If your pet is with the vet, you can still ask for them to be released to you or to a cremation provider you have chosen.
Many veterinary practices work with a contracted cremation provider. At a difficult moment, you may be given a form for that service without it being clear that you can choose another provider.
You should be given clear options. You can ask to take your pet home, arrange your own cremation provider, or ask your vet to release your pet to a provider you've chosen.
Before you decide
The decision you are making
Use the vet's default provider
With a vet-arranged service, the cremation is carried out by the provider they work with. Before you agree, it is reasonable to ask:
- Who will care for your pet after they leave the vet?
- Will they travel as part of a larger scheduled collection?
- Where will the cremation take place?
- How will your pet be identified throughout?
- When will your pet's ashes be back with you?
Arrange directly with us
When you arrange directly with Newport Pet Crematorium, you speak to the people who will care for your pet.
- You can bring your pet to us in Newport, Shropshire.
- Collection from home or your vet is available for individual cremation.
- You can choose individual or communal cremation.
- Your pet stays in our care at our own facility.
- For individual cremation, ashes are usually ready within 48–72 hours.
What to say
If you are with your vet now
You do not need to justify the decision. A simple sentence is enough.
"Thank you, but we'd like to arrange cremation ourselves. Could you hold [pet's name] while we arrange the next step?"
"We'd like to take [pet's name] home with us today. We've decided to arrange cremation separately."
Veterinary practices deal with this regularly. If you would rather not handle that conversation yourself, call us first. We can talk it through with you, and if needed we can speak to the vet about arranging collection.
What we do
How choosing directly works
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You call us
On 01952 374 001. We will gently talk through where your pet is, what support you need, and the practical details needed to make the arrangements.
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We arrange the appointment
You can bring your pet to us in Newport. Collection from home or your vet is available for individual cremation. We will confirm timing and costs first.
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The cremation takes place
We carry out individual and communal cremation at our Newport facility. With individual cremation, your pet is cremated on their own and their ashes are returned to you.
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Ashes are ready for collection or return
With individual cremation, ashes are usually ready within 48–72 hours. You can collect from us, or we can arrange ashes delivery.
Our individual cremation and collection pricing is published in full on our pricing page, including the distance policy for pet collection and ashes delivery.
We offer both individual and communal cremation. You can compare the two options.
Frequently asked questions
What if my vet is unsure about releasing my pet?
In normal circumstances, you can ask your vet to release your pet to you or to a cremation provider you have chosen. If the practice raises a concern, ask them to explain it and call us so we can help.
What if I've already signed the vet's form?
You can usually still change your mind, especially if collection hasn't happened yet. Call us on 01952 374 001 and we'll help you talk through what to do next.
Can I take my pet home before deciding?
Yes. Many people do this so they have time to think clearly. Keep your pet somewhere cool and undisturbed, wrapped in a blanket or towel. When you're ready, you can bring your pet to us or, for individual cremation, ask us about collection from your home.
How soon can you help us?
We aim to give you a same day appointment, whether we're collecting your pet or you're coming to us. Call us on 01952 374 001 to chat things through.
Do you cover Newport, Telford, and surrounding areas?
Yes. Serving Newport, Telford, Shropshire, Staffordshire, and beyond. If you're unsure whether we cover your postcode, call us and we'll check before you make arrangements with your vet.
Do you offer shared or combined cremations?
Yes. We offer communal cremation, where pets are cremated together and individual ashes are not returned. We also offer individual cremation, where your pet is cremated on their own and the ashes returned to you are theirs only.
What do I do tonight if my pet has just passed away?
If it is safe and practical to do so, keep your pet somewhere cool, wrapped in a blanket or towel. Call us on 01952 374 001 and we'll talk you through the next steps.