified, after the calcium compounds have been separated from the other non-combustible material, they will be mechanically processed, pulverized. The process of crushing or grinding may cause incidental commingling of the remains with the residue from the processing of previously cremated remains. These granulated particles of unidentifiable dimensions, which are virtually unrecognizable as animal remains, will then be placed into a designated container based on the type of cremation you have chosen.