Question 1

How can I be sure I'm getting my pet's cremains back?

Accepted Answer

The answer is a matter of professionalism, ethic, integrity, and most of all, trust. At Ashes to Ashes, we have an open door policy, which welcomes tours of our facility, including the crematory. We employ an identification process as soon as your pet comes into our care. It is checked at each step to ensure the highest level of attention. One of the most important parts of saying goodbye to your beloved pet involves making sure that your pet is properly identified. Please understand that if you stop by without an appointment and we are caring for the needs of those picking up or dropping off, we may not be able to chat long, but know that we welcome your visit.

Question 2

How much will it cost to have my pet cremated and what is included?

Accepted Answer

Please refer to the Services page for specific charges.
A basic urn (white, hard plastic urn)
An identification certificate
We will perform a standard, partitioned semi-private cremation service FREE OF CHARGE for certain licensed service animals.
We accept payment by cash, credit cards and debit cards.

Question 3

Can Ashes to Ashes pick up my pet?

Accepted Answer

Yes, for Private Service only. We are available from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Call us. We can meet you at your home, a veterinarian office, or another location at a time that is convenient for you. Mileage charges will apply; please contact us for a quote. At this time, transportion is not provided for a Semi-private Service.

Question 4

Can Ashes to Ashes bring my pet back to me?

Accepted Answer

If you cannot visit our facility to pick your pet up, we can deliver them to you. Mileage charges will apply. Please contact us for a quote. We can also ship cremains through the postal service.

Question 5

Why does the cost of cremation vary?

Accepted Answer

The service chosen (depending on the degree of privacy desired), and the weight of the pet are factors.
If you have chosen a Private Cremation for your pet, the process will utilize the entire crematory for approximately 3-5 hours. Since most crematories are fired by natural gas or propane, we are sure you understand the relationship between time, fuel and expense.
If you have chosen a Semi-private Cremation for your companion, you are paying for a proportionate use of the crematory space. Because of space considerations, this is only available for pets that weigh less than 50 lbs.

Question 6

How long does a cremation take?

Accepted Answer

The entire cremation process will take between 3-5 hours depending upon the choice of cremation service and the size of the pet being cremated.
If you select a Semi-private service, there may be a few day's delay while we wait for another Semi-private service to arrive.

Question 7

Can my pet's things be cremated with them?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You are welcome to select one or two things that will be placed with them and will remain with them forever. Please understand that we must retain the right to refuse to incinerate some items due to size or flame retardant/chemical content issues.

Question 8

What do cremains look like?

Accepted Answer

Cremains are actually heat calcified bone fragments. They are whitish/grey in color and sometimes may have green or turquoise particulates in them. The color is a result of minerals contained within the bone itself. Most people are surprised to find that they are not just fine dust. The bone fragments are very small and are not offensive to view. The total amount of cremains, usually referred to in cubic inches, is directly related to the size, bone structure and weight of the pet that is cremated.

Question 9

When will my pet's ashes (cremains) be ready to pick up?

Accepted Answer

Because we recognize the need for closure, the cremains can be available for pick up at our office within 48-72 hours. A 24-hour turnaround time is sometimes available. Cremains can be returned to your veterinarian clinic or another location. They may also be mailed to you. There is a fee for transportation or mailing.

Question 10

Can you pick up/drop off my pet from/to my veterinary clinic?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but only for Private Cremation Services. At this time, we cannot officer transportion for Semi-private Services.
Many veterinarians work directly with us and you may request they contact us on your behalf.
You may also call us direct at 207-943-6474. If you go to voicemail but prefer to talk to someone, you may call our backup phone numbers 943-3983 or 943-6361.
We can pick up and/ or return your pet. Mileage fees will apply. Please contact us for a quote.

Question 11

What if my veterinarian uses someone else for cremation services or has a facility of their own?

Accepted Answer

You are not required to use your vet's services or recommendations for cremation. Depending on your relationship, you may work with your vet through this time or you may request a private company, like Ashes to Ashes, handles your final cremation wishes for your pet. Please do ask questions. The choice is yours. Your vet shouldn't mind your choices and we do pick up at many, many veterinarian offices. Many of them will recommend us to their customers who express a desire to have a non-commercial processor like Ashes to Ashes to handle their pet.

Question 12

What are pre-planning arrangements?

Accepted Answer

While we never want to imagine the possibility that our loved ones won't be with us forever, sometimes illness or other situations arise that cause a concern regarding the loss of your pet. Pre-planning allows you the ability to research, ask questions, and decide what is truly right for your companion pet. We will ask your pet's name and some details about why you are calling. We want you to know that we are there for you, to develop a trusting relationship, and to answer your questions with honesty, even if you never use our services.

Question 13

My pet died at home? What do I do?

Accepted Answer

First of all, don't panic. You may think that immediately following death their body will begin natural processes but that is not the case. If you are emotionally comfortable, your pet can remain with you in your home for hours without any ill effects. You have some time, and depending on the weather, you can safely keep your pet until arrangements can be made. Call Ashes to Ashes at 207-943-6474 or 943-3983 or 943-6861 for an appointment to drop off your pet or to ask us to provide transportation for your needs. If you call us after hours, we will call you back first thing the next morning.

Question 14

Why are appointments necessary?

Accepted Answer

To be able to anticipate your needs and prevent interruption of final goodbyes and private time, we ask that you call ahead to schedule an appointment. We will make every effort to accommodate your schedule as well as handle emergencies that may arise.
Because we are 'available' 12 hours a day, 7 days a week, we sometimes do not have a person in the office unless it is necessary. We feel it is better business to be available to you during a wider range of time. By making appointments, we can give you all of our attention. Give us a call. Thank you for understanding.
If the open sign is on, you are welcome to stop by anytime, but please understand if we are taking care of someone dropping off or picking up their pet, we may not be able to chat with you until we have taken care of them.

Question 15

Are your services available evenings, weekends or holidays?

Accepted Answer

We closely monitor all incoming calls during the day and will return voicemail messages promptly. If you call us after hours, we will call you back the next morning.
You may also text us all all our numbers are cell phones.
Emails are usually responded to within one or two business days although usually much faster. We can arrange to meet you at an appointed place and time.
Our mobile on-call service personnel are available to schedule any transportation needs.

Question 16

Do you have a Facebook page?

Accepted Answer

Yes! We do. Please visit our Facebook page. Feel free to post memorials and testimonials. Posts that you share with us are frequently saved on our Gallery page.

Question 17

I saw your jewelry. I have urns holding the ashes of a few special pets that have died over the last 10 years. Can I put their ashes in your jewelry?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can. Your purchase of a remembrance jewelry item will include a small funnel that allows you to place one or more pet cremains inside. We will do this for you if you prefer.

Ashes to Ashes Pet Crematory

Compassionate Cremation Services for Maine Pets

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(207)943-6474

340 Howland Rd. LaGrange, ME 04453

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ASHES TO ASHES

PET CREMATORY

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