Your St. Louis Pet Cremation Questions Answered!
How and when will my pet be transported to the crematory? May I inspect the facilities where my pet’s cremation will be performed?
If transportation services are selected, your pet will be transported in one of our clearly marked transportation vehicles. In instances where a pet needs transportation from a St. Louis area veterinary clinic, your pet will be properly identified, placed into a thick special body bag, and kept in cold storage to keep him or her safe. In instances of home removal, we use special carriers to transport the pet. Pet parents are welcome and encouraged to include a blanket or any padding they wish. Each and every pet is secure and in their own space during the transportation process.
If I choose and pay for a private pet cremation will my pet be cremated privately, all by himself? Will only my pet be placed in the chamber?
Loving Hearts digitally tracks each and every pet in our custody. You receive a written guarantee of private pet cremation, certifing that your pet was cremated privately and that you have the remains of your pet, and only your pet. When we conduct any pet cremation procedure where we return the cremated remains, only one pet is present in the cremation chamber at a time. Before the next cremation begins, all of the cremated remains of the previous pet are retrieved.
Can my pet’s cremated remains be returned to me within 24-48 hours and if so, what is the additional cost?
As a general rule, our turnaround time is 48-72 hours. In many cases we can accommodate client requests to have their pet returned within a 48 or even 24 hour period. Initially, we anticipate being able to accommodate any expedited request for no additional charge. However, as this service gains in popularity, and we grow in St. Louis pet cremation customers, we reserve the right to implement a fee schedule for expedited and special services.
May I be present before and during my pet’s private cremation without incurring additional cost?
You may be present to witness any and all of your pet’s cremation by scheduling an attended cremation appointment with one of our Customer Care Team representatives. One of the advantages of witnessing a cremation service is the ability to leave the appointment with your pet’s cremated remains. For larger pets, please allow two to three hours. For smaller pets, please allow one to two hours.
If I choose a group cremation, can you guarantee that my pet will not be mass incinerated and sent to a landfill or a rendering or fertilizer plant?
We guarantee that your pet will be treated with dignity throughout the entire process, and that your pet will be cremated in a cremation unit, not a waste incinerator. Upon the completion of the cremation, your pet’s cremated remains will be refined to a fine powder and reverently scattered in our Loving Hearts pet memorial area.
If my pet is group cremated, what happens to the cremated ashes?
Your pet will be reverently scattered in our pet memorial area where you will be able to visit and memorialize your pet. We understand that many families who do not want the cremated remains back still cherish the opportunity to be able to connect with their pet. Also, it is our belief that pet owners should not be forced to forfeit their right to a dignified service if they elect not to have the cremated remains returned to them.
If my pet’s cremated ashes are scattered, may I visit the location?
Yes you may visit.
Where is the cremation facility?
All cremations are performed on site (Loving Hearts owns the cremators and the facility), and our cremation facilities adhere to the strictest standards (see: PLPA Standards and Definitions). As a St. Louis pet cremation facility, we are fully compliant with all state and federal laws, and encourage client and veterinary partner inspection of our facilities.
Does your service offer grief support and memorial products?
Yes, for grief resources please view our Grief Resources page. We also have a complete inventory of urns and other grief and memorial products. These products can be viewed and purchased by visiting our office, or through our online product catalog.
For all other inquiries please contact us.