Frequently Asked Questions

Coping with the loss of a pet is a deeply personal process, and it's natural to have many questions about memorializing them. The questions about pet urns and the cremation process generally fall into a few key categories:

1. Choosing the Right Size and Capacity

• What size urn do I need for my pet?
• The general rule of thumb is that you need 1 cubic inch of urn capacity for every 1 pound of your pet's body weight. For example, a dog that weighed 10 pounds before passing needs an urn with at least 10 cubic inches of volume.
• What if the urn is too small?
• The urn will not be too small. It has enough cubic inches to hold the ashes of a small- medium-sized breed.
• Can I put the ashes of two pets in one urn?
• Yes, there is enough room to hold 2-3 pet ashes in one urn.

2. Types, Materials, and Personalization

• What types of urns are available for pets?
• Chihuahuas' urns are our initial offering and are available for immediate purchase. Pet Declaration Urns are made from metal with a wide variety of styles. When choosing a head and style of body, you want to hold your pet's ashes.
• How do I choose the best urn for my pet?
• The choice is personal, and you should consider:
• Your pet's facial features. This will help you choose the right fit, so you find something that resembles your pet.
• The urn's final resting place (e.g., a sturdy, permanent material for indoor for permanent display,
• What is a "keepsake" urn?
• Keepsake urns are small vessels or pieces of memorial jewelry designed to hold only a small portion of the ashes. Pet Declaration urn is not a keepsake, but rather a full urn to hold all of your pet's ashes.

3. Pet Cremation Process and Logistics

• Do I have to buy an urn?
• No. Cremated remains can typically be returned in a simple, basic container. You may choose to purchase a memorial urn separately, such as a wooden box. Alternatively, we recommend visiting PetDeclaration.com to order a lifelike urn for your pet's final resting place.
• How do I know the ashes I receive are actually from my pet?
• Reputable cremation providers use a strict "chain of custody" process, which often involves assigning a unique ID tag (like a metal medallion) to your pet that stays with them throughout the entire cremation process to ensure correct identification. You should specifically request a private cremation to ensure your pet is cremated alone and NOT a communal cremation.
• What is the difference between private and communal cremation?
• Private/Individual Cremation: Your pet is cremated alone, and their ashes are returned to you.
• Communal/Group Cremation: Multiple pets are cremated together, and the co-mingled ashes are typically scattered or buried by the service provider, rather than being returned to the owner.
• How long does it take to receive my pet's ashes?
• Typically, 5 to 10 days. You should also receive your PD urn around that time so that you can deliver it to the cremator or veterinarian who may have arranged the cremation.

4. Display and Final Disposition

• Where can I place my pet's urn?
• Common memorial spots include placing the urn on a mantel, shelf, dresser, or nightstand, often accompanied by a photo, collar, or favorite toy.