How Long Does It Take to Get Your Pet's Ashes Back?

For Zoe, it was about two weeks.

The animal clinic didn't actually do the cremation there. Her body was sent somewhere else for it.

I didn't really think about that when I was standing at the clinic.

You hear “cremation” and I guess you picture everything happening right there.

It didn't.

If I remember right, about two weeks later I got the call that Zoe's ashes were back and ready to be picked up.

She came home in a sealed bag inside the plain wood box that came with the cremation.

And then there you are carrying your dog home in a box.

That's a strange drive.

How long yours takes is going to depend on the veterinarian and crematory you're using. I wouldn't assume it's going to be the same as mine.

Ask before you leave:

Where will my pet actually be cremated?

And:

About how long will it take before I get the ashes back?

Two pretty simple questions.

I didn't think to ask them.

That's why they're here.

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