For decades, families in Pennsylvania have trusted Paoli VetCare with their pets. Through thick and thin, sickness and health, Paoli vets and staff have been committed to providing the care your furry friends deserve. Our little companions hold a special place in all of our hearts, which is why it can be tough when itâs time to say goodbye.
Pet cremation is a compassionate option for saying goodbye to our beloved pets. Paoli Vetcare emphasizes dignity and care during this time. We know that the love, joy, and comfort your pets bring you are immeasurable, and losing a cherished dog or cat can be devastating for the entire family. We are here to support you.
What is pet cremation?
Pet Burials and Funerals – Cremation is the First Step
Why choose pet cremation?
There are emotional and practical benefits to pet cremation. Paoli VetCare supports pet owners throughout every step of the process, from the initial conversation to options and decisions.
Cremation is a practical and respectful method of handling your petâs remains. It ensures your petâs body is given the utmost care, and may be a better option for some families than traditional burial methods.
Pet owners and their families look at pets as members of the family. Losing a pet is a solemn experience, and cremation is a way to memorialize your companion respectfully. We want to give your furry friend the respect they deserve after a joyful life. We provide access to aftercare services, cremation and burial options, and services performed on-site. We take care of handling, transportation, and shipment, and we can arrange pickup from our facility.
Choose an urn or burial marker, including customizable urns that can proudly display the name of your loved one. Speak with us privately to discuss your options.
Respect and Dignity
Cremation is a deeply personal decision. The choice to commit to pet cremation is influenced by the love you and your family have for your pet. Itâs a way to express your respect for your petâs life, enhancing your bond by keeping their remains close. This is often seen as a testament to their life, companionship, and joy, by honoring them uniquely and visibly.
Convenience
Pet cremation services are a convenient and environmentally friendly option compared to a traditional burial. Cremation doesnât require land or space, and can be beneficial if you do not live close to a pet cemetery. Itâs also an eco-conscious choice because your petâs body wonât release any harmful chemicals into the soil, and instead, their cremated remains will stay with you at a place of your choice.
We can help you explore keepsakes and memorials to honor your pet
Pet cremation allows families the opportunity to preserve beautiful memories. Remains can be kept in a special place in the home, such as in an urn or wooden box, to feel a sense of closeness even after theyâve passed. Keepsakes and memorials grant your pet a ceremonial role in the home, especially if you keep their collar or a photo nearby. Memorials provide comfort and solace to pet owners, helping the grieving process through tangible remembrances of a familyâs beloved pet.
Pet cremation is a personalized process that may work better for your familyâs wishes and needs. You can choose to be present during the cremation process, and say your goodbyes in private, granting your beloved pet a final dignity. This can give you and your family a sense of closure, offering additional comfort during a challenging time.
The decision for pet cremation comes from a place of love and respect. Itâs difficult to acknowledge that your beloved pet is gone, but that doesnât mean you canât honor them and keep a piece of them close by.
Frequently asked questions
How is a Dog or Cat Cremated?
At Paoli Vetcare, the remains are carefully placed in a pet cremation unit and subjected to high temperatures of 1400-1800 degrees Fahrenheit. The intense heat reduces the body to dust and brittle bones.
Next, the cremains are pulverized to get a coarse powder with a uniform consistencyâusually pale white in color. However, the color may vary due to certain medications or health issues. The ashes are then poured in a sealed plastic bag, placed in a wooden box, and finally, returned to the owner. Having received your pet’s ashes you may choose to scatter, store, transfer to another container, or bury them.
When held and caressed, the hand-sculpted vessel takes you to that good and special place of unconditional love that endures forever and allows you to honor and remember a beloved friend who is no longer by your side.
What happens during pet cremation?
Your petâs body will be placed in a small chamber, where heat is introduced that reduces it to a sandy ash. Their remains are placed in a plastic bag following further directions, such as an urn or box. The process takes a few days, but your petâs ashes should be returned to you within a week or two.
How long does it take to receive my petâs ashes?
The waiting process depends on the crematory and the size of your pet. Depending on your pet, cremation can take 30 minutes to many hours. Once the process is finished, your petâs ashes will be returned to you in a few days or weeks.
Is cremation better than burial?
There are environmental benefits to choosing cremation instead of burial, but ultimately, the choice is up to the pet owner. Cremation may be a better choice for those who wish for their pet to remain nearby, as the memorial aspect of keeping a petâs remains can help with the grieving process. How much is pet cremation? Reach out to Paoli today for more information about pricing, process, and what to expect.
Options for Aftercare
Private onsite cremation and return of your petâs ashes
Private onsite cremation is intimate, timely, and ensures that a familyâs final wishes are observed. The level of privacy afforded by Paoli is second-to-none, and we return your petâs ashes for a meaningful home farewell. Paoli VetCareâs trusted and compassionate care allows you to honor your petâs memory while preserving their final moments.
Home burial
Aside from cremation, pet home burial is an option. Paoli VetCare can help families choose the most meaningful option, whether you wish to spread their cremains in a private place, or bury their body in a more traditional style.
Burial in a pet cemetery with a marked grave
Some pet owners have the luxury of a pet cemetery burial, especially if there is a local pet cemetery nearby or a place that means something to you and your family. Pet cemeteries can carry the permanence of a traditional burial, with the ability to visit a marked grave with flowers and treats. Pet cemetery burials can offer a sense of closure for some pet owners, and Paoliâs staff can guide families through this process by coordinating respectful aftercare services.
Group or communal cremation
This budget-friendly option may be necessary for some owners who require a respectful yet simple farewell to their companion(s). Paoli VetCare ensures dignity and compassion during this process, regardless of what option you choose. We can help you explore pet cremation pricing and other financing options regardless of your budget.
Scatter ashes
How the ashes are treated is a symbolic and heartfelt way to honor a petâs memory. If youâve never gone through the cremation process before, you may have seen iterations on television or in film, where families scatter the ashes of their loved one to represent a peaceful release.
Forests, lakes, oceans, and open fields are all meaningful places, and some owners may choose to gradually release the cremains of their beloved pet in spots they frequented together. Paoli VetCare can help families explore meaningful options for a personal, heartfelt tribute. Contact us today to explore your memorial options.
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What Our Customers Say
Weâve been clients of PVC for over twenty years. Weâve been through tough times over these years with the loss of our Goldenâs. Dr. Jay Rowan has always been professional, kind and caring. Our new lab rescue loves his visits! PVC Rocks!
We have been taking our current and previous cats there for over 20 years. Very thoughtful and professional care.
We love Paoli Vetcare. Weâve never received mediocre service ever. Staff was amazing when we had to put our Benny to sleep & have always been amazing to all our dogs
Meet our team of vets for Phoenixville, PA
Come in today and meet our team.

Jay Rowan, VMD

Dr. Erin Downes
Dr. Erin Downes is a pet enthusiast and an educator and one of Paoli Vetcareâs greatest strengths. A lifelong lover of animals, Erin has spent three decades putting pets first.



