Losing a pet leaves an absence in our lives that is difficult to anticipate until it has happened. During those moments of grief, practical concerns like what to do with a deceased pet’s body can feel overwhelming. Understanding what to expect, including how long the cremation process takes, can help bring clarity and comfort as you plan your pet’s final care.
At Compassionate Care in Portland, we specialize in Aquamation, a gentle and eco-friendly alternative to flame cremation. Aquamation typically takes about a day for the entire process, regardless of your dog’s size. Flame-based cremation is faster, often lasting a few hours. Your pet’s cremains are prepared and ready to return to you within 10-14 days after we receive your pet.
While some families do not want to know details about the cremation process, for those that are interested, here’s a closer look at the factors involved and what you can expect along the way.
Factors That Affect the Cremation Process
The time it takes to cremate a dog varies depending on several factors:
- Method of Cremation: Aquamation is a longer process, taking around 18 hours to naturally break down your pet’s body, regardless of size. Flame cremation is faster, lasting between 30 minutes and 2 hours, depending upon the size of your pet.
- Crematory Operations: Veterinary clinics partner with external providers, requiring additional time for transport and processing. At Compassionate Care, everything is handled in-house, allowing us to return your pet’s cremains within 1-2 weeks and ensuring the same meticulous continuity of care that we are known for.
The Cremation Process at Compassionate Care
We understand how important it is for you to know your pet is treated with dignity and respect.
Here’s what happens when you choose Compassionate Care:
1. Transfer of Your Pet
If your pet has passed at home, we offer home pickup services for an additional fee in the Portland, OR area, or you may bring your pet directly to our facility.
2. Meticulous care and identification
Each pet is carefully identified with a tag and documentation from the moment it is received into our care. This identification stays with your pet throughout its journey through our facility. We have a standardized check system that allows us to know where every pet is in the Aquamation process.
3. Preparation for Aquamation
Personal items, such as collars or tags, are carefully removed and returned to you, as these items will not break down during the Aquamation process. Any memorial items such as paw prints and fur clippings, are done prior to cremation.
4. The Aquamation Process
Using water and alkali, aquamation mimics natural decomposition, gently breaking down your pet’s body in an environmentally friendly way. The result is bone fragments, which are processed into the fine cremains that are returned to the family (if electing private cremation).
5. Returning Your Pet’s Cremains
Privately cremated cremains are placed in an eco-friendly container for return to the family. If you’ve chosen an urn or keepsake, we transfer the cremains accordingly. The entire process, from receiving your pet to returning their cremains, takes 10-14 days.
If communal cremation has been elected, the cremains are respectfully scattered for the family.
FAQs
How soon should I arrange cremation after my pet passes?
It’s best to arrange cremation as soon as possible to prevent decomposition.
How can I be sure I’m getting my pet’s cremains?
Each pet is carefully identified with a tag and documentation from the moment it is received into our care. This identification stays with your pet throughout its journey through our facility. We have a standardized check system that allows us to know where every pet is in the Aquamation process
Should I keep my pet’s cremains?
This is a personal decision. Many pet owners find comfort in keeping their pet’s cremains in an urn or scattering them in a meaningful place, while others are satisfied with the many memories they hold.
What’s the difference between private and communal cremation?
Private Cremation: Your pet is cremated individually, and only their cremains are returned.
Communal Cremation: Multiple pets are cremated together, and cremains are not returned.
Honoring Your Pet’s Memory
Now that you understand the process and timing of dog cremation, you can make an informed choice that feels right for you and your pet. Whether you choose aquamation for its eco-friendly benefits or flame cremation for other reasons, both honor your pet’s memory with dignity.
At Compassionate Care, we’re here to guide you through every step with compassion and understanding. If you have questions or need support, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you honor your beloved pet in the way they deserve.
