FAQs
We’ve provided a list of answers to questions we frequently receive regarding our services and other activities related to funerals. If you don't see the answer to your question here, feel free to contact us. We'd be happy to give you more information and clarify any of your concerns.
What if my pet dies at home or when my veterinarian is closed?
What if my pet dies at home or when my veterinarian is closed?
We offer appointments at our facility in Huron between the hours of 8am-5pm Monday – Friday. After hours appointments are available upon request between 5pm – 8pm Monday-Friday and 8am-12pm Saturday for an additional fee. We kindly request that you call ahead to schedule an appointment to offer families uninterrupted time while bringing their pets into our care. We will take care of your needs from there.
We realize that death comes at all hours on any given day, so we do have an answering service available 24 hours per day. However, to keep costs of our services affordable, we have limited the availability of staff to bring pets into our care during the overnight hours and on Sundays. Most families have found they are able to keep their pet at home until our professional staff is available to assist. If your pet passes away outside of our regular business hours, we have provided some steps to care for your fur baby until then:
- You may snuggle your baby in their favorite blanket or bed.
- Be sure to put some plastic under the nose and tail as fluids may be lost.
- Place your baby in a cool, dry place away from other animals.
Should I bury or cremate my pet?
Should I bury or cremate my pet?
That is a very personal decision and only one you can make. However, the majority of pets in our society are cremated and there are several reasons for this. First, in many urban communities, laws and ordinances make it illegal for owners to bury their pets in the back yard. Second, if you did choose burial, it would more than likely require you to bury your pet in a designated pet cemetery. This option tends to be expensive and the closest option is in the Cleveland area. If you are able to bury on your own property, there are many times during the year that our harsh winter climate prevents families from being able to perform a burial. Third, cremation is an affordable and simple option that often did not exist in the past. Forth, bringing your pet home after cremation provides you with a memorial than can be visually cherished and help you and your family work through your grief journey. Finally, with our society becoming so much more mobile, choosing cremation gives you the ability to take your pet's cremated remains with you if you move to another home.
Can my veterinarian help me with cremation for my pet?
Can my veterinarian help me with cremation for my pet?
Yes. People typically choose their veterinarians for their heroic life-prolonging or sustaining capabilities. Though many veterinarians have some knowledge of the cremation process, this is not their specialty. However, by using our facilities to handle your pet's cremation, you can rest assured that you are getting a professional who has been highly trained and has extensive experience when it comes to cremation. Though your veterinarian has been a trusted advisor to you when it comes to your pet's health, it only makes sense to seek out a death care professional when it comes to a pet's death care needs. Many local veterinary clinics will have our information and authorization forms on site, and will assist you with filling them out. If you find your veterinary clinic uses another pet cremation provider, you are always able to contact us directly and we will assist you with the process. You can inform your veterinarian that we will pick up your beloved pet and provide dignified transport to our facility at no additional charge.
Are all pet crematories alike?
Are all pet crematories alike?
No. Most states do not regulate pet crematories. Thus, the quality of their facilities, services and staff can vary widely. What most pet owners don't realize is that the majority of pet cremation providers are not even located in their community. We have local veterinary clinics and funeral homes who offer pet cremation services, but your pet is usually transported to Cleveland, Grafton or Toledo for the cremation process, along with multiple other pets picked up at different locations. Although there are preventative measures in place from these services, this does allow for errors and mistakes when so many people and companies are involved in the care and custody of your pet.
By selecting Groff Pet Loss Services, our staff is the only staff caring for your pet from start to finish, so your pet never leaves our care or our facility. We own and operate our crematory in Huron, Ohio so we are local. We are fully committed to ensuring your furry family member is cared for with the respect and dignity he or she deserves. We also have a licensed crematory operator who is licensed by the State of Ohio Board of Embalmers and Funeral Directors overseeing our cremation processes, so you can rest assured the highest level of compassion, care and respect is shown to your pet throughout the entire process.
What should I be doing to make sure my pet is being treated with dignity and respect?
What should I be doing to make sure my pet is being treated with dignity and respect?
Since there is very little regulation in the pet industry, the best thing you can do is to contact us directly. If not possible, then we advise that you ask your Veterinarian or the Cremation Provider directly the following very important questions:
- Where is the crematory located? Most families are shocked to learn that their pet is going to be transported several hundred miles away.
- May I inspect the facility where my pet's cremation will take place?
- How will my pet be transported to the crematory?
- How and where is my pet kept until cremation?
- When will my pet be cremated and returned to me? Many are shocked to learn that their beloved pet is going to be held in a freezer at the Vet's facility for several days if not a week or more before they are picked up by a standard cremation provider. Then, it is going to be another week before their pet's cremated remains are ready for pickup.
How do I know I am getting back my pet's cremated remains?
