Frequently asked questions

Pet cremation questions, answered clearly

Private cremation means one pet is cremated on their own. The ashes returned belong only to that pet.

In communal cremation, several pets are cremated together. Their ashes are not separated and are not returned individually.

The term “individual cremation” can mean different things between providers. In some cases, several pets may be placed separately within the same chamber. It is worth asking one direct question: will my pet be the only pet in the cremation chamber?

At AAA Animal Crematorium, private means one pet, one cremation. Your pet receives an individual tracking ID that stays with them from collection through to the return of their ashes.

There is no single explanation used by every provider. It may mean your pet is cremated alone, or it may mean several pets are placed apart within a shared chamber.

AAA provides private cremation. Your pet is cremated on their own, not alongside other pets.

Every pet receives an individual tracking ID at collection. That ID remains with your pet throughout their care, private cremation and the return of their ashes.

Only one pet is cremated at a time.

Your pet is collected from your home or veterinary clinic, or brought to our crematorium by appointment. They receive an individual tracking ID and are cared for at our family-run crematorium in Pentland Hills.

Your pet is then cremated privately. Their ashes are prepared for return and matched to their tracking ID.

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The amount varies according to your pet’s size and bone structure. A larger dog will generally produce more ash than a cat, rabbit or bird.

Please contact us before making arrangements if you would like two pets cremated together. We will explain what is possible and how their identification and ashes would be handled.

Please contact us to discuss this before the cremation is arranged.

Pet cremation costs

The cost depends on your pet and the arrangements you choose. Please contact us with your pet’s type and size so we can provide an accurate price.

Collection is charged separately. We’ll confirm the collection fee with you before arranging collection of your pet.

The available urn and memorial options will be explained when you make arrangements. Please contact us if you would like to discuss these before deciding.

No. There are no hidden costs. We’ll explain the costs clearly before you proceed so you know exactly what you’ll be paying.

Payment can be made by cash or card when we collect your pet.

Collection and bringing your pet to us

Yes. We provide home collection across Melbourne’s west and central Victoria.

Yes. We can arrange collection from your veterinary clinic. Speak with your vet or contact us so the collection can be arranged.

You can SMS us after hours on 0486 313 628 and we will reply as soon as we can.

Our regular hours are Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm. Saturday appointments are available for urgent situations. We are closed on Sundays and public holidays.

Keep your pet in the coolest part of your home, away from direct sunlight. You may place them on a towel or blanket with a waterproof layer underneath.

If you are uncertain or cannot move your pet safely, contact your veterinarian for advice.

Yes, by appointment. Visits and drop-offs at our Pentland Hills crematorium must be arranged in advance.

We collect across Melbourne’s west and central Victoria, including areas around Bacchus Marsh, Ballan, Ballarat and Melton.

If you are unsure whether we can collect from your suburb or veterinary clinic, contact us with the location.

Your pet’s ashes

Your pet’s ashes are usually ready to be returned the next day following cremation.

Your pet’s ashes are returned in a complimentary urn. We also carry a range of other urns in our collection van if you would prefer to choose something different.

No. A complimentary urn is included, so you don’t need to make that decision straight away. If you would like another urn, you can view the range available in our collection van when we collect your pet.

You can scatter your pet’s ashes on private property with the property owner’s permission.

Rules may apply in parks, gardens, waterways and other public places. Check with the council or land manager before scattering ashes, as some locations prohibit it or require approval.

You may keep the ashes in an urn, scatter them somewhere permitted, bury the urn on private property or use a small portion in a memorial keepsake.

There is no need to make the decision immediately unless your chosen arrangements require it.

Appointments, hours and the pets we care for

Yes. All visits, drop-offs and collections are strictly by appointment.

AAA Animal Crematorium is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.

Saturday appointments are available for urgent situations. We are closed on Sundays and public holidays. You can SMS 0486 313 628 after hours and we will reply as soon as we can.

Yes. We care for pets of all sizes, including the largest dog breeds.

Read more about our private dog cremation service.

Yes. We provide private cremation for rabbits, birds and other small pets.

Learn more about small animal cremation or read about our cat cremation service.