Preparing for your cremation services appointment

Yes. Free parking is available on the street and in our private lot, located a few doors south of our building at Mateo Street and E 7th Place. You'll find a parking map in your appointment confirmation email. When you arrive, a member of our team will greet you and escort you to your private Comfort Room.

There’s no special way you need to prepare your pet for the trip. You’re welcome to gently wrap them in a favorite towel or blanket, or bring them in a pet bed, carrier, or box. Whatever feels most comfortable for you is perfectly fine.

There's no need to rush. Some families spend several hours or even overnight with their pet at home, taking time to say goodbye. Your pet's body will naturally go through some changes after death. Most are normal, and we're always happy to explain what to expect. In the meantime, keep your pet in a cool area of your home. You can also gently clean their fur if there has been any soiling.

We're happy to help. Simply pull up in front of our entrance and come inside to let us know you've arrived. We'll help bring your pet in using a stretcher or other assistance if needed, and care for them while you park your car.

A member of our team will greet you at the door and escort you and your pet to a private Comfort Room. We'll answer any questions you may have, then give you time alone with your pet. If you'd prefer someone to stay with you, we're happy to do that, too.

The Comfort Room is yours for a full hour. If you'd like more time, an additional hour can be arranged for a fee.

This time is entirely yours to spend however feels right. You might simply want to be with your pet, or you may choose to create something meaningful at our memorial station. Gather a wildflower bouquet, write a letter, create artwork, or raise a champagne toast in your pet's honor. You're welcome to stay for the full hour or leave whenever you're ready.

Yes. You're welcome to leave a favorite blanket, toy, flowers, letters, or other meaningful items with your pet. These items can stay with them until it's time for cremation. Please know that personal items cannot go through the water cremation process, and we're unable to return anything left in our care with your pet.

With individual water cremation, your pet is placed in their own dedicated basket throughout the entire process, ensuring their ashes remain separate from those of other pets. Their ashes are then carefully prepared and returned to you in our Honor Box, along with a collection of meaningful keepsakes. This is the option to choose if you'd like your pet's ashes returned to you.

With communal water cremation, pets are cremated together, and their ashes are not returned to their families. Instead, their ashes are personally scattered by our founder, Dr. Shea Cox, at Little Whiskers, a private 10-acre hilltop nature preserve. You can learn more about Little Whiskers and see where your pet's ashes will be scattered at mylittlewhiskers.com

Water cremation, also known as aquamation or alkaline hydrolysis, is a gentle, environmentally friendly alternative to traditional flame cremation. Instead of fire, it uses a combination of water, gentle heat, and alkalinity. The process uses significantly less energy, produces no direct emissions from combustion, and returns approximately 20% more ashes than flame cremation. The ashes look and feel much like those from traditional cremation, although they're typically lighter in color and finer in texture.

For families who choose individual water cremation, your pet's ashes are returned in our Honor Box, along with a collection of thoughtfully chosen keepsakes:

• Your pet's ashes in a scatter tube urn
• A clipping of your pet's fur
• A digital nose print
• A beeswax candle
• Forget-me-not seeds
• A memorial tree planted in your pet's honor

The Honor Box and its contents are designed with sustainability in mind, using recycled materials, soy-based inks, and other thoughtfully selected materials whenever possible.

Yes. In addition to the keepsakes included in your Honor Box, our online store offers a thoughtfully selected collection of urns, memorial jewelry, and other ways to remember your pet. After your appointment, you'll receive a link to explore the available options. We wait three days before beginning cremation, giving you time to consider what feels right without having to make these decisions during your visit.

For individual water cremation, your pet's ashes are typically ready within 14 days. If you've ordered a personalized memorial item, such as an engraved urn or memorial jewelry, it may take a little longer. We'll let you know as soon as everything is ready.

Yes. Pet loss support is available at no cost to all Honor Pet families. We offer weekly virtual support groups led by Amy, our licensed clinical social worker who specializes in pet loss. Groups are intentionally kept small, giving everyone the opportunity to share, listen, or simply be there with others who understand. Individual support is also available if you'd prefer a private, one-on-one conversation.

Yes. Children are always welcome in our Comfort Rooms. We recommend talking with children beforehand about what to expect, using honest, age-appropriate language. Words like "death" and "dying" are often less confusing than saying a pet has "gone to sleep." Children are welcome to participate in whatever way feels comfortable. They might sit with their pet, draw a picture, write a note, or simply be nearby. Every child responds differently. Some cry, some ask lots of questions, and others move in and out of the moment. All of these responses are perfectly normal.

Absolutely. Other pets are welcome to join you in our Comfort Room. Many families choose to bring their pet's companions along so they can be part of the goodbye, too.

Absolutely. You're welcome to include the people who have been part of your pet's life. Some families prefer a quiet, private goodbye, while others gather children, grandparents, friends, and neighbors. We've welcomed groups of up to 12 people in our Comfort Rooms. Whether you come alone or bring a room full of loved ones, this time is yours.

If someone important can't be there in person, they're welcome to join by phone or video call. They can also be part of the goodbye in other meaningful ways, such as writing a letter, sharing a favorite photo, sending flowers, or having a message read aloud or placed with your pet.