Whether you’re a dog or cat owner, or have smaller pets like rabbits, birds, guinea pigs, chinchillas, hamsters, turtles, or terrapins, knowing how to prepare for pet cremation can make a difficult time more manageable.
The sudden loss of a beloved companion often leaves owners feeling overwhelmed, especially when decisions need to be made quickly and unexpectedly—whether you’re at work, overseas, or caught off guard at home.
Many pet owners have shared similar experiences: before they can fully acknowledge their grief, they’re already arranging for dog or cat cremation, only to realise how fast the process can be. In most cases, the cremation is carried out within hours—leaving little time for reflection, goodbyes, or personal rituals.
While the topic may feel uncomfortable or taboo, it’s important to plan ahead and understand what to expect. Here are 5 practical and compassionate tips to help pet owners navigate pet funeral and cremation arrangements with greater peace of mind.
Tip 1: Know the Operating Hours of Cremation Service Providers
Not all pet cremation operators are available 24/7 or around the clock. Some operate only during office hours, which can affect your ability to schedule pickups or preserve your pet’s body properly. Understanding your provider’s hours helps you plan for a suitable pickup time, especially if you choose to spend some time with your pet at home before cremation.
If you plan to hold a memorial, early pickup and preservation are important. Once a pet passes, the body begins to decay, and this process varies depending on the animal. A service provider can advise you on timelines and help you ensure that the body remains suitable for any planned funeral rituals or viewings.
Tip 2: Clarify What Each Pet Cremation Provider Offers
Not all pet cremation services in Singapore are the same. Be sure to ask:
- Is there a private memorial room or farewell rites (Buddhist / Taoist etc.) ?
- How long can I spend with my pet during the memorial (typically 15–60 minutes) ?
- Will my pet be cleaned or groomed before the service or cremation?
- Be sure to clarify what is included in the pet cremation fees—are items like urns, paw prints, fur clippings, or ash scattering part of the package, or are they charged separately? Not all providers offer all-in services, and some may exclude essentials like pickup or the return delivery of the urn. You don’t want to be caught off guard by unexpected charges during an already emotional time.
- Will there be photo updates / verbal updates after a cleanup is done or prior/after the cremation process, or during the scattering of ashes?
These details matter when giving your pet—be it a dog, cat, or smaller companion—the meaningful farewell they deserve. It ensures that, as a pet owner, you’ve done everything you would have wanted for them, without regret. Taking the time to plan ahead helps bring closure and peace of mind, knowing nothing was overlooked in their final journey.
Tip 3: Plan for Absent Family Members / or For Yourself to be Present if Overseas
If other family members wish to attend a memorial but can’t make it on short notice, inform the crematorium early. Many providers offer body preservation services for an additional fee, allowing you to delay the cremation by a few days for a more inclusive farewell.
Tip 4: Be Prepared at the Time of Passing
When a pet passes away, it’s natural for bodily fluids to be released. Prepare clean towels or pee pads to place under your pet. This can help manage any unexpected discharge and make the situation less distressing.
Placing your pet in a dry, cool, air-conditioned room (set to the lowest temperature) helps slow down decomposition/decaying while you take time to process and make arrangements.
Tip 5: Take Your Time — Don’t Rush (But not for too long!*)
If the passing is sudden at the vet clinic and you haven’t made any plans, don’t panic. You may choose to bring your pet home from the vet and keep them in a cool room while you explore dog and cat cremation services. Many regret rushing into decisions without understanding their options, especially when limited to the few providers a vet may recommend. Not all providers offer the same level of care, rituals, or respect.
For pets who pass at home, the same applies. Take time to call around, ask questions, and understand what each pet cremation operator can provide—whether it includes Buddhist or Taoist rites, memorial services, or gentle aftercare options.
* Remember – Once a pet passes, the body begins to decay, and this process varies depending on the type of pet. A service provider can advise you on timelines and help you ensure that the body remains suitable for any planned funeral rituals or viewings.
Our Approach at The Green Mortician – A Pet Aqua Cremation Provider
At The Green Mortician, we provide an eco‑friendly, water‑based cremation alternative to traditional flame cremation, complete with all‑inclusive service packages that handle every detail—from 24/7 pickup and aqua cremation to ash scattering at sea or doorstep delivery of the urn to your door
Our thoughtfully designed process helps families navigate this difficult time at a gentler pace—allowing you to grieve & reflect at your own pace.
Here’s a brief overview of how our cremation process/procedure would work with us:
- Pickup upon passing, or pre-scheduled pickups for euthanasia appointments.
- Pets are placed in our mortuary and preserved until the cremation / memorial service date.
- Your pet will be groomed prior to the cremation / memorial service and a photo update shared with you.
- If a memorial is requested, we will schedule it on your preferred date and time—subject to our room’s availability. Memorial sessions are two hours long and can be held any day from Monday to Sunday, allowing ample time for family members or guests to pay their respects. Prior to your arrival, fresh flowers, photos and room will be setup. And all other details and personalisation will be discussed in person (during or after the memorial), including options for keepsakes such as paw prints, fur clippings, and memorial jewellery.
- For direct cremation (cremation only) without a memorial, we confirm all requests by phone prior.
- Our cremation process takes 24 hours (water-based method).
- Another photo update is provided before the water / aqua cremation begins (not applicable for group cremation).
- After water / aqua cremation, bones are retrieved and placed to dry for 2–3 days.
- If powdered bone-ash is requested for, the bones are processed into powder.
- Clients can choose to collect remains in person or opt for delivery. We also offer the option to view the bones in person before they are processed—allowing you to perform a bone-picking ritual if desired.
This process provides more time for reflection, less rush, and a more intentional way for closure.
Learn More by Clicking Here! If you’d like to understand how our flameless pet cremation service works, click here to view our full guide and process flow.
Summary
Every pet is unique, with their own personality, bond, and place in our lives—and just as no two pets are the same, the way we say goodbye to them should be just as personal. Planning a pet funeral or cremation is not a one-size-fits-all process; it can differ greatly depending on the type of pet and the wishes of each pet owner. Just like human funerals, it deserves thought, respect, and intention—whether that means holding a private memorial, including meaningful rituals, or simply taking time to reflect. What matters most is creating a farewell that truly honours the love shared and brings comfort and closure to those left behind.
Reach out to us
We at The Green Mortician, offer a flameless cremation option, innovative services, urns, memorabilia, and aftercare support. We are dedicated to ensuring the process is more bearable for both the deceased and the living. For a full ist of our services Contact us at +65 8866 9495 or email us at [email protected] – Alternatively, click here for a full list of our services and FAQ page!
Learn about Water Cremation Gaining Popularity in Singapore here!
We can answer any questions you have about the process as well as the services and products provided by The Green Mortician in Singapore.
