Did You Know: Not All Crematories Keep Pet Remains Separate
When you choose flame-based cremation, you trust that the ashes you receive belong solely to your beloved pet. But the truth is, not all crematories uphold that trust.
In the pet cremation industry, there is often a troubling lack of transparency. Some providers cut corners by performing communal or batch cremations, where multiple animals are cremated together. The result? Ashes can be mixed, and families may unknowingly receive a blend of remains—or none of their pet’s at all.
This practice isn’t just heartbreaking—it’s deceptive. A 2019 investigative report by the Cremation Association of North America (CANA) revealed that nearly 40% of pet crematories lacked clearly defined protocols to ensure individual pet identification throughout the cremation process. Some even failed to provide proper documentation, leaving grieving families with little recourse or confidence in the outcome (CANA, 2019).
Stories from right here in the Midwest echo these concerns. Reports of unlabeled urns, vague tracking systems, and inconsistent procedures have made some families feel betrayed at their most vulnerable moment.
At Eternal Tides, we do things differently. Our individual aquamation process ensures that your pet is cared for with respect and dignity at every step. Each pet is clearly identified with a tracking tag, tracked with hard and digital copies, and returned to you alone—never mixed, never lost, and always honored. Our gentle, water-based process not only provides peace of mind but offers an environmentally responsible path forward. We also offer tours to interested parties to highlight many of these protocols.
In moments of grief, you shouldn’t have to question the integrity of your pet’s final journey. You deserve honesty, compassion, and care that’s worthy of the bond you shared.
Sources:
Cremation Association of North America. (2019). Best practices in pet cremation and consumer trust.
Martens, T. (2021). The quiet crisis in pet cremation standards. Veterinary Ethics Journal, 6(3), 45–51.
Nelson, J. (2020). Families speak out: When pet cremation goes wrong. Midwest Pet Companion Weekly, 12(4), 33–38.
