Private Cremation
We offer two types of cremation, Private or Memorial. When we perform a private cremation, only one pet at a time is in our crematory. All of the pet's ashes, and only that pet's ashes, are returned to the owner. The included urn is plain white plastic, however we do offer many other urns as an option. If an owner chooses to, he can be present for the private cremation of the pet. There is no charge for this, but we do need to schedule appointment times so we are able to allow the pet owner enough time with his pet before the cremation begins. Please call (630) 323-5120 for current pricing.

Memorial Cremation
If a pet owner chooses not to opt for private cremation, they may choose our group Memorial Cremation. With this type of cremation, several pets are cremated together, and the resulting ashes are then scattered on the cemetery grounds. Although we would not be able to point out their pet's exact scattering area, owners are welcome to come and visit the cemetery if they wish. Please be aware that no ashes are returned when Memorial Cremation is chosen. Please call (630) 323-5120 for current pricing.

Learn More About Cremation Services

1. Individual Cremation

Also Called Private Cremation. The use of the term “Cremation” generally invokes the image of the individual service - the equivalent of the human crematorium. Clients are entitled to expect their pets be handled on their own and cremated singly within the cremation unit. The ashes should all be recovered and identified for return, scattering or burial and there should be no danger of any mixing of ashes. People may request this type of cremation even though they do not want the ashes returned simply for the individual handling.

Owners may wish to witness the start of the cremation or even be present for the whole process. Many crematories just require an appointment.

2. Communal Cremations

Communal Cremation
Also Called Memorial or Group Cremation. For the true communal cremation service pets are handled respectfully within the limits of practicality, with care extending to the placing of the pets in the crematorium chamber. The ashes are collected and then scattered or buried in memorial areas. Ashes from communal cremations should not be returned to pet owners since there are no means of separation.

The following are services we do not offer, but are offered by other crematories. We have included definitions so that you can make a more informed decision.

Communal Cremation with Separation of Ashes
A.K.A. Individually Partitioned: Partitioned, Separate, Semi-Private, Companion. Several pets may be placed into the cremation chamber with some form of separation. They may be on trays, a line of fire bricks placed between them, or be a reasonable distance apart. At the end of the cremation the ashes are retrieved one at a time. While precautions may be taken to prevent mixing of ashes, the clients should always be aware of the high probability of mixing due to high heat, and be prepared to accept this. For these clients this provides a less expensive way of having a significant portion of their pet’s ashes returned. Pet owners are advised to carefully check the crematorium’s procedures before agreeing to a service. We do not recommend this service as it is difficult to set any definite procedures for protecting the pet owner

3. Disposal By Incineration and/or Landfill

Although few veterinarians, their staff, or the companies they use will admit to it, this is the service that the majority of pets will end up with – despite any wishes of the owners. This procedure typically involves the mass collection of pets in a van or box truck without any special handling, followed by incineration. The ashes or the entire un-incinerated body are disposed of, the majority of the time at a landfill.

Many people have no objections to this service as it provides a simple disposal option. However, it will often be described as mass, routine or communal cremation, but has little to do with the correct procedure for those services. The situation is not helped by veterinarians and staff using the term cremation rather than incineration so as to not upset the clients.

We believe that honesty is the best policy in situations where veterinarians use disposal by incineration . Owners would be far more distressed to learn about the true manner in which their pet’s remains were handled and treated at a later date than if they were given honest information to begin with.

What is a Pet Cemetery or Crematorium?
Sadly, under many jurisdictions pets and their mortal remains are classified as waste. One exception to this generality occurs in the State of Illinois. Under the Illinois Companion Animal Cremation Act, companion animals are not considered waste material unless the owner determines that it is so. Before this determination was made, deceased companion animals were classified as waste along with road-kill, livestock, and animal medical waste. In order to operate crematory equipment for the purposes of cremating companion animals in the State of Illinois, the operator only needs an air permit from the EPA. This permit should not be confused with licenses granted for the incineration of waste. Many disposal firms tout their waste permits as a form of mandatory licensing for cremation services when in fact they are not required for the dignified cremation of animals, but rather, exclusively for the disposal of waste.

Most owners would not want their pets’ bodies to be dealt with along with commercial refuse. Cremation and Burial are personal, specialized processes that are a far cry from the incineration or landfill disposal of throw away waste. Due to a general lack of legal definitions in many jurisdictions and most states throughout the country, waste disposal firms purport to offer “cremation services” for pet owners. These are often carried out under appealing names which belie the true nature of the operations. For the pet owner this means two things:

1) Be aware of different types of licensing -Certain licensing is a legal requirement for waste services but not relevant to dignified pet cremation.

2) Look beyond the public face. Glossy brochures and slick presentation are all very well but unless you have written assurance of their procedures, look elsewhere.

How do you judge a genuine pet crematorium or cemetery?
Most pet owners would regard a service described as Cremation or Burial to encompass three main points.

1) The dignified handling of their pets at all times.

2) The actual process of cremation or burial is done according to their wishes

3) In the case of cremation, the final committal of the ashes to a particular area intended for that purpose or being able to have the ashes returned to them.

While there may be a number of different options for cremation or burial, they should all meet the above criteria. It is important not to be confused or misled by comforting names for poor services. In the case of cremation with ashes returned to owners, do not accept a cremation certificate that does not explicitly state the type of cremation your pet is receiving. Many disposal firms provide certificates that are unnecessarily wordy and deliberately deceptive. These certificates often certify nothing pertaining to the type of cremation received or the authenticity of ashes returned. A proper certificate should state the type of cremation received and also certify that the ashes you are receiving are those of your pet.

“Cremation” services offered through some veterinarians:
Beware of services offered only through a veterinarian and not open to the general public. Services that discourage reasonable owner participation in their pet's aftercare by charging additional fees for being present or flatly barring owners from their facilities should also be avoided.

Here are ten questions to ask the person who is offering you after death care for your pet:

1. Does your service offer full after death care, including burial and memorials?
2. May I inspect the facilities where my pet's after care will be performed?
3. If I choose cremation can you guarantee that my pet will be cremated?
4. If I choose and pay for a private cremation will my pet be cremated individually and will I receive a written guarantee that states such?
5. Can my pet's cremated remains be returned to me within 72 hours or sooner without incurring additional costs?
6. May I be present before and during my pet's private cremation without incurring additional cost?
7. 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?
8. If my pet is group cremated, what happens to the cremated remains?
9. If my pet's cremated remains are scattered may I visit the location?
10. If the service you are using cannot guarantee in writing all or any service they offer, why should I trust my pet's after care to them?