Caroline, Shane, and the entire team are compassionate individuals. They granted many of our wishes, gave us all the time to grieve, did not push for memorials, and were very respectful throughout the process.Thank you!
TL;DR: Valley Pet Loss went above and beyond when I called them because another crematorium forgot my appointment. If you want a professional, respectful, fully witnessed cremation in a clean and organized facility for your fur baby, I would highly recommend this place.On a Friday I knew I had to put my senior pug (Oscar) down, when I scheduled his at-home euthanasia for that Monday morning our vet recommended Valley Pet Loss for his cremation. I didn't listen and instead booked with a company in Tracy, which turned out to be a huge mistake. On Monday we showed up in Tracy with my dog's body in our arms and the company told us they didn't have our appointment on the books and couldn't take us that day. I was DEVASTATED. My best friend had just died and I had no idea what to do next.I called Valley Pet Loss on the way back home and Caroline answered the phone. I was already so upset that when she said they were booked up the next few days I practically hung up on her, and then a miracle happened... 5 minutes later she called back and asked if there was anything they could help with. I explained I was looking for a witnessed cremation as soon as possible that week. She got us scheduled for that Thursday morning and walked me through everything that was included.On Thursday we were able to witness Oscar's cremation from start to finish. The facility is in a light industrial area and the facility is well taken care of, professional, and welcoming. We were able to witness Oscar being placed in the kiln (with an ID tag), waited an hour, saw his remains come out, and even got to see his remains be processed to ash. We then got to walk his ashes to his memorial box and watch as he was placed in it. I know not everyone may not want to witness so much detail, but it was important to us and I'm grateful they allowed us when so many other places don't offer that. We saw how each step of the process was done with so much care and respect.Caroline didn't have to call me back that day but it feels like a miracle that she did. I was terrified I was going to have to drop Oscar's body off at a vet and get his ashes back weeks later. But instead I got to be with him during the last stages of his journey on this earth. I'll be forever grateful that a place like Valley Pet Loss exists. Thank you Caroline, Eric, and Cheryl
I've done a lot of research to find the right place to cremate my daughter, my best friend and the love of my life. I've been a complete wreck for the last week and even considered a place in Los Angeles, but I chose Valley Pet Loss Center after speaking with Donna.In short, it was a drive and it was the most difficult thing I had to do in my life, but I'm glad I did this for her. I chose the private cremation with same-day pickup.Donna, the other gentlemen in the office, and the two techs were all wonderful. I can't thank them enough. I know it's a tough job and they must see people like me all the time, but they were all sympathetic and let us know what's happening throughout the process. I called Donna with questions 3 times and she answered patiently every time.It's been so hard even thinking about what happened, but I feel it's important to post this for others that are in the same situation.Here's how it worked. We paid for the following* $320 private cremation* $150 same day pickup* $50 clay paw print (totally worth it!)* $20 ink paw print(if you want witnessed cremation, it must be in the morning and I believe it's $300 more than the same-day. This will give you time with your baby in the cremation room and they will set your baby out nicely before the chamber is even heated.)First, I scheduled a time over phone. We opted for the same-day pickup because I couldn't stand leaving my baby there. If it's for a same-day pickup, you need to choose your urn and what you want to have put on the label.On the day, I thought I was ready, but it turned out I was a complete disaster. I recommend having someone drive you while you have your baby on your lap. Bring tons of kleenex and water bottles. The last drive together.We arrived. It's an office complex. The heat and smell of ash. Donna walked me through if I wanted Paw Prints, YES PLEASE and I paid. The bamboo urn was really cute, but once again broke my heart that the baby I wrestled with is going to become that small by the end of all of this.Donna placed the ID tag on Cashew's leg. This ID tag is unique and will be what's left with the ashes. That ID tag will be placed on the bag with the ash in the end to ensure that no mix up should occur.We got to spend time with her in the quiet room. Trust me, we went 30 mins early and we were still late. It's impossible to say good bye so have a cut off time in mind. I'm still not ready even after the cremation if that makes any sense. I can't believe I can never touch her fur again. Totally crushed and I don't think I can ever recover from this.Tech gently knocked our door and asked if we had any questions on the process. She told us how much time it will take and told us we need to start soon if we want to pick her up the same day. We asked if she take her favorite items to cremate together. We gave her favorite snacks she used to wake up to just from the smell and the bones she used to hide under her bed and the blanket she used to sleep on. I didn't want to give her the blanket. The blanket she slept on, but I thought she could use it in heaven. You can go up to the door of the cremation room. The door has a window, but you won't be able to see too much. The tech took 30 mins to make the clay paw print and the paw print. Once the cute paw print came out, I was so happy that I received an art work from Cashew. Quickly after, reality sets in. You can't see your baby enter the chamber, but you can see your baby there and the flame reflecting against the wall. This was hard to watch and I broke down, but we wanted to be there for her until the very end. The gentlemen working there handed us kleenex. The tech was very respectful and only showed us her back. Then gave us a thumbs up with a smile once all was done.During the process, you can take a walk around the corner. We went to CVS to print memories.1.5 hours later, Donna called me and said "Cashew is ready!" Donna always referred to my baby as "Cashew" like she was still there. I really appreciated this.
We are very grateful for your understanding during this difficult time. Being able to drop off Emma and bring her ashes home on the same day meant a lot to us. This is exactly what we wanted, as Emma was shy and wouldn’t have wanted to be sent away alone. Your compassionate service provided us with much-needed closure over her sudden departure.
