Your choice, not the clinic's
What happens to my pet's body at the vet?
Most veterinary clinics hold your pet in cold storage and then release them to whichever cremation provider they have a standing arrangement with — often for communal cremation, where no ashes are returned.
That default is not binding on you. You can name your own provider, and you can do it after the fact, even if your pet is already at the clinic.
Questions worth asking the clinic
- Which crematorium do you use, and is the cremation individual or communal?
- If it is individual, is my pet alone in the chamber, or is the chamber partitioned?
- How is my pet identified through the process?
- Will I receive a signed certificate naming my pet?
- Can I choose my own provider instead?
How to ask for Harbourside
Tell the clinic you would like Harbourside Pet & Equine Cremations to collect. Most clinics in our area already know us and can book through our vet portal in a minute.
If the conversation feels hard — and it often does in that moment — call us on 0493 814 474 and we will contact the clinic for you. You do not have to advocate for yourself while you are grieving.
What we do differently
- Individual cremation only. Your companion is never in the chamber with another animal.
- A numbered stainless SafeHarbour tag from collection to return, so the ashes are provably theirs.
- A signed Certificate of Individual Cremation, an ink paw print, and a clipping of fur with every package.
- Personal return — Alby brings them back to you, hand to hand, rather than couriering ashes.
- Published prices, so nothing is quoted to you at your most vulnerable moment.
If euthanasia has not happened yet
You can make the arrangement in advance, and many families find that a relief — it means the day itself has one less decision in it. In-home euthanasia is also an option worth considering if being at home would be gentler for your companion.
Questions families ask us
- What do vets do with pets' bodies?
- Clinics typically hold the body in cold storage and release it to a cremation provider they have an arrangement with. Unless you ask otherwise, that is often communal cremation, where no ashes are returned.
- Can I choose my own pet crematorium if my pet is at the vet?
- Yes. It is your choice, and you can make it even after your pet has been taken to the clinic. Tell them you would like Harbourside, or call us on 0493 814 474 and we will arrange it with the clinic for you.
- Will I get my pet's ashes back if the vet arranges it?
- Only if the cremation is individual. Communal cremation returns no ashes. Ask the clinic to confirm which one is being arranged, in those exact words.
- Does it cost more to choose my own provider?
- Not with us. Our prices are published and do not change based on whether you or your clinic makes the booking, and there is no collection charge from clinics in our service area.
- Can I arrange cremation before euthanasia?
- Yes, and many families do. Arranging it in advance means one less decision on the day.