Dog Cremation & Memorial Services


Dogs are believed to be the first animal to be domesticated by man and have become our most loyal and trusted companions. Recent studies estimate that 24% of the UK adult population have a dog - which means there are nearly 9 million living with us!

When we lose our beloved pet dog, it can be heart-breaking. There is arguably no greater human-animal bond (cat and other pet owners may disagree) and there are many ways to commemorate your dog’s life and friendship. 

Dog Cremation Services

At PCS we offer two types of canine cremation for your beloved pet dog.

Individual cremations ensure that your dog is cremated alone within a clean enclosed chamber. You are guaranteed that the ashes you receive or are placed into our memorial garden, will be all and only those of your beloved dog.

A communal cremation is the second option available to you. This means that your pet will be cremated with a small group of others, as there is no separation of pets in this process you will not receive any ashes back from a communal cremation. 

Both cremations are carried out with the utmost respect and care, and there is no right or wrong choice.

Find out more about individual cremation

Our Pet Remembrance Book

Our remembrance book is one way of giving your dog a loving tribute. You can add your own message to the many other remembrances.

We have many messages for pet dogs from loving owners and it is easy to see the amazing difference ‘man’s best friend’ has made to so many of our lives.

Dog Memorials

Memorialising your pet dog is something that some people will want to do while others may wish to simply cherish fond memories and have no desire for a physical reminder. As with the grieving process, this is unique to the individual pet owner.

We have a number of ways to memorialise your pet dog which are contained within the shop and services sections of this website.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

It is often difficult to process information at a time of grief and PCS are here to provide clear, expert advice about the cremation options available in your time of need. Please do not hesitate to contact us. Many people find themselves in this position for the first time or have only just become aware of pet cremation services.

Here are a few frequently asked questions and answers:

 

Q: How does dog cremation work?

A: Please see our services section for more information on the process of our pet cremation and memorial services.

 

Q: I have a very big dog, will this be OK?

A: We have helped pet owners with most large breeds of dog so there will not be a problem. If you have concerns, please contact us.

 

Q: Can I collect ashes from a communal cremation?

A: No, as members of the IAOPCC (International Association Of Pet Cemeteries & Crematories) we do not present ashes from any communal cremations due to the co-mingling of ashes within the chamber. The key reason is out of respect for other owners.

 

Q: Can I arrange cremation through my vet?

A: Typically 'yes', most veterinary centres will have an arrangement with pet crematoria so that they can handle this for you. 

 

Q: What do I do if my dog dies at home?

A: Although your personal situation and beliefs may shape the end-of-life process for your pet, your two main options are burial and cremation. Discussing an end-of-life plan with your veterinary practice can be a good opportunity to understand your options and make decisions that might become more difficult with time. This also allows you time to ask any questions, sign consent forms and feel more confident and clearheaded in your decision-making.

In situations where the loss is unexpected, you still have many options. Will you want to stay with your pet’s body for while or would you like to arrange for the body to be collected immediately? Pre-payment for cremation fees can also be an option where you can avoid dealing with “business matters” during a sensitive time.

Whether you choose the burial or cremation option, you can choose to take the pet’s body directly to the crematorium yourself or your veterinary practice might be able to arrange to collect the body with their own transport. If you choose to take the pet’s body to the crematorium yourself, it is important to ensure that you line your car seat or boot with a protective material to avoid any leakage of body fluid.

Finally, perhaps consider arranging support in advance to help to ease the pain, for instance, making plans with a close family member or friend who can provide physical and emotional support.

 

If you couldn't find the answers you were looking for, please view more of our FAQ's
 

Dog Bereavement Support and Charities

We understand the emotional journey that pet owners will go through on the loss of their pet. There are a number of helpful websites that are available:

Help & Support:

Dog Charities:

 

A message from PCS

Always remember that there is no right or wrong way to feel when you lose your beloved dog. Just as your dog was unique to you, your feelings around pet loss are unique and everyone grieves in their own way. 

Find your local pet crematorium