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Caring for Your Pet’s Body and Shipping for Cremation
When a beloved animal dies, it can be hard to know what to do next. This guide is designed to help you take calm, practical steps while honoring your pet’s body and your own feelings. On this page, you will find a simple checklist for what to do right away, clear instructions for preparing and packaging your pet if shipping is needed, and information about pickup or drop‑off options. If at any point these steps feel overwhelming, you can pause, call us, and we will help you move through them one at a time.
Immediate Steps After Your Pet Has Passed
You do not need to rush. Once you feel ready, these steps can help you care for your pet’s body and prepare for cremation.
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Pickup, Drop‑Off, and Shipping Options
Veterinary Clinic Coordination
If your pet passes at a veterinary clinic, you can request that Pet Cremations handle cremation. With your permission, your clinic may hold your pet in cold storage until our team arrives. We coordinate transport, documentation, and chain‑of‑custody directly with the clinic, reducing the number of steps you need to manage. We will confirm details with you by phone or email, including timelines and how you would like your pet’s ashes returned.
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We’re so sorry for your loss. Please share a few details below when you’re ready, and we’ll help guide you through the next steps to honor your beloved companion with care and respect.
At‑Home Pickup
For many families, at‑home pickup feels gentler and less stressful. In selected areas within the world, our team can come directly to your home to receive your pet. We will confirm a time window, explain how to prepare your pet before we arrive, and review any paperwork that needs to be signed. Our staff will arrive in an unmarked vehicle whenever possible to protect your privacy. Same‑day or next‑day pickup may be available depending on the time of day and distance; we will always be honest about what is feasible.
Packaging Instructions Summary
For your peace of mind and to comply with carrier rules, please follow these packaging steps closely. A full printable guide is also available below.
Place your pet’s body in a thick, leak‑resistant plastic bag and secure it tightly (knot, zip‑tie, and tape).
Add absorbent material (pee pads, disposable diapers, or towels) in a second bag and place the first bag on top.
Double‑ or triple‑check for any tears; seal with
duct tape.
Freeze your pet for 24–48 hours, along with multiple gel freezer packs.
Place the frozen, bagged body and frozen packs into a sturdy hard‑sided cooler sized appropriately for your pet’s weight (about 1 quart per pound).
Place the completed authorization form in a sealed zip‑lock bag on top.
Duct‑tape the cooler closed and place it in a cardboard shipping box, if required by your carrier.
Affix any required labels (such as UN3373) and secure addresses clearly with clear packing tape.
Shipping Your Pet to Our Facility
If you live outside our immediate service area, you may ship your pet’s remains to Pet Cremations for cremation. We will provide you with detailed packaging instructions, including how to double‑bag your pet, use absorbent materials, freeze the body for 24–48 hours, and place everything in a hard‑sided cooler or insulated container to prevent leaks. We recommend using sealed gel packs instead of ice cubes, and choosing a major carrier that allows animal diagnostic specimens (such as UPS, FedEx, or USPS). When asked about contents, you can state: “Animal diagnostic specimens, Biological Substance Category B, UN3373,” which is an accepted designation for properly packaged remains. Once shipped, you will receive tracking details and an estimated arrival time so you know when your pet has reached our care.
Chain of Custody, Tracking & Notifications
We understand how important it is to know that your pet stays safely identified throughout the process. When your pet arrives—through pickup, drop‑off, or shipping—we assign a unique ID tag that remains with them from intake through cremation and packaging. Each step is logged by our staff, and we perform verification checks before and after cremation. For shipped pets, we notify you when your pet reaches our facility, when cremation is scheduled, and when ashes are ready or in transit back to you. Your return package will be trackable, and you will receive a cremation certificate with your pet’s name, date of cremation, and ID number for your records.
PDF / Printable Instruction Sheet Copy
Prefer a simple printout to keep nearby? Our step‑by‑step care and shipping guide covers immediate actions, body preparation, packaging, and carrier tips in a clear, one‑page format. You can share it with family members or your veterinary clinic.
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Safety, Legal, and Carrier Guidelines
To protect you, carriers, and our staff, we follow safety standards for handling and transporting deceased animals. Carriers generally require leak‑proof packaging, proper labeling, and clear contact information, and may restrict shipments based on size, weight, and destination.
International shipping, if available, may involve additional paperwork, customs rules, and longer timelines; please contact us directly to confirm what is possible for your location. We do not recommend shipping if your pet is extremely large or if weather conditions make safe transit difficult. Laws and regulations may vary by state and country, so the information on this page is general in nature and not legal advice. For specific guidance, please consult your local authorities or call us.
Short disclaimer line (can appear at bottom of page):
“This information is for general guidance only and may not reflect all local, state, or carrier regulations. Please confirm requirements with Pet Cremations, your veterinarian, and your chosen carrier
before shipping.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Care and Shipping
How long can I wait before arranging cremation?
In most cases, your pet’s body should be kept cool and cremation arranged within 24–72 hours. Refrigeration or freezing can extend this timeframe safely; ask us if you are unsure.Yes, freezing for 24–48 hours helps preserve your pet’s body and reduces the risk of leaks during transit. Follow our packaging instructions and confirm with your carrier.
Many families use UPS, FedEx, or USPS for properly packaged animal diagnostic specimens, but each carrier has its own rules. Always verify current policies before shipping.
We send a confirmation message when your pet is checked into our facility, including the date and your pet’s unique ID number. You can contact us at any time for an update.
In many parts of the world, we offer home and clinic pickup, sometimes with same‑day or next‑day options. Call us at 307-487-9487 to confirm availability for your specific location.
Most pets are cremated and ready for return within [X–Y] business days of arrival, with additional time for shipping. We’ll give you a realistic timeframe once we know your situation.
Do your best, and then contact us. We can often suggest safe alternatives or work with you and your veterinarian to find a solution that respects both safety and your needs.
In many cases, small items can be included, but they may not be returned after cremation. Please speak with us first so we can explain what is safe and allowed.