Witnessed Cremation: What to Expect
For those who need to be there—here's what actually happens.
The crematory coordinator asked if I wanted to be present. My first reaction was no—why would anyone want to see that? But then I talked to a friend who had done it, and she said it gave her closure nothing else could.
If you're considering it, here's what you should know.
What does 'witnessed cremation' actually mean?
It varies by facility, but generally you have two options:
**Viewing the placement:** You're present when your pet is placed in the cremation chamber. You say goodbye, watch the door close, and then leave. The actual cremation happens after you go. This takes about 15-30 minutes.
**Full witness:** You stay for the entire cremation process (1-3 hours depending on pet size). Most people don't choose this, but some facilities offer it.
What will I see?
At most facilities:
You will NOT see flames or anything graphic if you leave after placement.
Is this right for me?
Consider witnessed cremation if:
Skip it if:
What does it cost?
Witnessed cremation typically adds $50-$150 to the base cremation price. Not all facilities offer it—call ahead.