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Natural Pet Animal Hospital is proud to work with Loving Memorial Pet Care to assist you through one of the most difficult times of your life. Michele Johnson is a wonderful Natural Pet client, avid pet lover and a certified crematory operator. She as been employed in human funeral services for many years and is passionate about her job. She began this much needed service for pets after losing her beloved dog and recognizing there was no one there to walk her through the crematory and funeral process for animals. She has combined her passion for pets with her passion for helping people through the grieving process by establishing Loving Memorial Pet Care. Because I am a proactive veterinarian, I must encourage you to contact Michelle before your pet dies (although she is terrific about middle-of-the-night, unexpected deaths) because she can help you decide what you want, how, where, etc. before you crack from the overwhelming thought of any of this. Preparedness is priceless. Whether you want a funeral at the funeral home, a tour of the beautiful funeral home, or a certain urn, she can help. To learn more about her services, keep reading:
ABOUT LOVING MEMORIAL PET CARE
I began Loving Memorial Pet Care as a way to heal the deep grief I experienced after the loss of my own dog and best friend, Moo. As a life long animal lover and a career professional in funeral service, I felt the need to offer compassionate care to our companion animals and those who love them. More than our pets, they are our friends, our family members and they deserve the same unconditional love they gave to us during their lifetime. You can be sure that your beloved pet will be treated with the gentle kindness they deserve. Michele Johnson
At Loving Memorial Pet Care we understand the deep grief you are feeling over having to say goodbye to your beloved companion, best friend and family member. Our staff is made up of caring people who have loved and lost their own pets, and want to support you during this most difficult time. We understand the anguish you are feeling.
Our pets have been through everything with us, and even when they have passed on, we still feel the need to have them close. Choosing cremation offers a variety of options that can perpetuate their memory and keep them close by. We can make arrangements for burial if that is something you feel more comfortable with, in addition to, or in place of, cremation.
Our goal is always to provide you with honest, ethical and compassionate care and cremation services that you can trust and rely on. Should your beloved pet pass at home, we are available 24 hours a day to assist you. We work with many veterinarians and funeral homes and every consideration is made to treat your deceased pet with the respect and dignity they deserve. You should expect no less. 24 hour phone: 708.278.0008
WHAT IS CREMATION?
Cremation is a process of returning the body to its original elements using intense heat and flame.
We offer three types of cremation:
Individual Partitioned Cremation Pets are individually identified and cremated in separate containers or divided areas during a single operation. Each pet’s cremated remains are returned to the family in a chosen container/urn. An affordable option, our standard pricing is based on Partitioned Cremation.
Exclusive Private Cremation A completely individual process where only one animal is in the crematory chamber. The cremated remains are returned to the family in a chosen container/urn. Additional cost applies.
Communal Cremation Several pets are cremated together in one operation. Cremated remains are indistinguishable and this option is for those who do not want their pet’s ashes returned to them.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
While the “industry standard” may be to charge according to your pet’s weight, we don’t feel that should be a factor. Just as you are not charged less for Aunt Sally because she weighed less than Uncle Joe, you do not love your Great Dane more than you do your Pekinese. We offer the same gentle, compassionate and dignified care to every pet and family we serve, no matter the shape, type, size or breed. Of course, there are exceptions, hamsters, ferrets, and birds for example, and we are happy to discuss the fee with you. Just give us a call.
Cremation service includes: Bringing your pet into our care from veterinarian, funeral professional, or delivery to our facility (requires an appointment) during business hours, *crematory charge, delivery of your pet’s cremated remains, and personalized cremation certificate. We offer many other services, please request our detailed price list for more choices.
DOGS: $200.00 plus the container/urn of your choice (small dogs qualify for cat pricing)
CATS: $140.00 plus the container/urn of your choice
*price is based on individual partitioned cremation, exclusive private is $100.00 additional. Please feel free to call us today 708.278.0008 or email us at lovingmemorial@ameritech.net
HOW TO USE OUR SERVICES
You may not realize this, but you have a choice of where your pet is cremated, just like people do. We encourage you to ask about your pet’s cremation, even before the need arises, where it will occur, and any other details you desire. You have every right to know.
You may:
CONTACT US DIRECTLY
You may drop off your pet at our facility. Because we work within a funeral home a scheduled appointment is required to drop off your pet.
Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 p.m. and our facility is located in Park Forest, IL. We will, of course, try to accommodate additional needs and we do offer a 24 hour a day home removal service. 24 hour phone: 708.278.0008
ASK YOUR VETERINARIAN
We already work with many veterinarians and funeral homes in the area. Contact your veterinarian or funeral professional and ask if they use Loving Memorial Pet Care. If they do, you may simply work with them directly and follow their hospital or service procedure. If they don’t….please request us:
REQUEST US
Even if your veterinarian or funeral professional has not used our services, you may still request us, and they have the capabilities to properly hold your animal until we are able to pick them up for cremation or burial. Please ask your veterinarian or funeral professional to contact us directly or call us yourself with their information.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When can I expect my pets cremated remains? You should allow 1 week for their return. Very often it is considerably less, but if you have ordered an urn or keepsake with engraving it may be slightly longer.
Can I witness my pets cremation? Of course. An appointment can be made for you to tour the facility and see your pet placed into the cremation chamber. We also offer visitation and funeral services. There is an additional charge of $50 for same day cremation service.
How long does the cremation process take? In most instances it should take between 1-2 hours with a cool down period of several hours afterwards.
Can I put toys in with my Pet? Yes, of course. You may include anything with your pet. The only exceptions would be items with batteries, or items made of fire retardant fabrics.
How do I know I have my own pets ashes? Your pet is given an identification tag and number as soon as they enter our care. That number stays with them throughout the process via a metal identification disc in the cremation chamber and also attached to the cremated remains returned to you. We pride ourselves on our system of checks and balances, insuring you of the safe return of your pet and your pet alone. We do not take this lightly and we appreciate the trust you place in us.
What is the size of the cremated remains or ashes? After processing, the cremated remains range from a talcum texture to larger fragments. As a general rule of thumb you can figure 1 cubic inch of cremated remains to be returned for every pound of pet. Of course there will variables but generally speaking it holds true.
Can I scatter the ashes? Cremated remains can be scattered or buried most anywhere (Private property requires permission). It is common to scatter the ashes in a place that was a favorite of your pet or planted in your yard, under a tree or in a flower bed. The ashes are environmentally friendly. A keepsake urn or piece of jewelry that holds just a portion of cremated remains is a good choice if you plan to scatter the ashes.
We would be honored to send additional information to you. Just call or drop us a line.
708.278.0008 P.O. Box 181 Park Forest, IL 60466
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