Celestials Pet Cremation

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know I'm getting MY pet's ashes back?

Our 4-Layer Verification System:

  1. Unique ID Tag: Your pet receives a metal identification tag upon arrival that stays with them throughout the entire process.
  2. Individual Cremation: For private cremations, only ONE pet is in the cremation chamber at a time. No other animals present.
  3. Tracking System: You can track your pet online through all 8 touchpoints in real-time.
  4. ID Verification: Before placing ashes in your vessel, we personally verify the ID tag matches your pet's records.

    Transparency You Can See:
  • Visit our facility (appointments welcome)
  • See our tracking system demonstrated
  • Speak with our owner about our process

What if my pet died at home?

First, we're deeply sorry for your loss.

Immediate Steps:

  1. Call us (0434 629 954) or make a booking immediately:(24/7)
  2. Keep your pet cool: Place them in a cool room or wrap in a towel
  3. No rush: Take the time you need to say goodbye
  4. We'll come to you: Usually within 2-4 hours locally

What to Expect:

  • Gentle collection in an unmarked vehicle (discreet)
  • Compassionate staff who understand grief
  • You can be present or not—whatever feels right
  • We handle everything respectfully

Time Sensitivity:
While there's no extreme rush, we recommend collection within 12-24 hours, especially in warm weather.

What is pet cremation?

Pet cremation is the process of reducing your pet's body to ashes through high-temperature burning in a specialized cremation chamber. At Celestials, we use ISO-certified equipment that operates at 800-1000°C, ensuring a complete, dignified, and environmentally responsible process.

The ashes (technically called "cremated remains") are then returned to you in a vessel of your choice, allowing you to keep your pet's memory close, scatter their ashes in a meaningful location, or create memorial keepsakes.

Why choose cremation over burial?

Both cremation and burial are valid choices. Many Melbourne families choose cremation because:

  • You can keep your pet with you if you move homes
  • Legal everywhere (some areas restrict pet burial)
  • No garden space needed (ideal for apartment living)
  • Multiple memorial options (urns, jewelry, scattering)
  • Hygienic and environmentally safe (ISO-certified process)
  • Closure and peace of mind through transparent tracking

There's no "right" choice—only what feels right for your family.

How much does pet cremation cost?

Transparent Pricing (No Hidden Fees):

Private Pet Cremation (ashes returned to you):

  • Small pets (under 10kg): $315
  • Medium pets (10-25kg): $355
  • Large pets (25-40kg+): $375
  • X-Large pets (40kg+): $415

Communal/Group Pet Cremation

  • From $195

Horse Cremation:

  • Custom quote based on size and location (call us)

What's Included:

  • Cremation service
  • 8-touchpoint online tracking
  • Verified cremation certificate
  • Basic vessel (upgrade options available

Collection and delivery within 50km of our location is $50.

Distances beyond 50km are subject to additional charges based on travel distance.

Are there any hidden fees?

Absolutely not. We believe transparency during grief is essential.

Can I claim pet cremation on insurance?

Possibly! Some pet insurance policies cover cremation costs.

How to Claim:

  1. Check your policy documents (look for "funeral/cremation benefit")
  2. Ask your insurance provider: "Do you cover pet cremation?"
  3. We can provide itemized receipts and forms for your claim

Common Providers That May Cover:

  • PetPlan Australia
  • RSPCA Pet Insurance
  • Medibank Pet Insurance
  • Others (check your policy)

We're happy to help complete any required paperwork.

Do you offer payment plans?

Yes. We understand this is a difficult time both emotionally and financially.

Payment Options:

  • All major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Amex)
  • Direct bank transfer
  • Payment plans (call us to arrange)
  • Afterpay available for memorial products

Financial Hardship:
If you're genuinely struggling financially, please call us. We've never turned away a grieving family over money, and we'll work something out.

What urn options do you provide?

We offer a thoughtfully curated range of handmade wooden and metal urns, along with keepsakes and memorial pieces, to honour your beloved pet.

