Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if my pet dies at home?

Unfortunately, this happens to some pet owners, we’re sorry you’re going through this.

Things you can expect after your pet has passed:

  • Stiffness in body
  • Open mouth with tongue hanging out
  • Fluid leakage or soiling

These are all normal events. You can wrap your pet in a towel and if possible please wrap the body in plastic to protect your floors or furniture from any leakage. If you are unable to perform any of these suggestions, you can call us 24 hrs and we will respectfully perform these tasks for you and take your pet to our facility for cremation.

How long can I wait after my pet passes to call for cremation services?

Depends on the size of your pet. Pets will produce gases that can rupture the skin. We recommend calling as soon as possible or wrapping the pet in plastic and place in a freezer.

If my pet dies at home, should I bring my pet to the vet's office or emergency pet care?

Some vets may charge you an office visit, just for walking in the door. We recommend you check with your veterinarian’s office policies. Most vets have a third-party pet cremation service provider, like Chicagoland Pet Cremation.

You can call us direct at (847) 773-7297, and we will pick up your pet for a moderate fee during business hours 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. To learn more about Fees associated with pickup and drop-off, please click here.

Please note: There may be an additional charge for picking up larger animals. You may also come to our facility and drop off your pet during normal business hours. After hours, please call to make an appointment.

Do I have to use my vet's cremation provider?

No. You can choose your pet’s cremation provider by telling your vet to hold your pet for pick-up by whatever cremation provider you choose.

How do I know if the ashes are my pet's ashes?

Chicagoland Pet Cremation understands your concerns and takes every precaution to ensure the integrity of your pet’s ashes. We keep very tight controls on the cremation process from pick-up to delivery of your pet’s ashes back home to you. We invite you to come to inspect our facility, meet our employees, and talk to our clients. We are all pet lovers and we understand the importance of proper cremation in the healing process of losing a family pet.

Can I bring my deceased pet to your facility?

Yes. Our business hours are 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. Please call us at (847) 773-7297, so we know when to receive your pet.

Can I witness the cremation or wait for my pet's ashes?

Yes. We have a very warm and comfortable waiting area. Please be aware that the cremation process can take up to 3 hours.

What are the boundaries of your service area?

Partial List:
Aurora, Batavia, Chicago, Darien, Elmhurst, Naperville, Oakbrook, Terrace, St. Charles, Warrenville, West Chicago, Wheaton Wood Dale, Addison, Bartlett, Bensenville, Bloomingdale, Bolingbrook, Burr Ridge, Carol Stream, Clarendon Hills, Downers Grove, Elk Grove Village, Glendale Heights, Glen Ellyn, Hanover Park, Hinsdale, Itasca, Lemont, Lisle, Lombard, Oak Brook, Roselle, Schaumburg, VillaPark, Wayne, Westmont, Willowbrook, Winfield, Woodridge, Elgin, Illinois, Joliet, Illinois, Naperville, Illinois, Rockford, Illinois, ArlingtonHeights, Illinois, Berwyn, Illinois, Bolingbrook, Illinois, Cicero, Illinois, DesPlaines, Illinois, Evanston, Illinois, Hoffman Estates, Illinois, Mount Prospect, Illinois, Oak Lawn, Illinois, Oak Park, Illinois, Orland Park, Illinois, Palatine, Illinois, Schaumburg, Illinois, Skokie, Illinois, Tinley Park, Illinois, Waukegan, Illinois, Wheaton, Illinois

What are your hours?

Monday-Friday: 9am-5pm

Are there additional fees when I drop off my pet?

  • Drop-offs 
    • Weekends – closed – available after hours after 5 pm but before 9 am 
    • and over the weekends there is an extra charge of $75/fee

What payments do you accept?

Payment Options

Cash, Debit, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx, and QuickBooks GoPayment. We do not accept checks.

How long does the process take?

Our process takes no more than 5 days! Generally, this process can take as long as 2-3 weeks.