HIGH DESERT PET CREMATION Compassion, respect, and dignity for your pet’s final passage

By Penny Lex

When Paula and Todd Poitras were faced with the unexpected death of their dog, Frank, they experienced the rather impersonal and rudimentary ways of the death care industry for animals. With more than 25 years of experience in that line of business, the Poitras felt there had to be a better way to provide cremation services to grieving pet owners in a dignified and compassionate way.

As a result, Paula and Todd went on to open High Desert Pet Cremation (HDPC). Since 2008, this family owned and operated business continues to offer not just cremation, but an abundance of services presented with compassion, respect, and dignity. You’ll see many similarities between HDPC and a mortuary (sans the hearse)—all to help mourners through a difficult experience while ensuring the very best for their beloved’s final passage.

When sadly, “that time” does come, after calling HDPC, you can bring your pet to the facility or HDPC will come to your home or veterinary office. “We take pride in the fact that families find the comfort of knowing who they are bringing their loved ones to and then receiving them back from as well,” said Paula. “We do not transport any pets to any other locations.”

You will need to decide what type of cremation you’d like—Private, Individual, or Communal. The cost for each is determined by the one you select, as well as the size of your pet.

Private

Private cremation assures that only one animal is cremated at a time. Many pet owners choose this process, or the

Individual one, to ensure the return of just their pet’s remains and not those of others. The Private selection also gives you the option to view the cremation.

Individual

Here, your pet is placed in the chamber along with one or more others and they are separated by fire-brick partitions. Each animal is assigned a numbered ID tag so that you receive the remains of just your pet.

average-sized dog would take about four to five hours. While HDPC does offer expedited cremations for either same day, 24, 48 and 72 hours for an additional cost, the average turn-around time in returning your pet to you is five to seven business days.

Upon completion of cremation, the remains of private or individually cremated animals are put in either HDPC’s basic urn or one that you have chosen.

Cremation urns have transitioned rather markedly from the traditional “vase” to much more attractive and artistic vessels. From traditional to contemporary and wood to metal, HDPC offers a vast variety of urns. As Paula explains, “Our urn selection is one of the largest to be offered by any pet crematory in the State of Arizona. We work with three major distributors, local artisans from The Prescott Wood Turners, and other local artists that hand-make urns and keepsakes.”

When it comes to memorializing your pet, HDPC also offers a wide selection of keepsake options including necklaces, bracelets, small keepsake urns, and clay paw prints. “We work with local businesses for engraving and other special touches when possible. We truly want to support our local businesses and families as much as we can.”

928-759-0645

Communal

Pets are cremated with several others and because there is no separation, return of remains is not possible.

The time it takes for the actual cremation is based on the animal’s weight. A private cremation for an

2500 N. 5th St. Suite #8

Prescott Valley, Arizona

Highdesertpetcremation.com