Different pet crematoriums may define their pet cremation services differently. It is important to visit their website or establishment to understand the definition of their processes.
- Private Cremation. The term private can be defined differently by each crematorium and is sometimes confused with individual. Typically, a private cremation indicates that the pet is cremated alone, with no other pets in the chamber. The ashes are then returned to the pet owner. However, the details are important to verify with your crematorium.
- Individual Cremation. This term usually means more than one pet is placed in the cremation chamber and cremated at the same time with some form of separation between pets such as trays, refractory bricks, or space (thus the chance of ashes commingling is a possibility). The ashes will also be returned in this case. Again, this term can be interchangeable with private cremation. So, it is important to refer to the individual crematory’s definition.
- Communal Cremation. This means that several pets will be cremated simultaneously, with the cremated remains mixed together. The remains will either be buried or spread somewhere such as a cemetery, garden or another place unique to the crematorium. But, unfortunately, they may also be sent to a landfill.
Requesting this information beforehand can help alleviate your concerns or fears.
Dr. Jocelyn Anne Mason, DVM