When the cremation service picked up my dog, I asked, 'When will I get him back?' They said 3-5 business days. Those days felt like forever. Knowing exactly what was happening at each stage would have helped.
Here's the timeline I wish someone had given me.
Overview: Typical timeline
For most private cremations:
**Day 1:** Pickup or drop-off, intake, identification**Day 1-2:** Cremation process (1-3 hours for flame cremation, 6-20 hours for aquamation)**Day 2-3:** Cooling, processing remains, quality check**Day 3-5:** Placement in urn, preparation for return**Day 5-7:** Pickup or delivery to youTotal: 3-7 business days for most services. Some offer rush service (24-48 hours) for an additional fee.
Day 1: Intake and identification
**What happens:**
When your pet arrives at the cremation facility—whether you bring them or they're picked up—the first step is intake.
Your pet is assigned a tracking number or identification tagThis tag stays with your pet throughout the entire processStaff record your pet's name, weight, and your contact informationYou confirm your service choice (private, communal, aquamation)Any special requests are noted (paw print, fur clipping, specific urn)**What you should do:**
Ask for the tracking numberConfirm when you'll be contactedFinalize any keepsake requests (paw prints must be done before cremation)Day 1-2: The cremation process
**Flame cremation:**
Takes 1-3 hours depending on pet sizeTemperature: 1400-1800°FYour pet is placed in the cremation chamberOnly bone fragments remain afterward**Aquamation:**
Takes 6-20 hours depending on pet sizeTemperature: 200-300°FUses water and alkaline solutionProduces white, calcium phosphite remains**What you should know:**
For private cremation, your pet is cremated aloneThe identification tag remains with your pet throughoutThe chamber is cleaned between each private cremationDay 2-3: Processing the remains
After cremation, the remains need to be processed:
**Cooling period:** Remains must cool completely (1-2 hours for cremation, longer for aquamation)**Metal removal:** Any metal (surgical pins, microchips, collar hardware) is removed**Processing:** Bone fragments are processed into a fine, uniform powder**Quality check:** Staff verify the identification tag matches your pet's records**Weighing:** Remains are weighed and documentedThis stage is often where delays happen if the facility is busy.
Day 3-5: Preparation for return
**What happens:**
Remains are placed in your chosen urn or containerA certificate of cremation is preparedAny keepsakes (paw print, fur) are packagedEverything is labeled and prepared for pickup or delivery**Standard containers vs. upgraded urns:**
Basic container (bag or simple box) is usually includedDecorative urns cost extra ($25-$300+)If you ordered an urn, it may add 1-2 days if they need to order itDay 5-7: Return of remains
**Pickup option:**
You'll receive a call or email when remains are readyBring ID and your reference numberMost facilities have private rooms for pickupTake your time—there's no rush**Delivery option:**
Many services offer delivery ($20-$50 typically)Remains are packaged discreetlySignature may be requiredYou'll receive tracking informationRush service: When you need it faster
Most facilities offer expedited service for an additional $50-$150:
**24-hour rush:** Remains back within one day**48-hour rush:** Remains back within two daysThis can be worth it if:
You're holding a memorial service soonYou need closure quicklyYou're traveling and need remains before leavingWhat if it's taking longer than expected?
Delays happen for various reasons:
High volume at the facilityEquipment maintenanceWeekends and holidaysCustom urn ordersIf it's been longer than quoted:
Call and politely ask for an updateRequest the tracking number if you don't have itAsk for a specific day you can expect completionDelays are usually 1-2 days, not weeksQuestions to ask upfront
Before leaving your pet, ask:
"What's your typical turnaround time?""Will you call me when the remains are ready?""Do you offer delivery, and what does it cost?""What's included in the price vs. extra?""Can I request rush service if I need it later?"Your next steps
Confirm the expected timeline when you drop off or schedule pickupGet the tracking or reference numberNote when you should expect a callDecide on urn choice before pickup if possibleRequest rush service upfront if you have a deadlineCall if it's been longer than the quoted timelinePrepare emotionally—receiving the remains can be a significant moment