Do I Have to Use My Veterinarian for Pet Cremation? No, You Have a Choice
When a beloved pet passes away, many families assume their veterinarian will automatically handle the cremation arrangements.
For years, that has been the path most pet owners have known.
But there is something every pet owner should understand:
You do not have to use the pet cremation provider your veterinarian recommends.
You can choose your own pet crematory.
You can contact that crematory directly.
And you can choose how you want your beloved companion cared for, including choosing Cremation by Water, also known as Aquamation, instead of traditional flame cremation.
Can I Choose My Own Pet Crematory?
Yes.
Your veterinarian can certainly help arrange your pet's aftercare, but that does not mean you are required to use the crematory associated with the veterinary practice.
Pet owners can research pet crematories themselves, ask questions, compare services, and contact the provider they believe is right for their companion.
This is especially important because different pet crematories may offer very different types of aftercare.
Some provide traditional flame cremation.
Others, including Soothing Streams Pet Services, provide Cremation by Water.
Unless you ask, you may never know there is a difference.
Why Do Veterinarians Arrange Pet Cremation?
Veterinary practices frequently establish relationships with pet cremation providers because it makes the process convenient for both the clinic and the pet owner.
When a pet passes away at a veterinary hospital, the clinic may offer to handle everything.
For many families, that convenience is valuable.
But convenience and choice are two different things.
You can still ask:
Which crematory will care for my pet?
Where is the crematory located?
Will my pet remain locally or be transported somewhere else?
Will my pet receive private or communal cremation?
Is flame cremation being used?
Is Cremation by Water available?
How will my pet be identified?
How long before my pet's remains are returned?
You deserve to know the answers.
Can I Contact a Pet Crematory Directly?
Yes.
Pet owners can contact Soothing Streams Pet Services directly to arrange their pet's aftercare.
You do not need to wait for your veterinarian to initiate the process.
This can be particularly helpful when a pet passes away at home.
It can also be helpful when your veterinarian's regular cremation provider does not offer the type of aftercare you want.
If you have decided that you prefer Aquamation instead of flame cremation, you can make that choice yourself.
Can I Choose Another Crematory If My Pet Dies at the Vet?
Yes.
If your pet passes away or is euthanized at a veterinary hospital, ask the clinic about your options before authorizing aftercare.
Tell them if you have selected your own pet crematory.
Depending on the circumstances and provider, arrangements may be made for your pet to be transported to the crematory you selected.
The important point is to make your wishes known.
Do not assume that because your pet is at a veterinary hospital, the clinic's normal cremation provider is automatically your only option.
Why Would Someone Choose Their Own Pet Crematory?
There are several reasons.
Some families want to know exactly who will care for their pet.
Others want more transparency about the process.
Some want private aftercare.
Some want a specific memorial option.
Some want to compare pet cremation prices.
And increasingly, some families specifically want Cremation by Water rather than flame cremation.
Choosing the crematory yourself allows you to make those decisions directly.
What Is Cremation by Water?
Cremation by Water, commonly called Aquamation, is an alternative to traditional flame cremation.
Traditional cremation relies on extreme heat and combustion.
Aquamation uses water, gentle heat, circulation, and alkalinity to accelerate the natural process that occurs when a body is returned to the earth through burial.
At Soothing Streams Pet Services, the process uses water heated to approximately 204°F, compared with temperatures that can approach approximately 2,000°F in traditional flame cremation.
There is no burning involved.
Why Might My Veterinarian Not Mention Aquamation?
A veterinarian may already have an established relationship with a traditional pet cremation provider.
That doesn't necessarily mean the veterinarian opposes Aquamation.
They simply may not offer it through their existing aftercare arrangement.
This is why pet owners should know they can research their own options.
If you don't know Cremation by Water exists, you can't ask for it.
Unless someone tells you there is another option, you may never know you have one.
Aquamation vs. Traditional Veterinary Cremation
The biggest question isn't necessarily whether the cremation was arranged through a veterinarian.
