Glossary
Pet cremation glossary
Plain-English definitions of the terms you will come across when arranging pet cremation and aftercare in Australia.
Key terms
Terms explained
Short definitions, with one thing worth checking with the provider where it helps.
- PPrivate cremation
- Your pet is cremated on its own so the ashes returned are only your pet's.What to check Confirm whether private means a fully separate chamber or a partitioned shared one.
- CCommunal cremation
- Several pets are cremated together and the ashes are not returned to individual owners.What to check Confirm what happens to the ashes, as practice varies between providers.
- IIndividual cremation
- A term some providers use for cremating your pet separately so the ashes can be returned. The exact meaning varies.What to check Ask exactly how individual cremation is handled, since the term is used differently.
- AAquamation
- Also called water cremation or alkaline hydrolysis. It uses heated water and alkali instead of flame, and ashes can still be returned.What to check Confirm availability, as aquamation is offered by a smaller number of providers.
- AAshes return
- The process of returning your pet's ashes to you after a private or individual cremation.What to check Confirm how long the return usually takes and how the ashes are presented.
- VVet collection
- The provider collects your pet from a vet clinic rather than from your home.What to check Confirm whether a fee applies and which clinics are covered.
- HHome collection
- The provider collects your pet directly from your home.What to check Confirm the call-out area, the fee and after-hours availability.
- PPet tracking
- A system, often a barcode or ID tag, used to identify your pet through each step of the process.What to check Ask how your pet is identified so the right ashes are returned to you.
- UUrn
- A container for holding your pet's ashes, ranging from simple scatter tubes to timber or ceramic urns.What to check Confirm whether an urn is included in the price or charged separately.
- KKeepsake
- A small memorial item such as a fur clipping, a portion of ashes in a pendant or a glass piece.What to check Confirm which keepsakes are offered and whether they cost extra.
- PPaw print
- An impression of your pet's paw kept as a memento, usually taken in clay, ink or resin.What to check Confirm whether a paw print is included and which type it is.
- CCremation certificate
- A document confirming your pet was cremated, sometimes noting the date and cremation type.What to check Ask whether a certificate is provided and what details it records.
Final Tail is an independent directory. We collect provider details from public listings, provider websites and information shared with us. Services, availability and pricing may change, so please confirm directly with the provider before making arrangements.