How will I know I am getting my own pet's ashes back?

We follow strict identification and tracking procedures to ensure that every pet is handled with care and dignity. Each pet receives a unique identification tag that follows them through the entire process. Private cremation ensures your pet is cremated individually, and only their ashes are returned to you. We use Wings Tracker Software to provide full transparency and accuracy. We take our responsibility very seriously, and you can trust that your pet’s ashes are returned to you with the highest level of care and integrity.

What is the difference between Fire Cremation and Aquamation?

Both fire cremation and Aquamation (also called water cremation) reduce a pet’s remains to ashes, but they use different processes: Fire Cremation uses intense heat and flame to reduce remains to ash. Aquamation is a gentle, water-based process that mimics natural decomposition, using alkaline hydrolysis to break down tissue. Aquamation uses 90% less energy, produces no emissions, and returns a greater volume of soft, white ashes.

What happens if my pet dies at home?

If your pet passes away at home, there is no immediate rush to take action. Many families choose to spend some time with their pet before making aftercare arrangements. Keep your pet in a cool, quiet place (such as a tiled floor or a room with air conditioning). If you wish to wait a few hours or overnight, you may place them on a towel or blanket in a cool area. Call Monarch Pet Memorial Services when you’re ready, and we will arrange gentle, respectful transportation from your home.

Can I still get a paw or nose print if I choose communal cremation?

Yes. Families who elect communal cremation can still request paw or nose prints before cremation. Just let us know in advance, and we will create them for you.

How can I be sure the paw print is my pet’s?

We carefully track every pet throughout the entire process to ensure accuracy. Clay is stiff, so pressing a paw into it may not create the same look you’d see in an impression on hard tile or soft sand. We also try to capture nail impressions, which may stretch the paw slightly more than expected. Rest assured, each keepsake is uniquely your pet’s.

How much ashes will I get back? What if I think I should have received more or less?

The ashes you receive are composed solely of your pet’s processed bones following cremation. The amount of ashes returned is determined by bone density and structure, rather than total body weight. A larger pet with more fat and less bone mass may produce fewer ashes than expected. Two pets of the same weight may yield different amounts of ashes due to variations in bone density. This is the same for human cremation as well. On average, the ashes returned will weigh between 2–5% of the pet’s total body weight, but this is only an estimate.

How can I get a copy of my ink print?

Every pet who receives private cremation at Monarch automatically gets an ink paw print as part of their memorial package. If you would like a digital copy, we can scan and email it to you upon request.

Can toys or blankets be aquamated with my pet?

No. Only organic materials (such as the pet’s body and natural fur) can go through the Aquamation process. Since blankets, toys, and collars contain synthetic materials, they cannot be included. If you’d like, we can place them with your pet before cremation for a final farewell, but they will not go through the process.

What if I don’t want the ashes back?

If you do not wish to receive your pet’s ashes, you can choose communal cremation, in which your pet is respectfully cremated with other pets, and the ashes are scattered at sea. Families who select communal cremation can still request paw prints, nose prints, or fur clippings as keepsakes before the cremation process.

My vet doesn’t use Monarch—can I still choose you?

Yes. You always have the right to choose who provides your pet’s aftercare. Just call us, and we’ll make arrangements.

Welcome to

Monarch

Helping families honor the lives of those they love.

We are dedicated to providing an environmentally sensitive and dignified pet aftercare service to families in South Florida.

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A Peaceful Goodbye for a Love That Lasts Forever

“How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.” – Winnie the Pooh

At Monarch Pet Memorial Services, we know your pet was a part of your family. Their love, loyalty, and companionship shaped your life, and now, as you say goodbye, they deserve the most gentle and loving farewell.

Aquamation is a soft and natural way to honor your pet’s memory. Using only water and alkalinity, this process mimics nature’s way of reducing the body down to bone, without the harshness of fire or emissions.

We are a veterinary owned and family-run facility, dedicated to treating every pet with the utmost dignity and care. Whether you wish to keep your pet’s ashes in a keepsake urn or have them scattered at sea, we are here to provide comfort and guidance during this difficult time.

