Are You Allowed To See Your Pet's Cremation?

Yes, you normally can but it will depend on the working practices of the pet crematorium and whatever conditions of licensing that may apply. An appointment time will have to be made and this will usually mean that an extra fee will be incurred.

Although this question may be asked people have different ideas about what they mean. Some may actually want to see their pet being placed into the cremation unit.This is often linked to religious beliefs but may also be for reassurance of the procedures. Other people may simply want to be present in the grounds at the time of the cremation and not to actually view the process.

Attended pet cremations have to be fitted into what is often a busy day. The procedures at a pet crematorium are the same as a human one but do not usually have any ceremony accompanying the cremation. People often associate the ceremony at a human service with the time of the cremation but it is not necessarily the case. Whilst the ceremonies are at a fixed time the actual cremations will be performed in order and may be later, although always by the finish of the day. To carry out a cremation at a specific time means that some leeway must be allowed at the start to ensure the unit is free. Obviously this will mean fewer cremations may be carried out and is why an extra charge is often added.

If you want to view the beginning of the cremation to reassure yourself that your pet is being cremated alone then there are a few points to understand. Most genuine pet crematoriums have compact machines that, to adhere to environmental regulations, are not allowed to use coffins for the cremation. To adhere to the rules the cremator must be raised to the correct temperature before the cremation begins. This means your pet will be going into a very hot chamber which may result in the instant start of the cremation. You must decide if you want this to be your final memory of your pet.

If you go ahead there is obviously a safety issue so you have to follow instructions from the crematorium about where to stand. You must not try to interfere with the procedure. It is normal for an additional member of staff to be present to oversee the precautions. There have been instances where pet owners have found viewing the cremation too traumatic and therefore some crematoria may not permit this.

Your pet crematorium may have a viewing room where you can watch through a window or they may show it on a closed circuit camera. However you should be cautious if they only show the pet going towards the unit, not the actual inside of the cremator. This may be because other pets are already in the chamber.

There are alternatives if you don't wish to see your pet go into a hot chamber but still want reassurance about the process. Make arrangements to have your pet cremated at a definite time. Make sure you inspect the inside of the cremation unit before the start of the cremation. Ensure the hearth has been cleaned of all traces of previous cremations. If there are any remains on the hearth then you would be best to go to another crematorium as it means the correct procedures are not being followed. Wait for the unit to heat up again and arrange to stand somewhere you can feel part of the process without having to see the actual loading. The total time for the cremation and preparation of ashes will vary from about one and a half hours to four or five hours depending on the size of the pet. You may want to go off and return later but discuss matters with the crematorium to see what they can do for you.

For complete reassurance always use a member of the Association of Private Pet Cemeteries & Crematoria. The Code of Practice in place will ensure your pets are cremated following proper working practices and the way you want and expect.


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Stephen Mayles has been operating a genuine pet crematorium in Sussex for 25 years and has worked hard to improve standards within the pet loss sector. More information about individual pet cremation or the APPCC is available at => http://petcrematorium-petcemetery.co.uk