Cremation
In most cultures, cremation is the preferred rite to let go of a body. The primary difference between cremation and burial is the speed of transformation. Fire, being one of the primary Absolute Elements allows for the highest level of purification. Cremation becomes the most beautiful ritual for expressing the ephemeral body and the eternity of spiritual life. In native cultures, cremation is also the most complete symbol of life and death, as birth comes in as a spark of life, the Vital Spirit, and so Fire becomes the symbolic reversal to set the spirit free. Cremation also makes possible a greater variety of memorializing our beloved, placing their remains in the natural environments we shared and enjoyed during their lifetime.
Rob, Jordan, Craig & Ariana, are the cremators for the Animal Soul. Cremators are also known as “gatekeepers” and hold a very specific place in the community. It is their responsibility to ensure a respectful and safe practice of preparation and cremation. Over the years we have taken the time to stop and focus on how we can bring yet another layer of consciousness to our work.
Asking these men what it is like to do this work, what brings purpose to how they care for the animals, is one way we stay awake and attuned to the process.
Rob’s purpose is driven by the sense of peace and groundedness he feels when he is cremating. “It is a humble honor to be the last human to assist them as they transform. Helping their spirit and physical bodies leave this existence reminds me of how precious every moment of life really is.”
When Jordan is cremating, he is driven by the energy of the life that was lived by this animal and the connection it had to their family. “The moments when I am cremating bring a hyper awareness, a connection to the weight of what I am doing, everything else is blocked out except the significance of this animal’s life and the memories they shared with their family.”
PRIVATE CREMATION
Your pet will be privately cremated, by themselves, with our Animal Spirit™ ID Disk and their sole cremains will be returned to you. Each private cremation is returned in our unique, treasure chest style box, with a signed and dated card certifying private cremation with your pet's name and date of passing. If you choose, we will be happy to clip a portion of your pet's fur and include it in the urn. Their fur will be placed in a small bag just next to their ashes. We also offer a clay paw impression we make by hand, of one of your beloved’s front paws for a small additional fee. Your pet's ashes will normally be ready within 24-48 hours. The cost for this service ranges depending on the size of each pet, from $80 to $325.
FAMILY ATTENDED PRIVATE CREMATION
For those who wish to be present and say a final goodbye before the cremation process begins, we offer our Family Attended Cremation. This option is scheduled at a specific time and your pet’s ashes will be ready within 3 hours depending on the size of your pet. You may wait in our waiting room or some families go for a walk at a nearby park. The cost of this service ranges from $335 - $395 and includes a clay paw impression.
COMMUNAL CREMATION
During a Communal Cremation, your pet will be cremated together with other pets and the ashes will not be returned to you. All cremains are scattered in a beautiful setting on a farm in Pennsylvania. The cost of this service ranges from $50-$175.
TRANSPORTATION
We can provide transportation of your pet from your home or veterinarians office for either private or communal cremation service. Fees range depending upon location and time of day. Transportation is available 7 days a week.