Frequently Asked Questions

There are 2 main options. Cremation – you can arrange this through your vet or directly with a crematorium. Ashes can be scattered, kept in an urn or casket or buried. Burial – you can do this yourself if you are able. Legally, you may only bury your pet in the garden where they lived. In the local area, pet cemeteries are rare, but we would suggest Haycombe or Memorial Woodlands.

We understand how overwhelming this time can feel, especially when you’re faced with decisions you may never have had to make before. At Companions Haven, we offer individual cremations, where your pet is cared for in their own private compartment. After the cremation, their ashes are carefully collected and returned to you. We also work closely with trusted veterinary practices, which may offer communal cremation as a more affordable option. In these cases, pets are treated with the same dignity and respect, but are cremated alongside others, and their ashes are laid to rest in our memorial garden. If you’re unsure which option feels right, we’re always here to gently guide you.

This is one of the most important questions you can ask and we take it very seriously. With an individual cremation, your pet is cremated entirely on their own. Our cremation chambers are thoroughly cleaned between each service, and we follow strict identification procedures throughout.

We promise that the ashes you receive are only those of your beloved pet.

Yes, we are proud to be one of the founding members of the Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria (APPCC). This organisation sets the highest standards in the UK and provides independent inspection and a strict code of conduct. Choosing an APPCC member gives you peace of mind that your pet is being cared for with integrity and respect.

The cost of an individual cremation depends on your pet’s size and the options you choose, such as urns or keepsakes. We know cost can be a concern at an already difficult time, so we’re always happy to talk things through clearly and gently - no pressure, just honest guidance.

Yes, absolutely. We have a peaceful garden room where you can spend quiet time saying goodbye to your pet. There is no rush - we’ll give you as much time and space as you need.

You can, if it feels important to you (but we don't recommend it). Instead, many families choose to say goodbye in our calm, comforting surroundings and remember their pet in that way. If you would like to be present, we will support you and carefully explain what to expect beforehand.

The cremation itself usually takes a few hours, depending on your pet’s size. We will always keep you informed and let you know when your pet’s ashes will be ready to return home.

We aim to return your pet’s ashes to you as quickly as possible, usually within a few days. If you need them sooner, please let us know - we’ll always do our best to accommodate your wishes.

We offer a range of Pet Urns, Caskets, and Keepsakes & Jewellery to help you remember your pet in a way that feels right to you.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your pet to us directly. If this feels difficult, we can also arrange collection from your home or work, or closely work with your veterinary practice to support you.

From the moment your pet comes into our care, they are treated with the same love and dignity we would want for our own. We carefully record their details, ensure they are respectfully handled, and prepare them for cremation in a calm and thoughtful environment.

Yes, we care for pets of all kinds; dogs, cats, rabbits, and many other beloved companions. Every animal is treated with the same compassion and respect, regardless of size or species.

Communal cremation is where pets are cremated together, and ashes are not returned. Instead, they are respectfully laid to rest in our memorial garden. This option is typically arranged through veterinary practices.

Yes, if you feel it’s right for your family. We provide a calm and gentle space, and we’re always mindful of making the experience as comforting as possible for children.

There’s no “right” way to grieve. Pets are special, and the loss can feel overwhelming. A phrase we hear really often is “I’m sorry, I don’t know why I’m so upset”. You should never feel guilty for the grief you feel for a pet. They enrich our lives with so much love and are a part of our family. Letting them go can raise some difficult emotions. You may feel sadness, guilt, or even confusion, and all of these feelings are completely natural. We’re always here to listen, even if there are no words. You don’t have to go through this alone.

While we are not counsellors, we are always here to talk and support you in whatever way we can. If you would like, we can also point you towards pet bereavement support services.

Yes, our memorial garden is a peaceful place where you are welcome to reflect and remember.

We are pet owners too, and we understand the depth of the bond you share. Everything we do is guided by compassion, respect, and the belief that every pet deserves a gentle, dignified farewell and every owner deserves kindness and understanding.

We do ask you to contact us in advance, but if you need us urgently, please call, and we will do our very best to help.

Yes, we can arrange for your pet to be gently collected from your home if you would prefer not to travel. We understand how difficult this can be, and we will handle everything with care, dignity, and respect.

Yes, we work closely with many veterinary practices and can arrange collection directly from them. If your pet is with your vet, simply let them know your wishes or contact us, and we can help coordinate everything for you.

If you would prefer not to keep your pet’s ashes, we can arrange for them to be respectfully scattered or laid to rest in our memorial garden.

Yes, many families choose to scatter their pet’s ashes in a place that was special to them. If you’re unsure, we’re always happy to offer gentle guidance.