In Your Time of Need, We’re Here with Answers

In this difficult time, we’re here to help - with clear answers and caring support along the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your Pet’s Journey & Care

How do I know I’m receiving only my pet’s ashes?

We work exclusively with Sunset Promise, a crematorium that goes above and beyond industry standards to ensure your pet’s identity is respected at every step of the process.

What are Cremation Identification Discs?

A unique steel ID disc is placed with your pet during individual cremation. It stays intact throughout the process and is returned with your pet’s ashes, mirroring human cremation standards to ensure accurate identification. You’ll find the disc among the ashes when they’re returned to you.

Aftercare & Cremation Options

Will I get only my pet’s ashes back?

Yes, if you choose private cremation. Your pet is cremated alone, and only their ashes are returned to you.

Do you provide both individual and communal cremation options?

Yes, we do. Our specialty is individual cremation, where your beloved pet is cremated separately, and their ashes are respectfully returned to you. We also offer communal cremation, where pets are cremated together, and ashes are not returned.

Is your service environmentally conscious?

Sunset Promise uses new, state-of-the-art hot hearth cremators designed for optimal efficiency while reducing environmental impact.

Can I get a paw print tattoo of my pet?

Yes! Many of our past pet owners use an ink paw print for tattoos to keep their pet’s memory close. We can suggest a skilled tattoo artist if you’d like a recommendation.

What can I do with my pet’s cremated remains?

Cremated remains, or “cremains,” offer many meaningful ways to honor your pet. Here are some options:

Memorial Jewelry: Infuse ashes into custom rings, pendants, or bracelets to keep your pet near.
Urns and Sculptures: Store ashes in decorative urns or create custom figurines resembling your pet.
Planting Trees or Flowers: Mix ashes with soil or use biodegradable urns to grow a living tribute.
Glass Art: Incorporate ashes into glass-blown pieces like ornaments or sculptures for a beautiful keepsake.
Tattoo Ink: Blend a small amount of ashes into tattoo ink for a permanent, personal memorial.
Ocean Memorials: Integrate ashes into eco-friendly underwater reefs to support marine life.
Fireworks: Transform ashes into fireworks for a vibrant tribute, perfect for pets who love the outdoors.

These options let you celebrate your pet’s unique spirit with a lasting, personal touch.

Can I witness the cremation?

In some cases, yes. It will be costly. Certain crematoriums allow for witnessed cremations. Please ask if this is important to you.

What kind of urn will I receive?

We provide a complimentary, dignified standard urn with every individual cremation. For those seeking something more unique, we offer a selection of premium wood and metal urns available for an additional cost. Please see our pricing in our menu Products.

Can my pet be cremated with their collar, toy, or blanket?

While we understand the sentiment, most crematoriums require non-combustible items to be removed for safety and environmental reasons. Additionally, items like blankets and similar objects can be considered hazardous materials, and the crematorium charges extra for them. Avoiding passing on these costs to pet owners, we typically ensure that only your loved one is sent for cremation. We’ll walk you through what’s possible and help guide you through the process.

What happens to ashes in communal cremation?

They are respectfully and lawfully scattered by the crematorium with care.

General Service Questions

What services do you provide?

We provide at-home pet pickup, transportation to and from the crematory, return of ashes in a chosen urn for private cremations, and guidance and support throughout the decision-making process.

What areas do you serve?

We currently serve most cities of Los Angeles County, with expanding service into parts of Ventura and Orange Counties. Please contact us to confirm your location.

What kinds of pets do you care for?

We transport and coordinate aftercare for dogs, cats, rabbits, birds, reptiles, and other companion animals including certain barn animals.

Are your services available at any time of day?

Yes, in most cases. Loss doesn’t follow a schedule, and neither do we. We’re here to schedule service with you any time, day or night.

Do I need to be home during the pickup?

No, though you’re welcome to be present. We can also coordinate respectful pickups with your permission if you’re not available. (NOTE:Payment is due at the time of service or before if someone is not present.)

Can my pet be picked up from a veterinary office or shelter?

Yes. We can arrange pickups from a lot of places, including homes, veterinary offices, clinics, hospitals, shelters, Senior/Assisted Living homes, or Boarders/Pet Hotels.

Do you offer in-home euthanasia?

We don’t offer at-home euthanasia yet, but it’s coming soon! We’re currently in talks with veterinarians to provide this service. Feel free to inquire further for the latest updates.

Can I leave a testimonial for my pet?

We’d be honored to hear from you. To leave a review, please visit our Google business page. If you’d like to share a video testimonial, we’d love to feature it on our Instagram: @pawscause.love with your permission. Your feedback is valuable and helps us continue to offer the best care for your beloved companions to others. Reviews go a long way for small businesses and help others feel more prepared and secure when presented with loss.