A Greener Choice – Zero emissions, low energy use, and earth-friendly.
Compassionate, Private Care – Every pet is treated like our own.
Support Every Step of the Way – You’re not alone in this journey.

When words aren’t enough, let love lead the way.

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How it works

Step 1

Gentle Pickup & Compassionate Care

Whether from your home or veterinary clinic, our team arrives with a soft blanket and stretcher to transport your pet with dignity. Every pet is carefully tracked from the moment they enter our care.

Step 2

Memorial Keepsakes Are Created

Before cremation, we prepare special keepsakes including a clay paw print, ink paw impression, and a fur clipping. These meaningful mementos are crafted with love and care.

Step 3

Aquamation Process Begins

Your pet is placed in a private cradle for aquamation—a gentle, eco-friendly process using only water an alkaline solution to return your pet to soft, white ashes.

Step 4

Ashes & Keepsakes Are Returned

All memorial items are placed in a sealed wooden urn and packaged with a certificate and bookmark. Families may pick them up, have them delivered to their vet, or request shipping.

Why did we select a Monarch to be our muse?

At Monarch Pet Memorial Services, our name was chosen with deep meaning and purpose. The Monarch butterfly is a powerful symbol of transformation, renewal, and peace, mirroring the journey pets take as they cross the rainbow bridge. Just as the butterfly emerges from its chrysalis, our gentle aquamation process provides a natural and respectful transition, honoring each pet with dignity.

Beyond its symbolism of change, the Monarch butterfly embodies beauty, grace, and serenity, offering comfort to grieving families. Many believe that seeing a butterfly is a sign from a loved one, bringing peace in times of loss. Our goal is to provide that same sense of comfort and reassurance through compassionate pet aftercare.

Additionally, Monarch butterflies play a crucial role in our ecosystem, just as aquamation is an environmentally responsible alternative to flame-based cremation. Our commitment to sustainability ensures that pets receive a loving farewell while leaving the smallest ecological footprint possible.

Founded by Dr. Mary Gardner, a leader in veterinary hospice care, Monarch Pet Memorial Services was created to ensure that every pet’s final journey is handled with love, care, and respect. Like the Monarch butterfly, we embrace the cycle of life, honoring the bond between pets and their families in the most meaningful way.

What we offer

Testimonials

I just want to thank all the staff and the people at Monarch for the care and love done to the cremation of my Beloved Amore.
Special love to Juli.
The Cremains of Amore arrived on a beautiful urn and the cutest nose imprint and paw print. Plus a small vial containing his fur. Hugs.

Sandinei Pereira

Professional and understanding staff made one of our worst times not hurt so much. The respect and comfort is top notch. Our good boy, Dots, was returned to us in a sturdy and attractive urn along with mementos we will cherish forever. We highly recommend Monarch.

Lisa McComas

The vet that put my elderly cat to sleep used Monarch Pet Services for the memorial items and their products were so thoughtfully put together!

Ashley Travis

Thank you so much for your compassion and attention to detail. It’s never easy to loose a furry family member but Monarch helped in such a big way. Harry’s Lazer engraved footprint on the urn, his lock of hair in a tiny glass bottle, the imprint of his paw and poem are so meaningful and beautiful.

Willow Rossi

They came down quickly to pick up my beloved cat Snowflake who had just passed away. The people at Monarch were both compassionate and friendly and and did a private cremation. In just about a week, they brought my cat’s remains back to me in a beautiful engraved box with her paw print etched in clay. I will always treasure the way Monarch handled this situation in my time of grief.

Mark Forman

Thank you to everyone at Monarch! You truly are all angels and I can’t thank you enough for making this part of such a stressful time a lot less stressful and more peaceful for me and my family! Tinkerbell looks beautiful! Thank you beyond words from The Robinette/Connors family!

Melanie Robinette

I called Monarch Pet Memorial Services on a Sunday morning, after I had woken up to my pet passing away unexpectedly. Al answered, was very professional, and came quickly to pick up my pet. I had a private cremation done and received my pet’s ashes earlier than the time I was quoted. Every detail was thought out from the engraved urn, to hair in a jar, and 2 paw prints! I would highly recommend Monarch Pet Memorial Services to anyone who wants their beloved pet handled with care and concern and will continue to use them in the future.

