FAQs

Individual Cremation

Your pet is cremated on its own with the ashes returned to you in a casket or urn of your choice. We have systems in place to ensure that it is your pet’s ashes that you receive.

Communal Cremation

Your pet will be cremated with other pets. The ashes are then disposed according to municipal compliance.

How long does it take to cremate a pet on his or her own?

An individual pet cremation will vary in time depending on the size of the pet. Usually, the process takes one to two hours. Horses can take up to 6 hours.

How much will it cost to cremate my pet?

We generally work through our veterinary partners and they will quote you on your desired choice. Please contact us for more information.

Our sister company Identipet have a subscription service that covers the cost of communal cremation.

How do I know if my veterinary practice uses Legacy?

Please ask your veterinary practice if they use Legacy. We have partnered with vets since 1996 and serve hundreds of vets across South Africa.  

Will Legacy collect my pet from home?

Most times pets are collected from veterinary clinics but we are able to collect from your home in the vicinity of our crematoriums in Gauteng, Western Cape and KZN. We do advise that you take your deceased pet to one of our veterinary partners as this is often more convenient and less expensive.

To schedule a private collection, please call one of the below numbers:
Gauteng ~ 011 875 2099, Western Cape ~ 072 9511 746, KZN ~ 060 913 9105

Can I be present at the time of my pet’s individual cremation?

Legacy is the only dedicated pet crematorium in SA with an open-door policy. This is the “gold standard” in our industry and the only way that you can be sure that you can trust your service provider. We have comfort rooms where you are able to say goodbye and wait while the cremation takes place.

To schedule a private cremation and viewing please contact one of our sites:
Gauteng: 191 Homestead Road, Inadan, Randburg
KZN: Heron Farm: Georgedale Road, Cato Ridge
Western Cape: 10 Rochester Road, Philippi

How do I organise my pet’s cremation?

Most of our vet and welfare partners will give you some details with respect to arranging the kind of farewell you require. Our brochures and website also have helpful information on dealing with grief and the memorabilia options available.

What happens if my pet dies in the evening, weekend or public holidays?

If your pet passes away in the evening, you should contact your veterinary practice the following morning.

If your pet passes away during the weekend we advise you to contact your local 24-hour veterinary practice for advice.

You may also call us for assistance. In the meantime, it would be advisable to keep your pet as cool as possible.  This can be done by placing your pet into their bed, covered with a blanket and placed somewhere cool.

Can I bring my pet to Legacy?

You are welcome to bring your pet to us. Please see the addresses above. If it is after hours you will need to make an appointment first.

How and when should I pay for my pet’s cremation?

If you have made the final arrangements through your veterinary practice, in most cases they will ask for payment to be taken and have their own process and time frames for doing so.

We are able to receive payment for private collections but this needs to be done via EFT beforehand.

Should I consider my options before my pet passes away?

We honestly feel that you should consider your options well before the time comes. With the exception of an unexpected death, considering what you will do before your pet passes away will enable you to make the arrangements required with a clear head.

Does Legacy have a garden I can scatter my pet’s ashes in?

We don’t, but there are several options available:

• Many people choose to keep their pet’s ashes, for example in their pet’s favourite room. We provide a range of caskets and urns for this purpose.
• The ashes could be scattered in a place where you and your pet spend a lot of time together.
• Get your pet’s ashes made into a beautiful glass keepsake or into beautiful white pebbles.

Is Legacy Pet environmentally sustainable?

Yes, we are committed to legal procedures. Legacy Pet Crematorium, a member of the IAOPCC, adheres to its code of practice and maintains Environmental Authorization, Air Emissions Licences, conducts annual external compliance audits by independent assessors, and complies with the Occupational Health & Safety Act at all its facilities (GP, WC, KZN).

Is Legacy Pet ethical?

Absolutely. Our company was founded with the primary mission of putting an end to the unethical practice of disposing of deceased pets in landfills. We believe in providing a dignified and compassionate farewell for beloved pets.

How long should I wait before considering getting another pet?

The simple answer to this question is, it’s entirely up to you.

Grief affects everyone in differently. Adopting another pet quite soon after may provide you with a new companion to heal, but equally, you may feel that another pet so soon is too painful to consider.

Our best advice here is to not close your heart to the idea. Take the time you need to heal and accept your pet’s passing, but don’t rule out the idea of another pet straight away.

Can more than one pet be cremated together?

