What is Cremation?

    The cremation process is performed to prepare the remains of a loved one for their final resting.  This process is carried out by placing the loved one's remains in a cremation chamber which is under intense heat.  Each pet is carefully tracked by a specific cremation number throughout the entire process.  Through the use of appropriate fuel, the incineration of the remains is completed and all matter is consumed or driven off, except for bone fragments and/or metal.  These components remain because the temperature is not sufficient enough to consume them.

    Due to the nature of the cremation process, any personal possessions or valuable materials left with the remains may be destroyed.  Following a cooling period, the cremated remains, which vary in weight and amount depending on size are then swept or raked from the cremation chamber.  The crematory operator will make every effort to remove all of the cremated remains from the cremation chamber, but it is impossible to remove all of them due to dust and other residue left behind from the process.  After the cremated remains are removed from the cremation chamber, all non-combustible material such as screws, pins, and metal plates will be separated and removed from the bone fragments.  The bone fragments are then granulated to a powder-like texture.  The processed "cremains"  are placed into a transparent pouch including a brass identification tag with your pets specific cremation number.  The secured pouch is then placed into the desired urn or container and sealed.  A label with your companions' name is placed on the urn.  A cremation certificate is  included with your pets cremains when returned. 

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How do I get my pet cremated?

Good Shepherd works through your veterinarian in most cases. When your pet is put to sleep or dies the veterinarian calls us to come make the removal. If your pet dies at home we can make arrangements directly with you to remove the pet and take it back to the crematory to begin the cremation process. There is a nominal fee attached to this service.

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How do I know I get my pets' cremains back?

Good Shepherd is operated by a state board licensed funeral director. The crematory is run just like a human crematory. The reality is you have to find someone you trust. There are bad apples in every profession; this is true in pet cremation too. 

There are many steps we take to make you feel comfortable with your decision to cremate your pet. Every pet that is cremated is first given it's own personal cremation number. This is used to track the cremation process from beginning to end. Each animal is processed individually, sealed in a plastic bag and placed in the vessel of your choice. A notarized certificate of cremation is returned with the cremains. 

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How long does the cremation take?

The cremation cycle takes approximately three hours from beginning to end. After the cremation is complete the crematory has to cool down for about two hours.

We believe returning your pets' cremains back is our number one responsibility, therefore we do not race through the cremation process. It normally takes us about a week to ten days to complete the entire process. 

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What is the temperature of the crematory?

At optimum operation the crematory is running at 1600 degrees Fahrenheit.

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Does cremation cause pollution?

Good Shepherd uses only the most technologically advance equipment available on the market. There is no odor or smoke generated by a properly run machine. A tractor trailer operating on the highway will cause more pollution than a Good Shepherd crematory. 

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What do I get back?

Cremains, as they are called, are what is left after the process is complete. All or most of the soft tissue is gone. The skeletal system is all that remains. Remember seeing the remains of an animal that died in the desert? The bleached bones are what resembles the cremains in the crematory before they are removed. The "bones" are then ground down to a fine powder. The powder is what you receive back.

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Why must I select an urn?

When returning the cremains,either back to you or through your veterinarian, we must protect the integrity of the cremains. If we sent the cremains back just in a plastic bag there could be a chance of dropping the bag and spilling the contents. By placing the cremains in a container (Urn) we are assured the cremains are protected until they reach you. Should you wish to scatter the cremains, you will have to open the urn to access the bag the cremains are in. You can keep the urn to store your pets’ collar or other items that are mementos of your life spent together.

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Statement regarding Tri City Crematory

Our hearts go out to the family members touched by the tragic events of February 2002. Since that time we have been asked in numerous ways how we differ from Mr. Marsh. The crematory owner.  There are multitudes of differences but the real difference we wish to convey is education. Mr. Marsh was not educated in the field of mortuary science nor did he regard (obviously) the value of such an education. 

Whereas Tri City Crematory was operated for human cremation and not regulated or licensed; we are owned and operated by a licensed funeral director and the only pet crematory in the United States that holds membership in the National Funeral Directors Association.

Dignified and professionally administered cremation services are the reason we exist. We are aware of the relationship between you and your pet and how much your pet means to you. You choose to use the services we offer, therefore we respect the act of love you display concerning the proper ending of your pets life.

It is our hope that our company motto says it all; "Because Pets are Family".