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Pet Cremation Service
The College of Veterinary Medicine operates the Cremation Service for as a service to pet owners, local veterinary clinics, and the Cornell University Hospital for Animals. Cremations are performed at the Service for any size pet, from mice to draft horses. Two separate functions are performed by the service:
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Private Cremations
Private cremations involve the incineration of animal remains such that the ashes from the individual animal are recovered separately from other ash generated in the incinerator. Each set of animal remains is given a unique tracking number, which is used to identify the animal and the ashes throughout processing at the facility, to ensure that owners receive the ashes from their pet's remains.
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Disposals or "Group Cremations"
Disposals or "Group Cremations" involve the incineration of animal remains along with other animal remains such that the ash of all the remains are mixed together and disposed of (via a dedicated, covered bin) in a municipal solid waste landfill.
The Cremation Service is open to receive animal remains as follows:
Monday - Thursday: 7:00 to 4:00 Friday: 7:00 to 3:00
The facility operates beyond these hours for private cremations of large animals, emergencies, and other special circumstances.
Procedures for Submitting Animal Remains
(Please Note: If the cremation or disposal is being submitted through the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, information on obtaining a private cremation may be obtained from the clinician or student of record for the patient.) Otherwise:
Private cremations or disposals may be requested by calling the CVM Incinerator Facility at 253-3288. All animal remains submitted to the Cremation Service must be submitted along with a Cremation Authorization Form. The remains may be brought directly to the facility, located at S2-041 Schurman Hall (call 253-3288 for directions). Many local veterinary clinics transport animal remains for their patients to the CVM facility, please inquire about the available of this service with your local veterinarian.
Return of Ashes
(Please Note: If the cremation or disposal has been submitted through the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, information on return of the ashes or urns may be obtained from the clinician or student of record for the patient.) Otherwise:
Ashes from private cremations are generally available for pickup or delivery approximately 10 business days after they are received at the CVM Incinerator Facility. The ashes can be either be picked up at the CVM Incinerator Facility (call 253-3288 to make an appointment), or they can be shipped via UPS for an additional fee. Additional details on ash pickup and delivery can be found on the Cremation Authorization Form. Please note that the Cremation Service will only release ashes to the individual or veterinary clinic identified in the Authorization Statement of the Cremation Authorization Form.
The Cremation Service will return ashes from private cremations in simple, opaque plastic containers. A variety of wood and stone urns can be found on the world wide web - we recommend Companion Animal Products (800/630-2152 or www.urnsforpets.com)
Fees
Fees for private cremations and disposals are detailed in the Cremation Authorization Form. CVM employees are eligible for a 20% discount on companion animal cremations (no discounts are available for farm animals.)
If you have any questions on these issues or need additional information, please contact Paul Jennette (jpj22 or 253-4227) or Steve Mosch (sm225 or 253-3288).