Frequently asked questions about pet cremation
We’ve compiled the most frequently asked questions about the cremation process and the general procedure below. We’re available to help you at any time if you have any questions or concerns.
What should I do, if my pet dies?
Depending on the size of the animal, we recommend to bed it on a blanket, in a basket or cardboard box, and possibly lining it with plastic. Decide between a pet crematorium, pet cemetery, or collection point. If you choose the Dicentra pet crematorium, you can find out more about the process here. If you are unsure about your cat’s identification, have the microchip read by us, your veterinarian, or the police. Deregister your pet from municipality, Amicus or ANIS within 10 days, and cancel any insurance.
Animals up to 10 kg may be buried on your own property if there is no spring, drinking water reservoir or groundwater protection area nearby. To protect the body from wild animals, it should be covered by a layer of earth at least 80 cm thick.
You may bury the ashes on your own property. For burial in a cemetery or in a family grave, please contact the respective municipality.
The duration of the cremation includes cooling the ashes, which takes approximately 15 to 30 minutes, and filling the container. For cats, you can expect 1.5 to 2 hours. For dogs weigh 20 kg or more, you should allow at least 2.5 hours. However, the actual cremation time depends heavily on the body type and varies accordingly.
In principle, we can cremate any pet or farm animal, as our cremation furnaces are designed for animals up to 125 kg.
Cremation ashes contain some ash and bones. These are ground to the size of granules. The proportion of bone depends on the physique of the animal and is individual. For recognizing the cremation ashes as such, we do not grind the bones into dust.
Of course, you are not limited to our range and can bring us a container that suits you and your pet.
Once we receive your order, it usually takes only 4-6 business days for you to pick up the ashes from our premises or receive them in your mailbox. If you don’t want to wait, the process can be completed in one day. However, this requires your presence at the crematorium.
You can pick up the urn from us, or we can send it carefully packaged to your home or veterinary practice. For various reasons, we only ship urns by registered mail upon express request. You will find a corresponding checkbox on our order form.
Immediately after pickup or delivery, your loved one will receive a firebrick with a unique number. The stone remains with the body at all times – before, during, and after cremation. The stone’s number is checked at every step of the process to ensure no mix-ups can occur.
If you do not expressly wish the implant to be handed over, it will be removed from the ashes and disposed of.
To avoid disturbing the mourners, we are refraining from spontaneous visits. However, you can use Google Street View to get a glimpse into the cemetery. Private individuals, clubs, or veterinary practices are welcome to participate in scheduled group tours.
Regional carcass collection points are connected to the municipality and are construed for animals up to 200 kg. Information is available on your municipality’s website or by telephone.