These three words are the most confusing part of pet cremation, and providers do not all use them the same way. Confirm which one you are buying before you agree to it.
Communal (also called group)
Several pets are cremated together and the ashes are not separated afterwards. You do not get ashes back. This is normally the lowest-cost option.
Private
Your pet is the only animal in the chamber. Ashes are returned to you. This is normally the highest-cost option.
Individual (also called partitioned or segregated)
More than one pet is in the chamber at the same time, kept apart by trays or dividers. Ashes are returned, but because the animals share the chamber a small amount of mixing is possible. This is the term that varies most between providers — some use “individual” to mean exactly what others mean by private.
The question that settles it: how many animals are in the chamber at the same time as my pet? Ask West Coast Pet Memorial that directly rather than relying on the name of the package.
Pet cremation is usually priced in weight bands rather than as a single flat fee. Providers set a few bands — commonly a small, a medium and a large — and the price steps up at each one. A cat and a large dog will not cost the same.
Two other things move the figure:
- Private normally costs more than individual, which normally costs more than communal.
- Urn, engraving, paw print, fur clipping and collection from a veterinary practice are often separate line items rather than part of the base price.
We do not hold weight bands or package prices for West Coast Pet Memorial. Ask for the band that matches your pet’s weight and for the total including every add-on, so the figure you are quoted is the figure you pay.
With communal cremation, ashes are not returned at all. With private or individual cremation, return times across the industry generally run from a few days to around two weeks, depending on the provider’s schedule and on whether your pet is being collected from a veterinary practice first.
Ask West Coast Pet Memorial for a specific date, how you will be told the ashes are ready, and whether they come back to you directly, go to your vet for collection, or are shipped.
Many pet crematories collect directly from vets, and if your pet died at a practice the vet will often arrange it for you. That is convenient, but it means the choice of crematory can be made without you.
- If your vet is arranging it, ask which crematory they use — it may not be this one.
- Ask whether collection is included in the price or charged separately.
- Ask whether you can bring your pet in yourself, if you would rather.
Ink paw prints, clay paw impressions, fur clippings, engraved urns and memorial jewelry are commonly offered. Some providers include one keepsake in the base price and charge for the rest; others charge for all of them.
If you want a paw print or a fur clipping, say so before the cremation. They cannot be taken afterwards.
Ask West Coast Pet Memorial which keepsakes are included and which are extra, and get the answer in writing.
The FTC Funeral Rule is the regulation that gives families price protections when they arrange a funeral. It does not apply to pets. The Rule (16 CFR Part 453) defines cremation as a heating process that incinerates human remains, and defines funeral services as the care and preparation of deceased human bodies. The words “pet” and “animal” do not appear in it.
For your pet, that means:
- There is no legal right to a General Price List — the itemized price sheet a funeral home has to hand you for human services.
- There is no requirement to give you itemized prices over the phone.
- There is no requirement to let you supply your own urn or container without a fee.
That does not mean a provider is behaving badly — plenty of pet crematories publish clear prices and hand over written quotes without being asked. It means the protections you may be expecting are not automatic here, so ask for them directly.
- How many animals are in the chamber at the same time as my pet?
- Will I get my pet’s ashes back, and how do you identify my pet through the process?
- What is the total price for my pet’s weight, including urn, keepsakes and collection?
- What date will the ashes be ready, and how will you let me know?
- Is the cremation done at your own facility, or sent to another company?
- Can I witness the cremation, or visit the facility?
- Can I have all of that in writing before I agree?
If I could give more stars I would. Caden at the front desk is amazing and the specialist Morgan is truly an angel. I had terrible service and communication with another memorial service and West Coast helped me more than I could ever put into words. My little lady Bug was taken from me in a tragic way and the paw prints I received from the other memorial business was horrific. When they tried to "make it right" they give me a second terrible paw print and made me feel awful for again being unsatisfied. Caden was so kind and calm through the whole process of helping me get a paw print of my dog that was a true paw print memorial. Morgan made me the paw print I needed to help me grieve and I will forever be grateful to her. I have nothing but love for this business and the individuals that make it happen. If you need after care for your little loved one this is the place to go.
My baby boy Taco was such a good dog. He had been through hell with his first owners and so Im so glad we gave him a better home for 9 years. He was a crazy little guy and couldnt keep himself from getting into the trash or trying to hump the mailman every once and awhile but we still loved him. We actually cremated him back in 2021 but I wanted to come on here and give it a review anyways. I miss my goofy little rat dog so much so Im so happy to have a mold of his paw print to remind me of him. Losing my childhood dog made me feel like time had stopped. But now whenever I walk past his ashes and his paw, I smile. Because I know he would want me to be happy. So thank you for caring for him even when his soul was not here with us anymore�
My Mia crossed over the rainbow bridge recently and I chose a private viewing/ cremation for Mia. I explained to Skylar what I wanted and upon arrival, I was granted everything concerning my Mia . They went above and beyond for my Mia and my family! They were so compassionate and caring as they understand what youre going through as they also understand this was the most difficult time in our lives. I never knew before this that one can have a private viewing/cremation and watch as much as you choose! I wanted this for my Mia and I absolutely do not regret my decision in watching everything with my precious girl! I HIGHLY recommend West Coast pet crematory! I wish I could give a hundred stars to them as they truly deserve it! Thank you Skylar and Kristy for your kindness to us at this most difficult time!
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West Coast Pet Memorial has not published pet cremation prices with us.
Expect the quote to depend on your pet’s weight band, on whether you choose communal, individual or private cremation, and on any urn, keepsakes or collection from your vet.
Ask for the total in writing. Pets are not covered by the FTC Funeral Rule, so an itemized price list is not something you are entitled to by law.
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Not every provider listed in Reno handles pets, so calling West Coast Pet Memorial directly is usually the quickest answer.