FAQs
Q. Why use such a service?
Many of us make a significant investment in our pets health during its life because the pet is an important and much loved member of the family. So when it comes time for nature to take its inevitable course, owners feel that their pet deserves respect like any other member of the family.
Many people either rent, have very little garden space or do not want to leave their pet behind when moving house. Others simply can not face the physical act of burying their own pet.
Whatever the reason, thousands of WA families have used Lawnswood to help them with their pets final arrangements.
Q. Will it be my pet's ashes coming back to me?
Yes. We use a strict identification system to ensure the identity of ashes throughout the process. Every pet is given a unique Identification Number just in case we collect a pet of similar name and breed from the same location on the same day. We use a purpose built crematorium and we return all ashes, not just a token amount. Nothing is left to chance and we re-check the details through each step in the process. We have a motto within our team - "Never assume anything".
This has been a very important aspect of our service over the years and is something that we will never compromise on. You may find our page on Ethics of interest to you.
Q. Will my pet be treated with dignity?
Lawnswood was started in 1984 and our approach has always been to treat the pets like they are our own. A pre-requisite for working at Lawnswood is that you are an animal lover and have pets yourself. This helps us appreciate what our customers are going through and why the pets deserve the respect that any other member of the family would receive.
Q. Can we speed up the return of the ashes?
Yes. If you would like to fax or email through what you would like on the plaque then we will have the engraving done more quickly and we would only ask that you provide payment at the same time.
Q. When is my pet cremated?
Usually within 12-24 hours of collection from the Vet.
Q. Can I be present at the cremation?
Whilst we understand that some people may be curious or feel the need to be present at a cremation, we must stress that attending does not provide any extra comfort. After more than 20 years experience in helping pet owners though a difficult time we know what helps and what doesn't when it comes to coping with the loss of a much loved pet. This is why we haven't gone down the expensive path of insuring our crematorium for public liability which helps us keep the service affordable for everyone.
Q. Where is Lawnswood Pet Cemetery?
Lawnswood's Pet Cemetery and Crematorium is located an hour's drive east of Perth at Clackline, near Northam, in the Avon Valley. Collection of your pet and return of the ashes to your home is included in our standard fee. The cemetery is a bush setting with mostly native trees and bushes.
Q. What sort of engraving do people have?
Everyone is different. Different people find dates, breeds or pedigree names important while others just want the pet's name. Whatever you choose just remember that what you engrave should represent what you feel about your pet's entire life, not just the days surrounding their death. Also don't try to explain every detail as you may end up writing a book! Try to sum up your feelings in a couple of lines or even words as sometimes the less you say, the more it says.
Below are some examples of messages that people have added to their pet's name on engraving in the past.
- Unforgettable
- The greatest
- The greatest
- Faithful friend
- Always remembered
- Wonderful memories
- A gentle giant
- You had it all
- We miss you mate
- We will meet again
- Loved family member
- You were all I had
- We miss you each day
- Faithful companion
- Mischievous and loveable
- Loved and greatly missed
- Family member for 16 years
- Goodbye faithful friend
- Loved and greatly missed
- 14 happy years
- Much loved family member
- Loving friend for 16 years
- A very special friend
- Small dog- big heart
- Faithful friend to the end
- Sadly missed family member
- Faithful companion 16 years
- Will miss you every day
- Always loving and loyal
- A stray that came and stayed
- Precious bundle of fun
- Greatly loved forever
- Loved by all
- True and faithful friend
- Rest in peace old girl