Jennifer Stanley

Losing a pet is so very hard, but I was happy with the services at Monarch. My dogs ashes were put in a small wooden box with her name and paw print on it. They also give you a digital print of the paw incase you want to use it for something.

Kaycee Blanchard

It certainly wasn’t easy saying goodbye but bringing her home was certainly beautiful. While the tears continued to flow, we were comforted knowing she’s home. The urn was beautiful, a vial of her hair and paw prints as well as the comforting card.

Jacqueline Spence

I’m so glad I did this . Lap of Love and Monarch made a painful experience into one of peace even joy. It was so beautiful.
Thank you for really understanding how your pet is truly part of your family.

Elaine Kane

View All Testimonials

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FAQ

How will I know I am getting my own pet's ashes back?
We follow strict identification and tracking procedures to ensure that every pet is handled with care and dignity.
- Each pet receives a unique identification tag that follows them through the entire process.
- Private cremation ensures your pet is cremated individually, and only their ashes are returned to you.
- We use Wings Tracker Software to provide full transparency and accuracy.
We take our responsibility very seriously, and you can trust that your pet’s ashes are returned to you with the highest level of care and integrity.
What is the difference between Fire Cremation and Aquamation?
Both fire cremation and Aquamation (also called water cremation) reduce a pet’s remains to ashes, but they use different processes:
- Fire Cremation uses intense heat and flame to reduce remains to ash.
- Aquamation is a gentle, water-based process that mimics natural decomposition, using alkaline hydrolysis to break down tissue.
- Aquamation uses 90% less energy, produces no emissions, and returns a greater volume of soft, white ashes.
What happens if my pet dies at home?
If your pet passes away at home, there is no immediate rush to take action. Many families choose to spend some time with their pet before making aftercare arrangements.
- Keep your pet in a cool, quiet place (such as a tiled floor or a room with air conditioning).
- If you wish to wait a few hours or overnight, you may place them on a towel or blanket in a cool area.
- Call Monarch Pet Memorial Services when you’re ready, and we will arrange gentle, respectful transportation from your home.
Can I still get a paw or nose print if I choose communal cremation?
Yes. Families who elect communal cremation can still request paw or nose prints before cremation. Just let us know in advance, and we will create them for you.
How can I be sure the paw print is my pet’s?
We carefully track every pet throughout the entire process to ensure accuracy. Clay is stiff, so pressing a paw into it may not create the same look you’d see in an impression on hard tile or soft sand. We also try to capture nail impressions, which may stretch the paw slightly more than expected. Rest assured, each keepsake is uniquely your pet’s.
How much ashes will I get back? What if I think I should have received more or less?
The ashes you receive are composed solely of your pet’s processed bones following cremation. The amount of ashes returned is determined by bone density and structure, rather than total body weight.
- A larger pet with more fat and less bone mass may produce fewer ashes than expected.
- Two pets of the same weight may yield different amounts of ashes due to variations in bone density.
This is the same for human cremation as well. On average, the ashes returned will weigh between 2–5% of the pet’s total body weight, but this is only an estimate.
How can I get a copy of my ink print?
Every pet who receives private cremation at Monarch automatically gets an ink paw print as part of their memorial package. If you would like a digital copy, we can scan and email it to you upon request.
Can toys or blankets be aquamated with my pet?
No. Only organic materials (such as the pet’s body and natural fur) can go through the Aquamation process. Since blankets, toys, and collars contain synthetic materials, they cannot be included.
If you’d like, we can place them with your pet before cremation for a final farewell, but they will not go through the process.
What if I don’t want the ashes back?
If you do not wish to receive your pet’s ashes, you can choose communal cremation, in which your pet is respectfully cremated with other pets, and the ashes are scattered at sea.
Families who select communal cremation can still request paw prints, nose prints, or fur clippings as keepsakes before the cremation process.
My vet doesn’t use Monarch—can I still choose you?
Yes. You always have the right to choose who provides your pet’s aftercare. Just call us, and we’ll make arrangements.

See More FAQs