What Faithful Companion Pet Cremation Does
Faithful Companion is a pet cremation provider that works with veterinary clinics and pet owners to cremate deceased pets. The company operates crematoriums in multiple states and handles the logistics from pickup through return of ashes to the owner. When you choose Faithful Companion, a staff member collects your pet from your veterinarian's office or home, transports it to their facility, performs the cremation, and returns the ashes in an urn or container you select.
The service is not free, but the cost structure is straightforward: you pay a cremation fee based on your pet's weight, plus the cost of any urn or memorial container. Faithful Companion does not require membership or advance payment in most cases — you arrange the service after your pet passes away.
Key Takeaways
- Faithful Companion picks up your pet from your veterinarian or home and handles transport to their crematory facility.
- You choose between individual cremation (your pet alone) or communal cremation (your pet with others), which affects cost and whether you receive ashes back.
- Cremation fees are based on your pet's weight, and urns or containers are priced separately and range from basic cardboard to wood or ceramic options.
- The entire process typically takes one to two weeks from pickup to receiving ashes, though timing varies by location and current volume.
- You can arrange the service through your veterinarian's office or by contacting Faithful Companion directly if you know their local number.
Individual Cremation vs. Communal Cremation
Faithful Companion offers two cremation methods, and the choice affects both cost and what you receive. Individual cremation means your pet is cremated alone, and you receive back the ashes. This is the more expensive option but guarantees that the ashes returned are only your pet's remains. Communal cremation means your pet is cremated alongside other pets, and the ashes are not separated or returned to you — instead, Faithful Companion typically scatters or buries the combined ashes in a designated pet cemetery.
Individual cremation costs more because the company must run the crematory for a single pet and handle the ashes separately. Communal cremation is less expensive because the facility processes multiple pets at once and does not need to track individual remains. If having your pet's ashes is important to you, individual cremation is the only option that provides them.
How Pickup and Transport Work
Most pet owners arrange Faithful Companion's service through their veterinarian's office. When your pet passes away at the clinic, the veterinary staff contacts Faithful Companion or provides you with their phone number so you can call directly. You tell them which cremation option you want and provide your pet's name and weight.
Faithful Companion then schedules a pickup, usually within one to three business days. A staff member arrives at the veterinarian's office or your home to collect your pet's body. The company transports it in a vehicle designed for this purpose and stores it in a climate-controlled facility until the cremation is performed. You do not need to transport your pet yourself unless you choose to drop off at the facility directly, which some locations allow.
Cremation Fees and What They Cover
Faithful Companion charges a cremation fee based on your pet's weight. A small pet (under 10 pounds) costs less than a medium pet (10 to 50 pounds), which costs less than a large pet (over 50 pounds). The exact prices vary by location and change over time, so you should ask your veterinarian or call Faithful Companion directly for current rates in your area.
The cremation fee covers the pickup, transport, storage, cremation process, and basic handling. It does not include an urn or container — those are sold separately. Faithful Companion offers urns ranging from straightforward cardboard boxes to wood, ceramic, or metal containers, with prices that vary widely. Some owners choose a decorative urn for display at home; others choose a basic container if they plan to scatter the ashes. Ask about all available options and their costs before you finalize your order.
Timeline From Pickup to Receiving Ashes
The full process typically takes one to two weeks. After pickup, your pet is stored until a cremation slot is available — this waiting period is usually a few days but can be longer if the facility is busy. The actual cremation takes a few hours. After cremation, the ashes cool and are placed into your chosen urn or container.
Once your ashes are ready, Faithful Companion contacts you to arrange pickup or delivery. Some locations deliver to your home or veterinarian's office; others require you to pick up at the facility. The exact timeline and delivery options depend on your location and the company's current schedule. When you first contact them, ask how long the process takes in your area and whether they offer delivery or pickup only.
Arranging Service Through Your Veterinarian
The easiest way to use Faithful Companion is through your veterinarian. Most veterinary clinics have a relationship with a local pet cremation provider and can tell you when ready which company they work with. If it is Faithful Companion, the veterinary staff will handle the initial contact and paperwork on your behalf.
You will still need to choose between individual and communal cremation, select an urn if you want one, and provide payment information. The veterinarian's office may collect payment at the time of service, or Faithful Companion may bill you directly. Ask your veterinarian whether they handle payment or whether you will receive an invoice from Faithful Companion. Some clinics include cremation information in their end-of-life planning materials, so you may have options to review before your pet passes away.
Contacting Faithful Companion Directly
If you want to reach Faithful Companion without going through your veterinarian, you can search for their local office online or ask your veterinarian for their phone number. Faithful Companion operates in multiple states, so there may be a facility near you. When you call, have your pet's name, approximate weight, and your zip code ready.
The staff can answer questions about individual versus communal cremation, current pricing, pickup availability, and urn options. They can also tell you whether they pick up from home or only from veterinary offices in your area. If you are planning ahead, you can call to learn about their services and costs before you need them, which can help you make a decision when the time comes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch my pet's cremation?
Faithful Companion does not typically allow owners to observe the cremation process itself for safety and regulatory reasons. However, some locations may offer a private viewing of your pet before cremation. Call your local Faithful Companion office to ask whether this option is available in your area.
What if I want to scatter the ashes?
You can scatter ashes from any urn or container. If you choose communal cremation, Faithful Companion scatters the combined ashes for you, usually in a pet cemetery. If you choose individual cremation and receive your pet's ashes, you can scatter them yourself in a location that was meaningful to your pet or your family.
Do I have to use Faithful Companion if my veterinarian recommends them?
No. Your veterinarian may work with Faithful Companion, but you can choose any cremation provider you want. Ask your veterinarian whether other options are available in your area, or search online for pet cremation services near you. You are free to make your own choice.
Can I get a certificate or proof that my pet was cremated?
Many cremation providers, including Faithful Companion at some locations, offer a cremation certificate or documentation. Ask when you arrange the service whether a certificate is included or available. This can be helpful if you want written confirmation for your records.
What happens if I move before receiving the ashes?
Contact Faithful Companion as soon as you know you are moving and provide your new address. They can hold the ashes until you are settled or arrange delivery to your new location. Do not leave without confirming with them that they have your updated information.