To make the process easier during this difficult time, you may also select from our carefully designed packages, and our team is here to guide you in choosing the option that best suits your needs.

Can I divide my pet's ashes among family members?

Absolutely! This is very common.

Options:

  • Keepsake Urns: Small urns that hold a portion of ashes.
  • Memorial Jewelry: Pendants that hold a tiny amount.
  • Multiple Containers: We can divide ashes into 2-4 containers

Popular Combinations:

  • Main urn for home + keepsake for children who moved away
  • Urn for home + memorial jewelry to wear
  • Split between multiple family members who shared the pet

How We Do It:
Just tell us during the booking process how you'd like ashes divided. We handle it carefully and ensure everyone receives their portion.

What if I want to scatter my pet's ashes?

Beautiful choice. Here's what you need to know:

Legal Locations in Victoria:

  • ✅ Your own property (backyard, garden)
  • ✅ Public bushland (most areas—check signage)
  • ✅ Beaches (check local council rules)
  • ✅ National parks (some allow it, check Parks Victoria)
  • ✅ Water (oceans, lakes, rivers—generally allowed)
  • ❌ Public parks in some councils (check first)

Popular Scattering Spots Near Dandenong:

  • Dandenong Ranges National Park
  • Lysterfield Park
  • Cardinia Reservoir
  • Mornington Peninsula beaches
  • Your pet's favorite walking trail

Biodegradable Urns:
We offer special biodegradable urns designed for water or earth scattering ($60-$120).

Scattering Tips:

  • Choose a meaningful location
  • Check wind direction before scattering
  • Consider a small ceremony
  • You can keep a portion of ashes and scatter the rest

How long does the cremation process take?

Complete Timeline (Collection to Ashes Ready):

Private Cremation:

  • 5-7 business days (typical)
  • Can be faster if urgent

What Takes Time:

  • Scheduling (coordinating collection)
  • Cremation itself (2-4 hours)
  • Cooling period (4-6 hours)
  • Processing ashes (preparing, verifying, placing in urn)
  • Creating paw prints and certificates
  • Quality checks

We'll Call You:
When your pet's ashes are ready, we call you personally to arrange pickup or delivery.

Track Progress Online:
Use your unique tracking number to see exactly where your pet is in the process 24/7.

Can I schedule cremation in advance (pre-need)?

Yes, and many families find this helpful for peace of mind.

Pre-Need Planning:

  • Discuss options before you need them
  • Lock in current pricing
  • Payment plans available
  • No pressure, just information

When Pre-Planning Makes Sense:

  • Elderly pet with declining health
  • Terminal diagnosis
  • Peace of mind planning
  • Financial planning

What We Can Pre-Arrange:

  • Type of cremation (private/communal)
  • Urn selection
  • Collection details
  • Payment (can pay in advance or on payment plan)
  • Special requests

Call us or make a booking for a compassionate pre-planning consultation.

No obligation. No pressure. Just helpful information when you're ready.

What's the difference between private, individual, and communal cremation?

Great question—this confuses many people. Here's the breakdown:

Private Cremation (Most Popular):

  • Your pet is cremated alone, by themselves
  • Only your pet is in the cremation chamber
  • You receive only your pet's ashes
  • Complete guarantee of individual ashes returned
  • Price: $195 (pocket pets)

Communal Cremation (Budget Option):

  • Your pet is cremated alongside other pets (not mixed with them)
  • Ashes from all pets are scattered together in our memorial garden
  • You do NOT receive ashes back
  • Just as respectful, simply different
  • Price: $199

Which Should I Choose?

  • Want ashes back → Private/Individual
  • Budget-conscious, don't need ashes → Communal

Do you cremate small pets (rabbits, guinea pigs, birds, etc.)?

Yes! Every life matters at Celestials, regardless of size.

Do you cremate horses?

Yes! We offer horse cremation for ponies and horses up to 100kg.

Horse Cremation Details:

Size Limits:

  • Ponies and small horses: Up to 100kg
  • Larger horses: We can provide referrals to specialized equine crematoriums

Service Area:

  • All of Victoria