The Cremation Certificate: What's On It and How to Verify

You got a piece of paper with your ashes. It looks official. But what does it actually prove?

What a legitimate certificate includes:

**Your pet's name** and species/breed.

**Weight** at time of cremation (should match what you told them, roughly).

**Date of cremation.**

**Type of cremation:** Private or Communal.

**Crematory name, address, and license number** (important!).

**Unique tracking ID** — this should match the metal tag in your ashes.

Red flags:

No tracking ID or license number.

Generic language with no specific pet details.

The crematory has no physical address listed.

How to verify the crematory is legit

**Google the license number** + "[your state] pet cremation license." Some states have public registries.

**Check for memberships:** Look for logos like IAOPCC (International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories) or state cremation associations.

**Call them:** A legitimate business will answer the phone and happily explain their process.

Why this matters

Unfortunately, there have been cases of unethical operators doing mass cremations and sending random ashes to families. The certificate and tracking system exist specifically to prevent this. If your crematory can't explain their tracking process, that's a problem.

Next Steps Checklist

Review the certificate for all the items listed above.

Compare the tracking ID on the certificate to the metal tag in the ashes.

Google the crematory name + "reviews" to see what others say.

What a legitimate certificate includes:

**Your pet's name** and species/breed.

**Weight** at time of cremation (should match what you told them, roughly).

**Date of cremation.**

**Type of cremation:** Private or Communal.

**Crematory name, address, and license number** (important!).

**Unique tracking ID** — this should match the metal tag in your ashes.

How to verify the crematory is legit

**Google the license number** + "[your state] pet cremation license." Some states have public registries.

**Check for memberships:** Look for logos like IAOPCC (International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories) or state cremation associations.

**Call them:** A legitimate business will answer the phone and happily explain their process.

The Cremation Certificate: What's On It and How to Verify

What a legitimate certificate includes:

Red flags:

How to verify the crematory is legit

Why this matters

Next Steps Checklist

Related Articles

I Got the Ashes Back — What Am I Actually Looking At?

Private vs Communal Cremation: Making the Choice

How to Compare Pet Cremation Providers

Ready to Find a Provider?

The Cremation Certificate: What's On It and How to Verify

What a legitimate certificate includes:

Red flags:

How to verify the crematory is legit

Why this matters

Next Steps Checklist

Related Articles

I Got the Ashes Back — What Am I Actually Looking At?

Private vs Communal Cremation: Making the Choice

How to Compare Pet Cremation Providers

Ready to Find a Provider?