Frequently Asked Questions

All your questions answered in one place
How do I make the final arrangements?
If your pet has just passed away, or if you are having to plan ahead for that difficult time, please phone, text or email us. We will be able to give you all the information you need and guide you through the process.
What is an individual cremation?
In an individual cremation your beloved pet is cremated just by themselves – there are no other pets in the cremator.
What happens if my pet passes away in the evening or at a weekend?
Many owners prefer to keep their pet at home with them overnight and bring them in to us the next day. We will always do our best to be available when you need us. We can meet you at our site in Henderson, so you can bring your pet in to us, or we can collect from you, if you would prefer. Please note an after-hours call-out fee will apply.
How do I know they are the ashes of my own pet and not someone else’s?
With our identification process and meticulous record-keeping we guarantee you will receive the correct ashes and not those of someone else’s pet.
Is it all my pet's ashes that I get back?
The intense heat of the cremator means that there are only bones that remain after the cremation process is complete. These are processed in our cremulator and ground into ash, so yes, these ashes are all of the physical remains of your pet.
Do you embalm pets?
We do not embalm pets to preserve them before cremation as this introduces toxic chemicals to the process. We cremate as soon as we are able to but do occasionally need to hold pets in either our chiller or our freezer until they can be cremated.
Can I cremate anything else with my pet?
You are welcome to cremate your pet’s favourite soft toy if you wish, and fresh cut flowers are fine, but please be aware that we cannot cremate any plastic toys or other plastic items as they may produce toxic emissions.
Can you cremate pets that have been micro-chipped?
Yes, pets that are micro-chipped can be cremated without any issues. The micro-chips are small enough to be fully combustible during cremation.
What happens to my pet while waiting for cremation?
We always try to cremate your pet on the day we receive them, however sometimes this may not be possible. If this is the case, we will lay your pet on a soft blanket in our large chiller to rest overnight, before we cremate them the following day.
Is it better to bury or cremate my pet?
This may be a personal or religious choice, however it is not always possible to bury your departed pet at home and cremation does offer greater flexibility when choosing a final resting place. Ashes may be easily buried, they can be scattered in one or more of your pet’s favourite places or they can be retained in an urn or casket of your choice.
Can I bring my pet to Caring Cremations in Auckland?
Yes. Most pet owners prefer to bring their pets in to us, once they have passed. We have a nice quiet and restful ‘farewell’ room here where many owners spend some time saying goodbye to their beloved pet.
Are you available to come to my home?
Yes, we can collect your pet from your home if you are within the Auckland area. Please contact us to arrange this (an additional charge may apply for this service).
How much does it cost to cremate my pet?
This varies depending on the size of your pet, and also on which of our services you choose. Please contact us directly for further information about options and prices.
What days are you open?
We are open 6 days a week but we will always do our best to work in with you and meet your needs whenever we can.
When will my pet’s ashes to be ready?
Your pet's ashes will be ready in 3 working days (usually sooner). If there is a delay due to circumstances beyond our control we will always let you know.
May I inspect the facilities where my pet's aftercare will be performed?
Of course, you are most welcome to visit our facility. Please contact us to arrange this though as we may not always be on site.
In what type of container will my pet's cremated remains be returned?
We have a choice of either a blue cardboard ash box, which most pet owners choose if they intend to scatter or bury their pet’s ashes, or a lovely wooden ash box. We can also provide an engraved plaque for the wooden ash box, for a small additional cost. If you prefer, we are happy to return your pet’s ashes in your own urn or casket. Please just let us know.