The important question is which process will actually be used.
Traditional flame cremation uses fire and combustion.
Cremation by Water uses water.
Aquamation generally produces mineral remains that are lighter and more naturally bone-colored than remains produced through flame cremation.
Families may also receive up to approximately 20% more of their pet's mineral remains back through Aquamation compared with traditional flame cremation.
For some families, those differences significantly influence their decision.
Can I Ask My Veterinarian to Release My Pet to Another Provider?
You can tell your veterinary clinic that you have selected a different pet aftercare provider and ask what arrangements are needed.
Ideally, make this decision before authorizing cremation through the veterinary clinic.
Once your pet has been transferred to another provider or the cremation process has begun, changing arrangements may no longer be possible.
If Cremation by Water is important to you, communicate that preference as early as possible.
Can I Arrange Cremation Before My Pet Passes Away?
Yes.
In fact, researching your options beforehand can make an extremely difficult day somewhat easier.
If your pet is elderly, receiving hospice care, or approaching the end of life, you can contact a pet crematory ahead of time.
You can learn about:
Private aftercare
Cremation by Water
Transportation
Pricing
Urns
Clay paw impressions
Ink paw prints
Ink nose prints
Fur keepsakes
Return of your pet's remains
You don't have to make every decision in advance.
Simply knowing whom you want to call can help.
Is Going Directly to a Pet Crematory Less Expensive?
It can be.
Prices and services vary among veterinary hospitals and pet crematories.
When a veterinarian coordinates cremation, the amount charged by the veterinary clinic may differ from what a crematory charges families who contact it directly.
Rather than comparing price alone, ask what is included in each option.
You should understand the complete cost and the complete service.
What Should I Ask a Pet Crematory Before Choosing One?
Before making your decision, consider asking:
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What type of cremation do you perform?
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Do you offer Cremation by Water?
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Is private aftercare available?
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How will my pet be identified?
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Where will my pet actually be cared for?
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Do you perform the process at your own facility?
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How long does the process take?
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What will my pet's remains look like?
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How will the remains be returned?
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What memorial keepsakes are available?
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Is transportation available?
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What is the complete price?
A provider should be willing to explain the process clearly.
Where Can I Choose Pet Aquamation Near Atlanta?
Soothing Streams Pet Services provides Cremation by Water for pets from our Lawrenceville, Georgia location, serving families throughout Metro Atlanta.
Families searching for pet cremation near me, pet Aquamation near me, dog cremation near me, cat cremation near me, or pet cremation Atlanta can contact Soothing Streams directly.
We serve families throughout Lawrenceville, Suwanee, Duluth, Buford, Johns Creek, Alpharetta, Atlanta, and surrounding communities.
Your Veterinarian Is Part of Your Pet's Care, But the Final Choice Is Yours
Veterinarians play an incredibly important role throughout our pets' lives.
They care for them when they're sick.
They help keep them healthy.
And they often help families through the difficult final moments of a pet's life.
Choosing your own aftercare provider does not diminish that relationship.
It simply means you are making the final aftercare decision for your companion.
You can appreciate and trust your veterinarian while still choosing a different pet crematory or a different cremation process.
Up Until Now, You May Not Have Known
For many years, families simply accepted whichever pet cremation arrangements were presented to them.
Often, they didn't know there were alternatives.
Today there are.
You can choose your pet crematory.
You can contact the provider directly.
You can ask questions about exactly what happens to your pet.
And you can choose water instead of fire.
Gentle Cremation by Water
Soothing Streams Pet Services specializes in Cremation by Water, also known as Aquamation, for dogs, cats, and many other beloved companion animals.
If your pet has passed away, or you're planning ahead and researching pet cremation near you, contact Soothing Streams directly.
We'll explain the process, answer your questions, and help you understand your options.
Your veterinarian can help guide you. But your pet's aftercare choice belongs to you.