After-Care and Cremation Services

At Thistledown we do not accept pet remains for burial. Because we have our own on-site pet crematorium at Thistledown, however, we are able to offer clients a complete pet after-care and cremation service.   Many of our clients have come to us directly; however, on numerous occasions we have had pet owners referred to us by vet clinics to assist in arranging for pet cremations. Such referrals generally have occurred in situations where the normal cremation process offered by the clinic, for whatever reason, has not been adequate to meet the needs of their client. When we receive such a referral we can either pick up the pet’s remains at the clinic or can meet the pet owner at his/her residence if the euthanasia has been performed in the pet’s home environment.

AFTER-CARE SUPPORT SERVICES

Euthanasia Support Service
Many pet owners wish to be present during the euthanasia of their pet. Thistledown staff are available to assist clients before, during and after this procedure at the clinic or at the client's home.

It is becoming more common for pet owners to request a home euthanasia for their pet to minimize the anxiety their pet will experience prior to the procedure. To assist pet owners whose clinics do not offer this service, Thistledown staff has a listing of vets in many parts of the GTA who do perform home euthanasias. Working with a number of compassionate vets, we also provide this service at Thistledown for pet owners who feel the tranquil atmosphere at Thistledown would be a suitable location for their pet's passing. By selecting this option, pet owners do not have to worry about transporting their deceased companion and may find the support provided by Thistledown staff comforting during such a difficult time.

Pick-Up Service
Pet owners can bring their deceased pet directly to Thistledown for cremation or take advantage of our pick-up service. Whether from your home or from your veterinary clinic, Thistledown staff will pick up your pet, again giving your beloved friend the dignity and handling we believe every pet deserves.

Exhumation Service
On a number of occasions, we have been asked to exhume already buried pets. Often pet owners will bury a deceased pet on their property only to find at a later date they are having to re-locate. The thought of leaving behind a beloved pet is often undesirable for our clients. After exhumation a cremation can be arranged if this is the client’s wish

ON-SITE CREMATION SERVICES
Prior to 2008, we did not have a crematorium at Thistledown but had to rely on the services of pet crematorium in Toronto. This situation has since changed and we now have our own on-site crematorium at Thistledown. As a result, we are better able to offer the personalized cremation service that many pet owners require for their departed animal companion. Realizing that everyone’s needs are very personal and may vary from owner to owner, we offer four different cremation options.

i) Dedicated Cremation
In a “Dedicated Cremation”, only one pet is placed in the crematorium. The pet owner, friends and relatives are permitted to be present during this type of cremation. Until the cremation process begins, the pet is never out of the owner’s sight (or arms). Upon completion of the cremation, the ashes of the pet are removed from the crematorium, processed, and returned to the owner in a satin pouch (we have a selection of urns available for those pet owners desiring an urn). To enable Thistledown staff to schedule this type of cremation, pet owner’s are requested to contact Thistledown in advance to make the necessary arrangements.

ii) Attended Private Cremation
In an “Attended Private Cremation”, the pet owner is permitted to be present during the cremation process. As with an “Private Cremation”, the remains of a limited number of pets are placed in the crematorium at one time. The pets are well spaced and are individually identified by special ceramic disks. At the conclusion of the cremation, the ashes are removed from the crematorium one pet at a time and are then processed individually. The pet’s ashes are then returned to the pet’s owner in a satin pouch before he or she leaves Thistledown (we have a selection of urns available for those pet owners desiring an urn). To enable Thistledown staff to schedule this type of cremation, pet owner’s are requested to contact Thistledown in advance to make the necessary arrangements.

iii) Private Cremation
In a “Private Cremation”, the remains of a limited number of pets are placed in the crematorium at one time. The pets are well spaced and are individually identified by special ceramic disks. At the conclusion of the cremation, the ashes are removed from the crematorium one pet at a time, are then processed individually, and are then placed in their own individual satin pouch. For those pets cremated through veterinary clinics or through private pet after-care services, this procedure generally takes from one to three weeks (i.e. from date of passing to return of ashes). However, since we have our own on-site pet crematorium at Thistledown, a pet’s ashes generally are available for return to the owner within 48 to 72 hours from the time we receive the pet. Our service allows for almost immediate cremation with minimal storage of the pet. We stress the fact that the dignity of the pet is maintained throughout the entire process from receiving the pet to the return of the ashes to the owner.

iv) Communal Cremation
In a “Communal Cremation”, a pet will be cremated along with a number of other pets in a common cremation. With this type of cremation the remains from all the pets in the crematorium are intermingled at the conclusion of the cremation. No ashes are returned to the pet owner. Remains from communal cremations arranged through Thistledown are scattered on the grounds at Thistledown Pet Memorial. Out of respect for the owners of other pets in the crematorium, pet owners are not permitted to be present before, during or following this type of cremation.