To begin with, it is probably easier to describe what cremation isn't. Cremation is not final disposition of the remains, nor is it a type of funeral service. Rather, it is a process of reducing the human body to bone fragments using high heat and flame.

Today most religions allow cremation except for Orthodox Jewish, Islamic, Eastern Orthodox and a few Fundamentalist Christian faiths. The Catholic Church accepts cremation as long as it is not chosen for reasons which are contrary to Christian teachings.

There are many options and laws vary state to state. Remains can be buried in a cemetery plot, kept at home, or scattered.

The simplicity and dignity of cremation, environmental concerns, and the flexibility cremation affords in ceremony planning and final disposition all add to its increasing popularity.

It depends on the weight of the individual pet. The average cremation takes from two to three hours at normal operating temperature between 1,500 degrees F to 2,000 degrees F.

All organic bone fragments, are "swept" into the back of the cremation chamber and into a stainless steel cooling pan. All non-consumed items, like metal collars, tags, are separated from the cremated remains. This separation is accomplished through visual inspection. Remaining bone fragments are then processed in a machine to a consistent size.

Cremated remains resemble coarse sand and are whitish to grey in color.

With the exception of minute and microscopic particles, which are impossible to remove from the cremation chamber and processing machine, all of the cremated remains are given back to the family. The cremains of an average size adult is around 4-6 pounds, so don’t be alarmed when your pet’s cremains are returned, if it is a smaller amount then expected. The Cremains of an average size pet weigh approximately 1-2 pounds.