Frequently Asked Questions

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Dealing with the loss of a pet is painful and overwhelming. Often, we have not thought of what we want to do with our pet's remains after they are gone. There are many options, whether you want to keep a piece of your pet or not. If you are uncomfortable keeping ashes, an ink pawprint or clay paw print might be better. A lock of hair can help us remember the softness of their coat and how they comforted us, too. Please call and we can help you find the right fit for their memorial and your family.

Whether you intend to bury or cremate, freezing will help slow decay. Place the animal in a plastic bag (the thicker the better) with paper towels and then put them in a freezer. No, this will not affect paw prints and will help preserve them until you can make a decision.

Dealing with death can be scary as we are not always taught about bodily processes after we die. All muscles and systems will relax first, which means the bladder and bowels will release. The eyelids will not close. Sometimes small skin or muscle twitches can be seen immediately following death. Within 30 minutes to 1 hour, the body will stiffen with rigor mortis. This will also fade again after a few hours. 

Because water evaporates during cremation, only 3-7% of body weight is left in an ash form depending on body composition. For example, a cat may only produce a few ounces while a 50 pound dog might produce around 2 pounds of ash. A horse could produce 30-60 pounds of ash so this is important to keep in mind when searching for urns or containers.

Silver Bell will bury or spread any and all ash. This is part of Indiana law and also helps plants to grow, ensuring your pet remains in the greater circle of life.

Of course! Any requested service will be performed before cremation. These can be mailed to you or you can wait while they are completed at drop off. If you would like to bury your pet, we can still perform these services for you.

Before your pet is buried or cremated, it is important to think of keepsakes! A lock of hair, nose print, or paw print (in ink or clay) are great ways to remember your pet. Consider keeping their collar or favorite toy. As far as other items, memorial stones, specialized urns, necklaces or rings that hold ash, or shadow boxes are available options online. Some choose to preserve their pet via taxidermy, freeze drying, or have artwork created that use the pet's ashes like paintings, pottery, jewelry, worry stones, or glass blown items.

Yes. Pick up is free for animals not requiring a trailer within 30 miles. If you live beyond and would like to meet between, that is okay too! We can pick up large animals with a trailer. See pricing and mileage overcharges.

Yes. We have the meet up option for appointments in Indianapolis on Fridays from 2PM to 5PM at Rhodius Public Park (1720 W Wilkins St, Indianapolis, IN 46221). Use the Indy selection under appointments.

Because we are a small facility, all dropped off pets are attended to immediately. In some cases, ashes can be returned same day. If your pet is put to sleep at a vet clinic we serve, there is usually a one week turn around depending on the pick up day.

When you drop off or pick up your pet, a steel tag is attached to their wrist. This number will be on your pet's cremation certificate and the tag will be in the ashes (remove if scattering) so you know it is them! 

If your pet passed away and was not able to be cooled appropriately or put on ice for too long, decomposition can prevent paw prints, nose prints, or necropsies from being performed.