What Paws & Remember offers and how to reach them

Paws & Remember is a pet cremation provider that handles the cremation process after your pet dies. They work with veterinary clinics and directly with pet owners to arrange cremation services. The company operates in multiple states, though service areas vary by location.

To contact Paws & Remember, you can reach them by phone or through their website to discuss your pet's needs and get pricing for your area. When you call, have your pet's name, weight, and species ready — these details affect the cost and type of cremation available to you. If your veterinarian referred you, mention that clinic's name, as some vets have standing arrangements with Paws & Remember.

The company offers both individual and communal cremation. Individual cremation means your pet is cremated alone, and you receive the ashes back. Communal cremation means your pet is cremated with other pets, and you do not receive ashes back. Pricing and timing differ between these two options.

Key Takeaways

  • Paws & Remember handles pet cremation through veterinary clinics and direct contact with pet owners, with service areas that vary by state and region.
  • Individual cremation returns your pet's ashes to you, while communal cremation does not — each option has different costs and timing.
  • You will need your pet's weight and species when you contact them, as these determine the cremation method and price.
  • Ashes are typically returned in a container you choose, ranging from basic cardboard to decorative urns, with costs added to the cremation fee.
  • The cremation process usually takes one to two weeks from pickup or drop-off to ashes being ready for you to collect or receive by mail.

Individual cremation: what you receive and how long it takes

With individual cremation, your pet is cremated separately, and all the ashes returned are from your pet alone. This is the option most people choose when they want to keep their pet's remains. Paws & Remember places your pet in a cremation chamber, and the process takes several hours depending on your pet's size and weight.

After cremation, the ashes are cooled and processed, then placed in a container. Paws & Remember offers container choices at different price points — basic cardboard boxes cost less, while ceramic or wooden urns cost more. You choose the container when you arrange the cremation or sometimes when you pick up the ashes. Ask about container options and prices when you call, as these vary by location.

Timing from death to ashes in hand usually ranges from one to two weeks. This depends on how busy the crematory is and whether you drop off your pet or have Paws & Remember pick up from your home or veterinary clinic. Some locations offer rush service for an additional fee if you need the ashes sooner.

Communal cremation: lower cost, no ashes returned

Communal cremation is less expensive than individual cremation because your pet is cremated with other pets. You do not receive ashes back — instead, the combined ashes are typically scattered or buried according to the crematory's standard practice. Ask Paws & Remember what they do with communal ashes when you call.

Communal cremation is often chosen by people who want a straightforward, affordable cremation and do not need to keep the ashes. It is also an option if you are unsure about what you want to do with ashes long-term. The timeline is usually faster than individual cremation — often one week or less — because the crematory can process multiple pets at once.

How to arrange pickup or drop-off

You have two main ways to get your pet to Paws & Remember: you can drop off your pet yourself, or the company can pick up from your home or veterinary clinic. Pickup is often included in the cremation fee, though some locations charge extra for it. Ask whether pickup is included when you call for pricing.

If you drop off your pet, Paws & Remember will tell you their location and hours. Bring your pet in a box, bag, or carrier — the crematory will transfer your pet to their own container for the process. If you choose pickup, the company will arrange a time that works for you, usually within one to three days of your pet's death.

When your pet arrives at the crematory, Paws & Remember assigns an ID number to track your pet through the process. This is especially important with individual cremation, so you know the ashes you receive are from your pet. Ask for this ID number and keep it with your records.

Ashes pickup and delivery options

Once cremation is complete, you can pick up the ashes in person at Paws & Remember's location, or in some cases they will mail the ashes to you. Pickup is usually free, while mailing may have a shipping fee. Ask about both options when you arrange the cremation.

When you pick up, bring the ID number or receipt you received when you dropped off your pet. The staff will verify your identity and give you the ashes in the container you chose. If you are mailing, Paws & Remember will pack the urn securely and ship it to your address — ask how long shipping typically takes in your area.

Some people choose to pick up ashes weeks or months after cremation. Paws & Remember will hold the ashes for you until you are ready. There is usually no storage fee, but confirm this when you arrange the cremation.

Pricing and what affects the cost

The cost of cremation depends on your pet's weight, the type of cremation (individual or communal), your location, and the container you choose. A small dog or cat individual cremation typically costs less than a large dog or multiple pets. Paws & Remember's prices vary by region, so call your local office for exact figures.

When you get a price quote, ask whether it includes pickup from your home or vet clinic. Some locations include this; others charge extra. Also ask what is included in the base cremation fee and what costs extra — for example, some places charge separately for the container, while others include a basic one.

If you are working with a veterinary clinic, ask whether the vet has a package price with Paws & Remember. Some clinics offer cremation as part of end-of-life services, and the vet may handle payment directly. This can sometimes be less expensive than calling Paws & Remember on your own.

What to do if you need to plan ahead

Some pet owners arrange cremation in advance, before their pet dies. This is called pre-planning. Paws & Remember may offer pre-planning options, though not all locations do. Pre-planning lets you choose the type of cremation and container ahead of time and sometimes lock in a price.

If you want to pre-plan, call Paws & Remember and ask whether they offer this service. You will need to provide your pet's current weight and species. Some pre-plans require a deposit; others do not. Ask what happens to your deposit if you move or change your mind, and whether the price is may provide if your pet's weight changes.

Pre-planning can reduce stress during an emotional time, since you have already made decisions about cremation. It also gives you time to compare costs and container options without time pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I be present during my pet's cremation?

Most pet cremation facilities, including Paws & Remember locations, do not allow owners to be present during the actual cremation process for safety and liability reasons. However, some locations may allow you to say goodbye before the cremation begins. Call your local Paws & Remember office to ask about their specific policy.

How do I know the ashes I receive are actually my pet's?

With individual cremation, Paws & Remember assigns an ID number to your pet when they arrive. This number stays with your pet throughout the process and is on the container when you receive the ashes. Ask for this number and keep your receipt — this is how you verify the ashes are your pet's.

What if I want to scatter or bury the ashes later?

You can scatter or bury your pet's ashes anywhere that is legal in your area. Check local laws first — some places have rules about where ashes can be scattered. Paws & Remember will give you the ashes in whatever container you chose, and you can transfer them to another container if you prefer.

Do I need to bring any paperwork or ID when I pick up the ashes?

Bring your receipt or the ID number Paws & Remember gave you when you dropped off your pet. You may also need to show ID to verify you are the person who arranged the cremation. Call ahead to ask what documents to bring.

What if my pet dies on a weekend or holiday?

Paws & Remember's hours and holiday schedules vary by location. Some locations are open seven days a week; others are closed on weekends or holidays. If your pet dies outside normal business hours, ask your veterinary clinic whether they can hold your pet until Paws & Remember reopens, or whether they have an emergency cremation partner.