Yes, we may cremate two or more pets together. It will depend on the size of each individual pet but if it’s possible we will make the final arrangements.

How long does the grieving process typically last for the loss of a pet?

It is different for everyone. The important thing to know is that grieving a pet is normal and it is real. The loss of a pet can be very traumatic, and one should deal with the loss of a pet in the same way that you approach the loss of a person. Although pets aren’t people, they do play a significant part in our lives and provide many of us with comfort, companionship, protection, service and joy. You may be surprised by the hole you feel in your heart which will take time to heal. For some people, it can be a few days for others a number of months but we encourage you to remain positive and grateful for the life of a pet and well done for loving deeply.

Is it normal to feel a deep sense of loss and sadness after a pet’s death?

We would be far more concerned if you didn’t feel a sense of loss.

How can I cope with the feelings of guilt or blame that I may have after my pet’s death?

Guilt robs us of so much and should be seen as a thief. Even if we have made a bad decision or there has been an accident, these things happen. One of the most important lessons to learn is to find the grace to forgive ourselves. If your feelings of guilt or blame become too overwhelming or persistent, consider speaking with a therapist or counsellor.

How can I help my children cope with the loss of a family pet?

We advise you to be as honest as possible given their ability to understand. Children will inevitably become aware of death and we need to use this opportunity to teach them so that they don’t become fearful.  Death is a part of life and is something we must all embrace with faith and hope that there is a better place for all of us including our beloved pets. Read more here.

How can I support a friend or family member who is grieving the loss of a pet?

Be there, show empathy and show up. Don’t try and give too much advice. They just need to know that you care and that you are there for them.

How can I honour my pet’s memory and keep their legacy alive?

We have a bespoke range of beautiful memorabilia to help you celebrate the life of your pet.

To see our online range click here.

Are there any support groups or counselling resources available for pet loss grief?

We have special people working at Legacy and I would encourage you to chat to them first, if you are still battling it may be good to engage with a professional counsellor. Often the extreme emotion associated with the loss of a pet can be a trigger for deeper wounds that need to be healed.

How can I help my other pets cope with the loss of a companion?

Pets are generally very resilient and if you care to ask this question then you are a pet owner that any pet would love to have. You really care, this is the best medicine for any pet.

Are there any physical symptoms of grief that I should be aware of?

Grief can affect a person in many different ways, including physical symptoms. Some common physical symptoms of grief include:

• Fatigue: You may feel emotionally and physically exhausted.
• Sleep disturbances: You may experience disruptions to your sleep patterns, leading to difficulty falling or staying asleep.
• Changes in appetite: Grief can impact a person’s appetite, leading to weight loss or weight gain.
• Muscle tension and pain: Grief can cause a person to tense their muscles, leading to physical discomfort and pain.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms: Digestive problems such as nausea and abdominal pain are a sign of distress.

  It is important to remember that everyone experiences grief differently, and these physical symptoms may vary from person to person. Be kind to yourself. If you are experiencing severe or persistent physical symptoms, it may be helpful to talk to a healthcare professional or mental health professional for further evaluation and support.

How can I care for myself during this difficult time?

We hope you have a few friends to comfort you through grief. Research tells us that those of us who live in close communities live longer, it’s so good for our health. We encourage you to step out and connect with the people around you.

Is it normal to feel anger or resentment towards the veterinarian or other parties involved in my pet’s death?

Many people are angry and sometimes legitimately. The secret to anger is not to stop being angry but it’s how we respond to the anger. Veterinary professionals are highly skilled individuals and deal with patients who are unable to speak. They are mostly kind and genuinely care for animals. We would encourage you to not find fault and if the vet has genuinely made a mistake forgive them, not so much for their sake but more importantly for yourself.

Are there any cultural or religious rituals that can help me cope with my pet’s death?

At Legacy, we try to facilitate any cultural rituals or ceremonies that you wish to perform. There are some very helpful cultural traditions that aid the grieving process. This being said, grief is universal to every culture and we can learn helpful ways from different cultures in the way they deal with grief.

How do I handle people who may not understand or acknowledge my grief?

It is inevitable that there will be people who simply don’t understand. At the end of the day, this isn’t their loss and we encourage you to not take it personally.

Can I take my pet’s ashes with if I am immigrating?

Before leaving check the destination country’s regulations.
Legacy will provide a certificate of cremation for travel purposes.  
Check with the airline about their packaging requirements.