Can I create a memorial for my pet?

We’d love to help honor your pet’s memory. Share photos, stories, or video memorials, and with your permission, we may feature them on our social media with your social media handle/name. Keeping your memories alive is an honor, and they mean the world to us.

Pricing & Payment

How much does it cost?

Pricing varies based on pet size and cremation type. We provide upfront, transparent pricing when you contact us—no hidden fees.

What forms of payment do you accept?

We accept a wide range of options, including Credit/Debit Cards, Zelle, Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Android Pay, PayPal, and Cash, along with most other common methods. Payment is due at the time of service.

Grief Support & Memorials

Do you offer grief support resources?

Yes. We’re here for you with resources. Getting involved with a local nonprofit or shelter can be a meaningful way to cope with loss and that sense of void. While nothing fully heals the emptiness, giving back can spark a sense of purpose.
When you’re ready, fostering might be worth considering—who knows, it could even lead to adoption.
Youtube: “The Rainbow Bridge” Poem, Ted Talk on Pet Loss

Other Online and Local Community Resources

PetLoss Partners
● What: Run by Sandra Grossman, a certified pet loss and bereavement counselor, this group offers support groups in Glendale and on the Westside, plus individual and family counseling by phone or in person. It’s not therapy but a safe space to share without judgment.
● Where: Glendale and Westside locations (contact for specifics)
● Contact: (818) 421-1516 or petlosspartners.com
● Why: Great for those who want a community of people who understand pet loss as a deep, often under-recognized grief.

Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement (APLB)
● What: A nonprofit offering online resources, chat rooms, and a comprehensive guide to coping with pet loss. They also train counselors like Sandra Grossman of PetLoss Partners.
● Where: Accessible at aplb.org
● Why: Excellent for those who prefer private, self-paced support or live outside central LA but want expert advice. Often recommended by local vets and shelters.

Pet-Loss.net
● What: Offers compassionate articles and tips on pet loss bereavement, with a focus on understanding grief.
● Where: pet-loss.net
● Why: Useful for reading up on coping strategies at home, especially if you’re not ready for group settings.

Dr. Diane Kelley, Ph.D.
● What: Provides psychotherapy for pet loss with a sliding scale or medical insurance options, offering personalized support.
● Where: 1494 S. Robertson Blvd., Suite 202, Los Angeles, CA 90035 (plus locations in Manhattan Beach and Costa Mesa)
● Contact: (310) 559-3164
● Why: Best for those seeking one-on-one professional help to work through complex emotions.

Can I make a donation in my pet’s name?

Yes. A portion of every private cremation supports an animal nonprofit through our PAW IT FORWARD CAUSE We can also arrange, or you can make, a separate donation in your pet’s name upon request.

Can I share a memorial or tribute to my pet?

Absolutely. We’re honored to receive videos, photos, stories, or messages to share on our social media, keeping your pet’s memory alive for others to celebrate with you.

About Us

Who Is Behind PAWS FUR THE CAUSE?

A Family Bond, A Shared Passion
PAWS FUR THE CAUSE is a sibling-owned business, born and raised in the heart of Los Angeles, where our lifelong love for animals took root. We have combined years of volunteering in animal welfare and a family legacy of nurturing pets, we’ve woven compassion, purpose, and care into everything we do. Our journey shaped by shared memories of caring for animals and strengthened by life’s challenges, including one of us thriving as a two-time breast cancer survivor drives us to honor every pet with the same devotion we grew up giving. From those early days to now, our commitment remains: to provide afterlife care that’s as heartfelt as the bond you share with your pet, serving Los Angeles, Orange, and Southern Ventura Counties with love that lives on.

What’s the meaning behind the name “PAWS FUR THE CAUSE”?

The name “PAWS FUR THE CAUSE” reflects a mission to transform love and grief for pets into positive action. “PAWS” symbolizes the pets themselves, focusing on their physical presence and the affection they inspire. “FUR” is a playful nod to their furry nature, emphasizing the bond between pets and their owners. “THE CAUSE” highlights the broader purpose—providing compassionate aftercare while supporting animal-related initiatives, such as donations to nonprofits in a pet’s name. Together, it’s about honoring pets by channeling loss into meaningful support for animal welfare.

What does your logo represent?

Our logo embodies the mission of PAWS FUR THE CAUSE. The Tree of Life symbolizes the cycle of life and the enduring bond with our pets. A heart with a paw print at the center reflects the lasting mark they leave on us, while roots forming an infinity symbol signify everlasting love. The phrase “Furever rooted in our hearts” combines “fur” as a tribute to our pets’ physical essence with “forever,” emphasizing that their presence remains deeply embedded in us eternally. A dog and cat gazing up at the tree represent trust, remembrance, and ongoing companionship. Encircling it all, the design ties together life, love, and legacy.