How do I know I am getting back my pet's cremated remains?
Most pet cremation providers do nothing to answer this often-asked question and in many cases your veterinarian can not answer this question with confidence either. However, Groff Pet Loss Services uses a stainless steel tagging system for pet identification, tracking and chain of custody procedures. This stainless steel tag is returned to you along with your pet’s cremated remains.
Using a stainless steel tagging system is the most accurate and effective tracking procedure available and by using this system, Groff Pet Loss Services can provide you with absolute proof that you are receiving back your pet's cremated remains. Furthermore, if you desire, we can facilitate arrangements for you to be present at your pet's cremation for the ultimate peace of mind.
Do I have to purchase a casket my pet's cremation?
Do I have to purchase a casket my pet's cremation?
No. Often family members will wrap their pet in a favorite blanket or some other personal article of meaning to the pet or family members, but nothing is required from the family. The only exception is when a private family viewing of the cremation is selected. In these instances, a minimum cremation container is required.
How do I purchase an urn, keepsake or cremation jewelry?
How do I purchase an urn, keepsake or cremation jewelry?
Many pet cremation providers return your pet's cremated remains in a temporary container, often a tin can or a low grade “wooden” box. At Groff Pet Loss Services, we understand the dignity and respect your pet's cremated remains deserve. Accordingly, we provide a very simple, yet dignified marbled urn with a paw print on top in all of our cremation offerings. This urn is labeled with your pets name as a touch of personalization.
However, many families still choose to upgrade to an urn that speaks of their pet's life. We offer a wide variety of urns, many of which can be personalized or engraved with your pet’s name, dates, paw print or photo. We also have a wonderful selection of keepsake pieces, photo frames, and memorial jewelry. You can see our selection by visiting our showroom in Huron, Ohio, or by visiting our partner store, The Remembrance Center in Sandusky, Ohio. In addition, you may visit our Merchandise page on this website or our Online Planner and select “Merchandise Only” in Step 2 to make a purchase from our website. All purchases must be picked up at one of our locations.
How long after my pet's death will it take to receive my pet back?
How long after my pet's death will it take to receive my pet back?
By using Groff Pet Loss Services, you receive a much quicker response when your pet passes away either at your home or veterinary clinic since your pet is not being transported out of town. We are trained to respond quickly and can be available to transfer your pet into our care right away. This means you can have your pet's cremated remains available for return usually within 72 hours of us receiving your pet. This is not the same timeline for all other pet cremation providers in our area. Some veterinarian clinics or funeral homes will have to hold your pet in a freezer at their facilities for upwards of a week until the cremation provider they use makes its next scheduled visit to their clinic. Then, it may be another week before the urn is ready for you to pick up. Please be sure you ask important questions at your veterinary clinic or when contacting a funeral home to ensure you understand their cremation provider's services. You are always able to contact us directly as well.
How do I submit an obituary?
How do I submit an obituary?
Groff Pet Loss Services is the only area cremation provider that offers Pet Remembrances, which are online memorial tributes to your furry family members. Pet Remembrances are available at no cost to for any pet cared for at Groff Pet Loss Services. These beautiful remembrances will also be shared on our Facebook page. If you would like a Pet Remembrance online obituary published to pay tribute to your pet’s loyal devotion, please visit our Submit an Obituary/Tribute page. Or you may email us the following information:
- Pet’s Name
- Pet’s Date of Birth
- Pet’s Date of Passing
- Any information you would like to add about your pet
- Favorite stories about your pet
- A tribute to your pet (such as a song, poem or quote)
- Your favorite photo of your pet
- Your name
- Your phone number
- A favorite photo of your pet
Can I submit an obituary even if I did not use Groff Pet Loss Services?
Can I submit an obituary even if I did not use Groff Pet Loss Services?
Our online memorial tributes, Pet Remembrances, are included with any of our cremation packages at no additional cost. However, should a family be interested in submitting an obituary for a pet not cared for by Groff Pet Loss Services, there will be a fee of $30.00 due prior to the obituary being published. We kindly ask that you contact us to pre-pay your obituary before submitting your pet’s information and photo.
What does a last goodbye private viewing and cremation witness consist of?
What does a last goodbye private viewing and cremation witness consist of?
Our highly trained funeral professionals understand how important it is to properly say goodbye to every member of your family. These comforting moments offer you and your family the opportunity to share stories about your beloved pet and say your final goodbyes. We will schedule a time that allows you and your family the opportunity to view your pet and say goodbye prior to the cremation in our private viewing area. You will also have the option of witnessing the beginning of the cremation, if you so choose. Our staff will accompany you to offer support and answer any questions you may have. There is an additional fee for this service, and also requires the purchase of a cremation container for the safety and respect of all staff and family members present for viewing.
