Frequently Asked Questions

Before Choosing a Pet Crematory

So that you know what type of facility that you would like to use and one that you know you can trust in your time of sorrow over the loss of a beloved pet, pet owners who are thinking of cremating a pet when the time comes would do well to know a few hallmarks and terminology of crematories. We list in this article, just to name a few of the things that a pet owner should look for when hiring a pet crematory. The only terms we recognize for pet cremation at our crematory are those from the Official Guide of Standard Terms and Definitions of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories(IAOPCC). These terms are used worldwide by members of the IAOPCC

May I inspect the facility where my pet's aftercare will be performed?

Any pet crematory that happily invites customers to tour their onsite facilities and to witness their beloved pet's cremation is likely an extremely trustworthy outfit that is worthy of a contract. We welcome any pet owner to come and tour our facility at any time during business hours.

If working directly with your veterinarian, ask for the telephone number for the facility that performs their cremation services.

To protect yourself and the dignity of your beloved pet, pet owners would do well to make at least a telephone contact to the crematory facility to ask their procedures and policies for witnessed cremation.

Will my beloved pet stay here in the Truckee Meadows for his/her cremation service? What is the actual location to where my pet is taken for their final cremation?

Customers would do well to quiz the pet crematory owner/manager thouroughly about any reasons if they are told customers are not allowed to view their pet's cremation or tour the crematory facility. Remember, your beloved pet is your family's friend. All of our cremations are performed at our facility in Reno.

How long does it take to get my pet back?

Any reputable pet crematory will be set up to offer same-day or next-day service. If a pet crematory is reluctant to offer fast service upon request, this could be a sign that the company performs mass cremations.

Can I be present and observe during the cremation procedure?

Yes. You may always observe the entire cremation procedure or any portion that you may choose, at no extra charge.

How do I know that I am getting my pet back, if I do not attend the cremation?

A good pet crematory will be happy to explain its procedures in this regard in depth. Pet owners should be on the lookout for a thorough procedure-one backed by a good safeguard to prevent human error. Questioning a pet crematory's identification policy is important in situations in which the pet's remains will be delivered back to veterinarian's office.

What is a "private cremation"?

A private cremation occurs when only one pet is placed in the crematory

What is the correct definition of "Individual" pet cremation?

The correct definition of an "Individual" cremation is more than one pet is placed in the crematory and cremated at the same time with some form of separation between pets such as trays, refractory bricks, or space. Many people are lead to believe that their pet is the only one in the crematory during an “individual” cremation and that is not true. At our crematory we use refractory bricks to separate the pets while others just use space.

How can I be sure that I will get my pet’s ashes back?

At A Beloved Friends Pet Crematory of Northern Nevada, we do not remove any pet from a residence or a clinic without proper identification. A paper identification tag is placed your pet as well as a numbered metal tag that will accompany your pet through the complete cremation process. During the cremation process the paper tag is kept next to the crematory so that the operator can positively identify your pet’s remains when the cremation is finished.

If I choose to not receive my pet's remains back, will I be notified when the service has been complete? What will be done with my pet's remains?

Most caring pet crematories will send a "cremation certificate"to the pet owner once the service has been performed. Reputable pet crematories retain and scatter ashes in scenic areas. We scatter the cremains from communal cremations in a beautiful scenic area by hand. Many rendering plants dispose of the animals remains on a daily basis.

If I leave my pet behind at the veterinarian to be picked up from a crematory service. What will my pet be transported in?

Most dignified pet crematories should be driving clean, clearly marked vehicles, not only for safety purposes, but because it respectfully tells the community that you loved your cherished pet.

How long will it take to have A Beloved Friends Pet Crematory of Northern Nevada transport my pet from the Veterinarians Office to their facility in Reno?

A Beloved Friends Pet Crematory staff responds to a veterinarian’s office as soon as they are called.

Why are all bodies placed in bags?

The bodies of our beloved friends are placed in body bags to contain the body and only the body of your pet. This procedure keeps your beloved friend clean and separate from any other pet while in our care. We insist that all of our beloved friends are kept in separate body bags.

Does my pet have to be placed in a casket to be cremated?

No. Caskets are not necessary or mandatory at our facility and we prefer not to cremate caskets.

Does my pet have to be placed in an urn?

All pets cremated at our facility are placed in our standard urn unless you choose another type or style of urn from our large and reasonable priced selection. You may choose from handmade wooden urns, metal urns and ceramic urns. You cared enough to bring your pet to us and we care enough to send every pet home in at least our standard urn with dignity they deserve.

When can my pet be returned to me?

We cremate all pets brought to our facility within two days or sooner. We do not “store” pets at our facility unless special arrangements have been made with the owner. Your pet’s cremated remains may be returned to the veterinary clinic, residence, or picked up at our facility usually within three business days. If you schedule a private cremation you may take the remains of your pet home with you immediately after the cremation is performed. We are open Monday through Saturday and by appointment.

How do I know that you are "on the level"? Do you belong to any nationally recognized organizations?

Yes! A Beloved Friends Pet Crematory is a member of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAOPCC) and adheres strictly to its Code of Ethics.

We are Registered Pet Funeral Directors and are certified by the IAOPCC as the only certified Pet Crematory Operators by examination in Nevada.

A Beloved Friends Pet Crematory of Northern Nevada is also a member of the International Cemetery, Cremation and Funeral Association and the Pet Loss Professionals Alliance.

If you have been denied or refused an answer to any of the above questions, or you are not satisfied with a response, other options should be considered for you and your beloved pet.

Sincerely,

A Beloved Friends Pet Crematory of Northern Nevada, Inc.

Somebody told me about a poem called "The Rainbow Bridge" that is all about losing a pet. Where can I read it?

You can read a copy of The Rainbow Bridge by clicking here (It will open in a new window), which you can read or print it out as a keepsake. Nobody knows who wrote it.