Do You Have A Cemetery? 

In most areas of the country there are pet cemeteries which provide burial services, however, in Oregon and Southwest Washington the choices are very limited. The Oregon Humane Society operates the only pet cemetery in our area and they can be reached at (503) 285-7722. Some cemeteries outside the metropolitan area allow pet burials and you can call Dignified Pet Services for more information about those. 

Although we do not operate a pet cemetery, we are interested in the possibility of developing one in the future. If you have ideas about a pet cemetery or would like to share your thoughts, please do so, we would appreciate your comments. 

 

Can I Bury My Companion At Home? 

Home burial is an option available to many. Most jurisdictions allow home burial but may have certain restrictions. Dignified Pet Services maintains an up-to-date list of all nearby jurisdictions, their regulations and contact information. We also offer a complete line of burial supplies such as caskets and grave markers.  

 

Do You Offer Euthanasia Services? 

Euthanasia must be performed by a licensed veterinarian or certified medical staff. Many families have reservations about euthanizing their pet at a clinic or hospital especially if their pet has strong anxiety or phobias about visits to the Veterinarian. There are other alternatives to clinic euthanasia. First ask your regular veterinarian if he or she is able to do a home euthanasia for your pet when the time is right. There are also several mobile veterinarians in the area that can come to your home or meet you here at our facility. Euthanasia in a more private environment is often times more intimate and calming for you and your pet. Dignified Pet Services offers our Family Comfort Room for euthanasia at no charge for you and your veterinarian. Please call if you need help locating a mobile Veterinarian or if you would like to schedule euthanasia in our comfort room.

  

What types of Cremation are available? 

Private: The term "Private Cremation" means that your pet will be kept separate from other animals at all times during the cremation process. The ashes, also, will be kept separate and returned to you in our complementary urn. This is a dignified process and your pet's privacy is assured at all times. 

General/Communal: "General" or "Communal" cremation implies that your pet is cremated along with other animals and the ashes are not returned to you. Your pet's ashes are not separated from the others. Your veterinarian can help you with this service and will be able to tell you where the ashes go following the cremation. Each crematory has their own policy as to the disposition of ashes from general/communal cremation. 

How Do I Know I'm Getting The Right Ashes Back? 

Over the years, that has been one of the largest issues surrounding cremation for humans as well as pets. The answer is simple, only work with a professional cremation service provider that you feel you can trust. Dignified Pet Services has an "Open Door Policy" and encourages tours of our facility, including our state of the art crematory. If you're concerned about the correct ashes, always ask where the cremation is handled and if you prefer, ask to speak with the certified crematory operator. You should be allowed to see the crematory if you choose. Some families even prefer to witness placement into the crematory. 

Dignified Pet Services maintains a permanent record of all cremations we handle. Every cremation process is issued a record number, which becomes a part of our permanent file and each cremation is handled with care and respect at all times. We want you to have confidence in our service and as members of the human funeral service profession, we apply the same dignified procedures to pet aftercare as we do with human aftercare. 

How Much Does Cremation Cost? 

Pet cremation is generally priced according to the size of the pet. Dignified Pet Services offers basic "Private Cremation" ranging from $65 to $195.00.  

Can I bring My Pet To You Myself? 

Absolutely, anyone can transport their own pet and sometimes there is wonderful therapy in providing some of the care yourself. Whether your pet dies at home, a clinic or pet hospital, you are always welcome and highly encouraged to take an active role in the process.  However, if you prefer, we can transport for you with our "pet size" hearse.

What If My Pet Dies At Home? 

We can come to your home within the Portland/Salem and Vancouver area anytime. Our phones are always answered and we are available 24 hours per day for emergency service. 

Do You Work With My Veterinarian? 

We are happy to work with any veterinarian, some even prefer to work with us exclusively. It would not be possible for us to provide all the cremation and burial services to all veterinarians; therefore, we have focused our efforts toward serving the pet owners who appreciate high quality service and the veterinarians who appreciate our professionalism and wide range of services. We are much more than a pet crematory, we are a full service aftercare provider available as a resource to any pet owner or veterinarian. All veterinarians in the area are aware of our services and will be accommodating to your needs if you ask for us. 

How Far Will You Travel? 

We consider our "Home Territory" to be the greater Portland/Vancouver metropolitan area. If we travel outside of our area, the charge is $3.00 per mile, one way. If you live outside our area and would like to bring your pet companion to us, we offer scheduled cremation services seven days per week. 

Can I Scatter My Pet's Ashes? 

Yes, you have the option of scattering. Many people like to scatter ashes in one of their pet's favorite areas or possibly a garden. Remember, however, that scattering is an irreversible decision. Most people who scatter prefer to keep a small portion of the ashes. This small portion may be placed in a keepsake urn, a wind chime urn, or even a memorial locket. A "place of memorial" can be quite comforting, so take special time in making decisions about scattering.