Resting Paws is a pet cremation provider, not a veterinary clinic or emergency service
Resting Paws is a cremation business that works with veterinary clinics, animal hospitals, and pet owners to cremate deceased pets. They do not provide veterinary care, euthanasia services, or emergency animal treatment. Instead, they handle the cremation process after a pet has died, either at a veterinary clinic or at home.
The company operates as a third-party crematory — meaning your veterinarian or you contact them directly to arrange cremation. They pick up your pet from a vet clinic or your home, perform the cremation, and return the ashes to you in an urn or container you choose. The specifics of what Resting Paws offers — their service area, pricing, urn options, and whether they offer individual or communal cremation — vary by location, since Resting Paws operates multiple facilities in different regions.
Key Takeaways
- Resting Paws picks up your pet from a veterinary clinic or your home and handles the entire cremation process.
- You receive your pet's ashes back in a container or urn you select, rather than a communal burial.
- Most Resting Paws locations work directly with veterinary clinics, so your vet can coordinate the pickup and cremation for you.
- Pricing and service options depend on which Resting Paws location serves your area, so you will need to contact them directly for costs and timing.
How to contact Resting Paws for cremation services
If your pet has recently died, your veterinarian is usually the fastest way to reach Resting Paws. Most vet clinics have an existing relationship with a local crematory and can call on your behalf. Tell your vet that you want individual cremation (your pet cremated alone) and that you want the ashes returned to you, then ask them to contact Resting Paws or the crematory they use.
If you prefer to contact Resting Paws directly, search online for "Resting Paws pet cremation" plus your city or state to find the location nearest you. Each facility has its own phone number and website. Call during business hours to discuss your pet's size, the timing you need, and the urn or container options available. Be ready to provide your pet's name, weight, and species — crematoriums price services partly by animal size.
If your pet died at home and you do not have a veterinarian, Resting Paws can still pick up your pet, but you will need to arrange that directly. Some locations may ask you to keep your pet in a cool place (like a garage or basement) until pickup, especially if cremation is not scheduled for the same day.
Individual versus communal cremation and what you receive
Resting Paws and most other crematories offer two main options: individual cremation and communal cremation. Individual cremation means your pet is cremated alone, and the ashes you receive are entirely your pet's. Communal cremation means your pet is cremated with other animals, and the ashes are not separated — you do not receive ashes back.
Individual cremation costs more but guarantees you receive your pet's ashes. Communal cremation is less expensive and is sometimes offered at no charge by veterinary clinics as part of their end-of-life services. Ask Resting Paws or your veterinarian which option is included in their standard service and what the cost difference is.
When you choose individual cremation, you will also select a container for the ashes. Options typically include cardboard boxes, plastic urns, wooden urns, or ceramic urns. Some facilities let you bring your own urn. The container is usually included in the cremation fee, though premium urns may cost extra. Ask about all available options and their prices before you commit.
Timing and pickup after your pet dies
The timeline from death to cremation to receiving ashes varies. If your pet dies at a veterinary clinic during business hours, Resting Paws can often pick up the same day. If your pet dies at home or after hours, pickup may be the next business day. Cremation itself typically takes one to three business days, depending on the facility's schedule and backlog.
During that time, your pet's body is stored in a cool area at the crematory. You will receive your pet's ashes in the container you selected, usually within a week of the initial pickup. Some facilities offer rush cremation for an additional fee if you need the ashes sooner.
Ask Resting Paws for a specific timeline when you call. They can tell you when they can pick up your pet and when you can expect to receive the ashes back. If you need the ashes by a certain date — for a memorial service, for example — mention that when you arrange the cremation.
Cost and what is included in the cremation fee
Resting Paws pricing depends on your pet's weight and the cremation option you choose. Individual cremation for a small pet (under 10 pounds) typically costs less than for a large dog (50 pounds or more). Communal cremation, if offered, is usually cheaper or free. Urn upgrades, rush cremation, and delivery to your home (if available) may add to the base fee.
The cremation fee usually includes pickup from the veterinary clinic or your home, the cremation itself, and the return of ashes in a basic container. It does not typically include a memorial service, a death certificate, or pet burial insurance. Ask Resting Paws for an itemized price list so you know exactly what you are paying for and what costs extra.
Some veterinary clinics include cremation in their end-of-life package, so check with your vet before contacting Resting Paws separately. If your vet offers cremation as part of their service, they may have already arranged it with Resting Paws or another crematory.
What to do if you have questions about your pet's cremation
If you are unsure whether Resting Paws is the right choice, or if you want to compare options, ask your veterinarian what crematories they work with and what each one offers. Some vets have relationships with multiple facilities and can help you choose based on your budget and preferences.
If you have already arranged cremation with Resting Paws and have questions about timing, the urn, or the ashes, call the facility directly. They can tell you the status of your pet's cremation and answer questions about pickup or delivery. Keep any paperwork or confirmation number they give you so you can reference it when you call.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I be present during my pet's cremation?
Most crematories, including Resting Paws locations, do not allow owners to be present during the actual cremation process for safety and liability reasons. However, some facilities offer a viewing before cremation begins. Ask when you call whether your location offers this option.
How do I know the ashes I receive are actually my pet's?
Individual cremation means your pet is cremated alone, so the ashes are yours. Crematories track each pet by ID number or tag throughout the process to prevent mix-ups. Ask Resting Paws what identification system they use and whether they can walk you through how they track your pet from arrival to cremation to return.
What if I cannot afford individual cremation?
Communal cremation is less expensive and is sometimes free through your veterinary clinic. Some crematories also offer payment plans or discounts for multiple pets. Ask Resting Paws and your vet what options are available and whether they can work with your budget.
Can I scatter my pet's ashes, or do I have to keep them in an urn?
Yes, you can scatter ashes after cremation. There are no legal restrictions on scattering pet ashes in most places, though some parks or private property may have rules. You do not have to keep the ashes in an urn — you can scatter them, bury them, or keep them however you choose.
What if I want to bury my pet instead of cremating?
Cremation is one option, but pet burial is another. If you prefer burial, ask your veterinarian about pet cemeteries in your area or whether you can bury your pet on your own property (rules vary by state and local law). Resting Paws handles cremation only, so you would need to contact a pet cemetery or burial service separately.