Frequent QUESTIONS

The funeral director's job is to assist the bereaved in various ways to help them through the loss of a loved one. A funeral director provides bereavement and consolation services for the living, in addition to making arrangements for the cremation, burial, and memorial services for the deceased. He fulfills the role of funeral arranger, funeral director, funeral attendant, and embalmer.

The following list is not all-inclusive, but describes some of the major tasks of a funeral director: 

• Removal and transfer of the deceased from the place of death to the funeral home
• Professional care of the deceased, including embalming, casketing, and cosmetology
• Consulting with family to make arrangements for the funeral service
• Filing certificates, permits, and other required forms
• Obtaining copies of the death certificate
• Arrangements with the cemetery, crematory, or other places of final disposition
• Creates and publishes the obituary
• Arrangements for clergy, music, flowers, transportation, pallbearers, and special fraternal or military services
• Directs and manages the funeral service and the funeral procession
• Assists the family with death-related claims, including Social Security, VA insurance, grief counseling

A traditional funeral involves a number of services which add to the total cost. Besides a non-declinable basic services fee, other charges may include removal/transfer of the body to the funeral home; embalming; other preparation of the body; use of facilities and staff for viewing; use of facilities and staff for the funeral ceremony; use of a hearse, service car, or van; a basic memorial printed package; metal casket, a vault or grave liner, and purchase of a cemetery plot.

In short, no. Because most states do not regulate pet crematories, the quality of facilities, services, and staff can vary widely.

We guarantee a quick response when your pet dies, either at your home or vet clinic. We always respond immediately and take your pet into our care right away. This means we are able to return your pet’s cremated remains within 48 hours.

Yes, cremation or burial is merely the disposition of the body. Funeral services are to honor and remember your loved one, regardless of disposition.

No. Basically, there are two types of pet cremations. A private cremation is one where your pet is the only pet in the equipment during the cremation process. This is the only option that ensures the cremated remains you receive are those of your beloved pet.

A communal cremation is one where more than one pet is involved, and all of their cremated remains are commingled as a result. With this type of cremation, it is impossible for the provider to return your pet’s cremated remains to you.

We advise that you ask these very important questions:

• Where is the crematory located?
• When can I come and inspect it? 
• When will my pet be cremated and then be ready for pickup?
• How do I know I am going to get back my pet’s cremated remains?

Research indicates about 70% of all pet families choosing cremation want their pet’s cremated remains back, which means they opt for private cremation.

We offer a number of special packages depending on your preferred type of cremation. Please call one of our experienced pet loss professionals who will give you specific pricing information, and answer any other questions you might have.

We use a very simple, yet dignified urn in all of our cremation offerings. Additionally, your family has the option of purchasing a more appropriate memorial urn.  We offer an assortment of memorial urns, jewelry, garden stones, and other keepsake items, and invite you to browse our online selection.