What is the cremation process?
Many people often wonder what their pet’s ashes are made of – the truth is that it is no different to a human. Your pet’s body is primarily composed of water, carbon and bone. When placed inside the crematory, the high temperature rapidly vapourises all organic matter (including tissues, organs and teeth) through a form of oxidation. It also causes all water in the body to immediately evaporate. Water vapour and any bodily gases are released through an exhaust system, leaving only bone fragments in the chamber at the end of the process.
Once the bone fragments have cooled, they are gently swept out from the chamber by a cremator, who carefully processes them through a special machine that turns them into a dense sand, commonly known as ‘cremains’ or ‘ashes’.
What Are The Ashes Comprised Of?
After passing through the machine, the fragments typically take on the appearance of a pale to dark grey powder that resembles gritty sand. Bone particles make up the ashes you get after being cremated. All bodily fluids evaporate through the crematory's exhaust system, and all traces of organic, carbon-based stuff vanish throughout the cremation process. After cremation, your pet's skeleton is all that's left, along with the occasional trace amount of salts or minerals that are absorbed into the bone fragments during their life and remain in their skeleton after they pass away.
Medical Implants or Other Foreign Materials
Any medical implants that your pet may have had, such as screws or titanium plates, will be taken out of the ashes before being given back to you; they won't be damaged during the cremation process (except microchips which will melt into the ashes). All foreign objects, including collars, are identified, dated, and labeled at Green Meadows. They are also stored for a while following cremation. These will be stored until they are eventually disposed of, provided the client does not specifically request that they be returned with their pet's ashes.
Many people choose to send their pet’s favourite toy or blanket into the chamber to be cremated alongside them. Although this may not end up in the final ashes that you will receive back after the process is complete, you can take solace knowing that your pet’s favourite comfort was with them as they were cremated. It is a touching way to perform a final send-off for your animal, and gives many people the ultimate comfort knowing that they ensured their beloved furry friend felt secure all the way until the end.
Should I choose cremation over burial?
Choosing cremation provides you the flexibility to take your pet's cremated ashes with you if you move, especially with our society growing more mobile by the day. Pet cremation is a straightforward and reasonably priced solution that was not always available.
Can I witness the cremation process?
For your safety, we do not allow witnessing the cremation process nor entering the incinerator room.
Can I prepare in advance?
Yes. We have a pre-need plan available to allow you to take care of all the details so you don’t have to worry about them when the time comes. Know more about our pre-need plan here.
Do you euthanize?
We do not perform euthanasia as only licensed veterinarians are authorized to do so.
What happens if my pet dies at home?
Click here to read our guide on handling your deceased pet's body.
When can I drop off my pet?
After filling out our Service Request Form, we will be in touch within 2 hours to propose the next available slot to you.
Do I need to purchase an urn?
The remains of every pet that will be returned are carefully wrapped in a bag and then placed in a biodegradable scatter urn. There are many other lovely possibilities, even though we take great effort to provide a pleasant route for your pet to return home. You may browse our shop if you prefer a different urn.
When can I pick up the ashes?
While the service itself may take no less than 2 hours, we will need to cool down the ashes and prepare it be placed in the urn. Rest assured that the ashes you will receive are your pet's and nobody else's. You may pick up your pet as early as the next day. We will let you know once ready.
Can you keep our pet prior to cremation?
Please talk to us to arrange this.
Can I get a refund?
Please understand that a lot of care and preparation is done once a service is booked, thus we do not give refunds for payments already made.
Pre-need plans may be refunded no questions asked within the month of the first payment, but not after.
Can we bring in exhumed remains of our pets?
Certainly. We will follow the usual process of individual cremation - one pet at a time.