When your pet has died, knowing what happens next and when can take away a little of the uncertainty. This guide sets out the usual timeline for individual pet cremation, from the moment you call us to the day your pet's ashes come home.
With My Pet Farewell, your pet is usually collected within hours of your call, cremated individually within about 24 hours of collection, and their ashes are returned to you within 5 to 10 working days, with a certificate of cremation.
We collect from homes and vet practices 24 hours a day, including nights and weekends. We will confirm your collection time and ashes return date before you book.
The typical timeline
| Stage | Usual timing | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Collection | Often within hours of your call | We collect your pet with care from your home or your vet, 24/7 |
| Cremation | Usually within 24 hours of collection | Your pet is cremated individually, on their own |
| Ashes returned | Usually within 5 to 10 working days | Your pet's ashes come home, carefully packaged, with a certificate of cremation |
What can affect the timing
- Weekends and bank holidays: collection is available every day, but return of ashes counts working days, so a bank holiday can add a day or two.
- Where your pet is: collection from a vet practice depends on the practice's opening hours.
- Personalised urns and keepsakes: engraved urns or memorial items made to order can take longer than a standard return. We will tell you the timing when you choose.
Can it be faster?
Yes. Same-day and 24-hour services are available in many areas. If timing matters to you, for example because of a family event or travel, tell us when you book and we will do our best to help.
What you will receive
- Your pet's ashes, and only your pet's ashes
- A certificate of individual cremation
- The urn, scatter tube or keepsake you chose. You can browse our handmade urns and keepsakes at any time.
If your pet has just died at home, our guide on what to do when your dog dies explains the first steps, and our pet cremation cost guide explains prices.
Common questions
Can I keep my pet at home while I decide?
Yes, for a short time. Keep them on an absorbent blanket in the coolest room of the house, and try to arrange collection within 24 hours.
What if my pet dies at night or at the weekend?
We collect 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including evenings, weekends and bank holidays. Call us whenever you are ready.
Can I choose an urn later?
Yes. You do not need to decide on an urn or keepsake straight away. You can choose one when you book, or later.
How will I know the ashes are my pet's?
With individual cremation your pet is cremated alone, so the ashes you receive are only theirs. You also receive a certificate of cremation.
A clear, caring timeline
We confirm collection and return times before you book, so you know exactly what to expect. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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