Cremations FAQ’s
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I have a client who would like to attend the individual cremation of their pet. What arrangements do I need to make?
To arrange for your client to attend the individual cremation of their pet please:
- Telephone the crematorium prior to collection and speak to a Cremation Advisor informing us of your client’s wishes.
- Tick the “Attendance box” on the individual cremation form attached to the pet.
- Inform your client that we will contact them when their pet has arrived at the crematorium to arrange a convenient time for them to attend their pet’s cremation.
A client who requested a communal cremation, has since changed their mind and now would like an individual cremation. What should I do?
If your client has changed their mind and their pet is still at your practice, simply re-bag the pet into an individual cremation bag and completed the Individual Cremation Form and relevant paperwork.
If a CPC driver has already collected the pet from your practice please telephone the crematorium and speak to Client Services immediately – 01763 207750. To enable us to identify the correct pet, we will need to know as much information as possible e.g. type of pet, colour, if the pet has a collar and if there are any distinguishing marks etc.
Please note: 1) There will be an additional charge for this service. 2) Whilst we endeavour to do our best, we cannot guarantee that we will be able to locate the specific pet (especially if no barcode or pets name is not on the communal cremation bag as stated by policy). 3) This service is not always available or possible depending upon circumstances.
A client is unsure of which cremation service they would like?
A client may require time to make a decision regarding their pet’s farewell. To provide your client with time to make a decision, you may wish to hold the pet on the owner’s behalf. To ensure that the pet is not collected by one of our drivers, please place the pet into a Non-collection (Red) bag.
Once the owner has made their decision, the pet can then be placed into the relevant cremation bag (individual or communal cremation). Please note that Non-Collection (Red) bag containing the pet can be placed directly into the cremation bag selected.
At no time should the pet be placed into an individual or communal cremation bag with a ‘do not take’ label affixed, marked with red pen, or with a red bag wrapped around the outside.
Non-collection bags come in two sizes and can be ordered by clicking here.
I have a pet for individual cremation, but I have no individual cremation bags. What should I do?
Under this circumstance we advise that you place the pet into a Non-Collection (Red) Bag immediately, and then contact the crematorium and speak to Client Services Team.
They will arrange to post you the correct sized individual cremation pack for next day delivery.
Please DO NOT place the pet in any other bag as we cannot guarantee an individual cremation even if we are notified in advance.
Can a client have extra lettering on the name plate?
Yes, we do provide an extra lettering service for clients who request this. A name plate can have up to three lines of text. (Please note no more than four words per line.)
Please contact the crematorium and speak to one of our Cremation Advisors for further information and confirmation that the chosen words will fit on the name plate before proceeding.
Please note an additional charge will apply.
How are dogs classified for cremation?
In most cases dogs are classified according to their breed, or weight if the breed is unknown. Please click here to download our sizing chart.
What do you classify as a small pet?
Rodents, rabbits, birds, fish, small reptiles, snakes and other small exotics are classified as small pets.
For larger exotics please contact a Cremation Advisor at the crematorium for guidance.
Can collars and pet toys be placed into the cremation bag?
Small objects, such as collars, leads and small non-plastic pet toys (i.e. tennis balls) can be placed into the cremation bag and will be cremated with the pet. (Any items placed into the cremation bag will not be returned to the owner or veterinary practice).
DO NOT place larger items, such as bedding and larger toys (i.e. footballs) with the clients pets in the cremation bag. We are unable to cremate these items.
If a client does not want a cremation can you supply a coffin for burial?
Yes, we supply a range of Pet Coffins which can be ordered online and delivered to your practice. Please click here to view our range.
We have ashes that have never been collected by our clients. What shall we do?
You may wish to return the ashes to CPC for a small token to be interred into our Garden of Remembrance at Cambridge Pet Crematorium.
To arrange for the ashes to be collected please contact Client Services providing details of the number of ashes to be collected, pet’s name and owner’s name.
Do you provide courses on pet bereavement for veterinary staff?
Yes. On occasion throughout the year, subject to demand, we will hold an Insight to Pet Bereavement Workshop. This will provide a complete ‘behind the scenes’ overview of our crematorium and also a detailed course on Pet Bereavement. This is performed by CPC National Training Manager, Alistair Hudson.
To enquire about our workshops, please contact our Client Services Team on 01763 207750.