FAQs
Below is a list of some of the questions we get asked most frequently. If you have a question that isn't answered below, feel free to give us a call and we'll be happy to assist you.
- Can I prepare in advance?
- If I choose to have my pet cremated, can I change my mind and have them buried instead?
- When can I visit my pet’s gravesite?
- May I view the cremation of my pet?
- If my pet is cremated, how can I be sure I have their remains?
- May I view my pet at Garden of the Pines?
- If my pet passes away at the veterinary clinic, may I take their body home?
- Why should I choose Garden of the Pines?
- What should I do if my pet passes away after office hours or during the evening?
- What should I do if my pet dies at home?
- Do you offer pick-up services?
- Can I bury my pet in my backyard?
- Is grieving normal for the loss of a pet?
Yes, we highly encourage having a plan in place before it is necessary. Losing a pet can be extremely difficult and pre-planning can save you from a lot of added anxiety and stress. No one wants to lose a pet but making arrangements in advance can ease some of the heartbreak.
Yes, you can change your pet’s arrangements up to two hours before the process is set to take place. You can also choose to cremate instead of bury. We want pet-owners to feel comfortable with their pet’s care, so we are flexible with your wishes and will work with you to find the best option for your family.
Garden of the Pines is open during all daylight hours.
We allow pet-owners to be present and watch their pet go in, but we do not allow pet-owners to watch the entire cremation process.
If you choose to cremate your pet, they will be provided with a tag and information card that will stay with them for the entire process. You will be given a tagged urn or another container that identifies your pet. We ionly perform private cremations so you can trust that the remains you receive belong to you.
Yes, call our office to schedule a time for you to view your pet.
Yes, your pet’s remains legally belong to you and so you are entitled to them.
Garden of the Pines has been serving the community since 1957 and we are committed to providing pets and their families with personalized, compassionate care both in life and in death. We offer families the respect and consideration that this difficult time requires.
We offer after-hours pickup up until 9:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday and 9:00 AM - 3:00PM Sunday and Monday. When pick-up is not available, we suggest that you wrap your pet up in a plastic bag and place them in a cool place like a freezer or ice chest. You may also arrange to drop off your pet when it is most convenient for you by simply calling our office.
Call Garden of the Pines to determine a pick-up time and discuss final arrangements.
Yes, we provide pick-up services from your veterinarian’s office or home during normal office hours. We also offer after-hours pick-up to 9:00 PM Tuesday through Saturday and 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM Sunday and Monday.
Yes, you can legally bury your pet in your backyard. However, if you decide to move, it can be incredibly difficult to exhume your pet’s body. Garden of the Pines currently has about 8,000 pets laid to rest in our 21 acres of land. This is a central location that will never require you to disturb your pet’s remains once they are laid to rest.
Yes, all life is sacred and deserves to be remembered no matter what the external packaging might look like, so it normal to grieve for a life that was intertwined with our own. Remember, there isn’t a time limit on grieving. There are several local groups that meet monthly for grieving pet parents. To learn more about these groups, call us and we can put you in touch.