Know the difference
Private vs. Communal Pet Cremation
Not every pet cremation is the same, and the difference matters. Here is what each type really means, whose ashes you get back, and why we only offer private cremation.
The one question to ask
“Will my pet be cremated alone?”
With us, always yes.
Three kinds of pet cremation
What each type really means
Providers use different words for these, so it helps to know what happens in each one.
Many pets together
Communal
Several pets are cremated together at the same time. Because they are together, no ashes are returned to the family.
- Many pets in the chamber at once
- No ashes come home to you
Sometimes called “individual”
Partitioned
Several pets share the chamber at the same time, separated by dividers. Some providers call this “individual” or “semi-private.”
- Several pets in the chamber at once
- Ashes are returned, but they can mingle
One pet, alone
Private
Your pet is cremated alone. No other pet is in the chamber, so everything that comes home to you is theirs.
- Only your pet in the chamber
- Only your pet’s ashes come home
- A cremation certificate with every pet
Side by side
Communal, partitioned and private, compared
| Question | Communal | Partitioned | Private |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pets in the chamber at once | Many | Several | Only yours |
| Ashes returned to you | No | Yes, but they can mingle | Yes, only your pet’s |
| Offered by Chicago Pet Cremation Services | Never | Never | Always |
Why we only offer private
Because they are family
Our pets sleep on our beds, follow us from room to room, and know us better than almost anyone. When they die, we grieve them like family, because they are family. That is why we would never cremate a pet alongside strangers, and why we never offer communal or partitioned cremation.
Every pet in our care is cremated alone, one pet at a time. That is true for flame cremation and for aquamation, where each pet is alone in the vessel. The ashes you bring home are only theirs, with a cremation certificate.
“It’s clear they truly care about every animal that comes through their doors; no job is too big or small, from fish to beloved furry friends. Their kindness made an incredibly hard time so much easier to bear.”
“Such a wonderful local business run by people who truly care. You can tell they genuinely love animals and take a lot of pride in providing a personal, respectful experience.”
Before you choose anyone
Five questions to ask any pet cremation provider
Whoever you choose, these questions help you know exactly what will happen to your pet. Ask them over the phone before you decide. Here are our answers: yes, yes, we only offer private, yes, and yes.
- 1 Will my pet be cremated alone, with no other pet in the chamber?
- 2 Are the ashes I get back only my pet’s?
- 3 What is the difference between your “individual” and “private” options?
- 4 Will I receive a cremation certificate?
- 5 Who can I call with questions, and will a real person answer?
FAQ
Private and communal cremation questions
Want to talk it through? Call us and a real person will answer any question.
What is communal pet cremation?
In communal cremation, several pets are cremated together at the same time. Because the pets are together, no ashes are returned to the families. We never offer it.
What is partitioned or “individual” pet cremation?
In partitioned cremation, several pets share the chamber at the same time, separated by dividers. Ashes are returned, but because the pets share the chamber, they can mingle. Some providers call this “individual” or “semi-private.” We never offer it.
What is private pet cremation?
In private cremation, your pet is cremated alone. No other pet is in the chamber, so the ashes you receive are only your pet’s. It is the only kind of cremation we offer.
Is your aquamation private too?
Yes. Every aquamation we perform is private. Each pet is alone in the vessel, never with other pets, and the remains returned to you are only your pet’s.
How do I know the ashes I receive are my pet’s?
Because your pet is the only pet in the chamber or vessel, there is nothing else to mix with. Every pet comes home with a cremation certificate.
Related services
Your pet, cremated alone. Always.
Arrange a private cremation online in a few minutes, any time, or call us 8am to 8pm.