Q. How does cremation work?
A. The Process
Cremation is a process that is done by a very high heat. It is a very clean and rapid method that allows your pets remains to be taken care of and for you to be able to still have their ash remains.
In cremation, the pet is laid on the hearth of a specially made cremator. Once the pet is placed inside and all the safety locks secure the unit is started. Cremation of an average-sized pet takes approximately 3 hours. In Oregon all of these units must meet DEQ requirements along with State, City and County rules. When the process is complete, the remains (mainly bone pieces) are removed then put through an electric processor to reduce the fragments to ash. At our business once the cremains (or ashes) has cooled they are sealed inside a plastic bag prior to being placed into an urn of the owner's choosing.
Please note that we make sure that all private remains will be carefully returned to you or your veterinarian in our standard urn (white tin with black and gray paw prints on it) unless you request a specific urn to house your pets cremains. Communial ash remains are disposed of at the discrection of Heavenly Wings.
Q. Do you offer euthanasia services?
A. NO! First we feel this could be preceived as a conflict of interest for us. Euthanasia must be performed by a licensed veterinarian or certified medical staff. Many families have reservations about euthanizing their pet at a clinic or hospital especiall if their pet has strong anxiety or phobias about visits to the Veterinarian. There are other alternatives to clinic euthanasia. First ask your regular veterinarian if he or she is able to do a home euthanasia for your pet when the time is right. There are also several mobile veterinarians in the area that can come to your home or meet you here at our facility. Euthanasia in a more private environment is often times more intimate and calming for you and your pet. There is no charge If you wish to use our facility for the Euthansia. Please call if you need help locating a mobile veterinarian or if you would like to schedule euthanasia in our chapel room.
Q. What type of cremation is available?
A. Private: The term "Private Cremation" means that your pet will be kept seperate from other animals at all times during the cremation process. The ashes, also will be kept seperate and returned to you in the urn of your choice. This is a dignified process and your pets privacy is assured at all times.
General/Communal: "General" or "Communal" cremations implies that your pet is cremated along with other animals and the ashes are not returned to you. Your pet's ashes are not seperate from the others. Your veterinarian can help you with this services and will be able to tell you where your pet will be taken for this process. Each clinic has their own policy as to the disposition of communal pets.
Q. How do I know I am getting the right ashes back?
A. Over the years, that has been on of the largest issues surrounding cremation for humans as well as pets. The answer is simple, only work with a professional cremation service provider that you feel you can trust. Always ask questions, where is the cremation done, who is the certified crematory operator.
Heavenly Wings Pet Cremations maintains a permanent record of all private cremations we handle. All privately cremated pets are assigned a numbered stainless steel tag, which becomes a part of our permanent file. That same numbered ID tag accompanies your pet through the whole process. Each pet is handled with respect and care at all times. At Heavenly Wings your trust and confidence in our services are very important us.
Q. Can I bring my pet to you myself?
A. Absolutely! Anyone can transport their own pet and sometimes there is wonderful therapy in providing some of the care yourself. Whether your pet dies at home, a clinic or hospital, you are always welcome and highly encouraged to take an active role in the process. However, this is not for everyone, or perhaps the pet is to large for you to move. Whatever the reason if you prefer we can transport your pet for you.
Q. What if my pet dies at home?
A. Just give us a call. We can discuss what services you need from us and what is best for your circumstances. If you get our voice mail, we may be on another call or helping another family so please leave a message. We do monitor our phones at all times and will return your call as soon as possible. This includes Sundays and most Major Holidays when we are closed.
Q. Do you work with my veterinarian?
A. We are happy to work with any veterinarian, some even prefer to work with us exclusively. We are so much more than a pet crematory. We are a full service aftercare provider available as a resouce to any pet owner or veterinarian. All veterinarians in our area are aware of our services and will be accommodating to your needs if you ask for us.
Q. Can I scatter my pets ashes?
A. Yes, you have the option of scattering. Many people like to scatter ashes in one of their pet's favorite areas or possibly a garden. Remember, however, that scattering is an irreversible decision. Most people who scatter prefer to keep a small portion of the ashes. This small portion may be placed in a keepsake urn, a windchime urn or even a memorial locket. Please visit our urn page for more info. A "place of memorial" can be quite comforting, so take time in making the decision on where and when you want to scatter the ashes.
If you have further question, please send us an email through the contact us page