FAQ

• When you make arrangements through the vet to have Willowrock pick up your pet, there is a form that you must fill out. The form asks for your name, contact information, your pet’s name and other basic information including a list of options that you want us to fulfill.  You get a copy of this form and the other is folded up and inserted into a pouch which is then attached securely to the body bag your pet is placed in after its death. This system easily identifies all pets that come to the cemetery and allows all necessary information to be sent with them.

• We have been in business for over thirty years and our reputation is important to us personally and professionally. We know how necessary it is to our customers to feel secure in the knowledge that, when they ask for a private cremation, they get one. We pride ourselves on trust, and you have our promise that we do our job as we say we are. As further assurance, once your pet has arrived at our facility they will be given a metal identification tag with their name imprinted on it. This tag will remain with them throughout the entire cremation process, and be returned with your pet’s cremains. This ensures you know it is your pet you are receiving.

• You can either come to Willowrock to pick them up personally or we can take them back to a vet clinic in Grande Prairie. We do not charge a fee to deliver back to the vet clinics. If you live out of Grande Prairie, we can also mail them to you if you are comfortable with that.

As much as possible, we work with our customers to allow their personal rituals and traditions.  We must take into account safety and other issues, so ask, and if possible, you will be allowed

Depending on your wishes, we can scatter them, cremate them communally, or, for an additional price, bury them in a private plot.

No, you don’t need to buy an urn at all. Recognizing that many people choose to scatter or bury their pet’s ashes, we have not included an urn in the basic cremation price.  The ashes are put in a plastic bag which is inserted in a cloth bag and then into a cardboard box.  If you choose to buy an urn, you can purchase one from us, buy one elsewhere or make one yourself.  Any container with a lid can be an urn – it doesn’t have to be something that was specifically made for that purpose.  It just has to be a container that you find pleasing to look at.

The general guidelines are one cubic inch per one pound of healthy weight.

Yes, you can go into your vet clinic to fill out the form or download it from the web site, fill it out and take it with you to the vet.

We allow some decorations, but they must be approved by us to assure that they are not unsuitable in any way. As we like to keep the cemetery as peaceful and natural as possible, we do not approve of solar lights.

No. When pets are communally cremated, the resulting ashes are a mix of all the pets, and there is no way to separate them.  If you want your pet’s ashes back, you must ask for a private cremation.

The process takes up to four hours, not including cool down time for the incinerator.  It is best to come back the day after the cremation.

This is something only your particular airline can answer. They often require supporting paper work from Willowrock or your vet clinic.  They also usually insist that the ashes be in a spill and puncture proof container.  Check it out in plenty of time before you go and let us know if you need anything from us.  We will be happy to assist you.

Unfortunately, no. We can only bury them.  Our incinerators are rated for 300 pounds.

Even if your other pets do not seem to be emotionally close to the one that has died, they are aware that the household dynamic has changed and they might exhibit behaviors that are out of character. If they were close, they definitely can show signs of grieving, such as loss of appetite, depression, anxiety or searching for their missing friend. Treat them gently, with extra love and wait for time to help them heal.  There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that, if possible, having the pet smell the body of their deceased friend allows them to understand that their friend is gone.

Yes, this is perfectly normal. You know how important your pet was to you while they were alive.  How could you not grieve their loss?  Give yourself permission to grieve fully and know that it will take time.  Feelings of guilt only make grief harder to deal with.  While you know intellectually that the decision to euthanize your pet was the right one, it is difficult to acknowledge emotionally.  If you are struggling, there are many pet loss support groups who will assist you.  I have included some of their information along with a general overview of the grieving process in the grief section of this web site.  Hopefully, you will find the information helpful.

 For burials, you are welcome to include items that provide you comfort to be buried with your pet. For cremations, the inclusion of items depends on their size and material. If you're unsure whether an item can be included, feel free to ask us in advance. If an item cannot be cremated, we can either return it to you or

• Items not recommend for cremation:
  • Large Blankets or children’s blankets (they often contain fireproof material and don’t cremate well)
  • Large dog bones
  • Towels and other larger items made from cotton

donate it.

Yes, we have many beautiful urns to purchase that may help you remember your pet, but we also invite you to bring something to keep your pet in if that feels like the best thing for you. Communicate this with us so we can reach the best possible outcome for you and your pet.

If you are planning for the future or are currently facing a loss, we understand that this can be a challenging time. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions or uncertainties about your options. We are here to guide you through the available choices and help you understand the services that might best meet your needs. Your comfort and peace of mind are our top priorities, so take all the time you need to make decisions. Our goal is to ensure that you feel supported and at ease with the arrangements you choose.