You Are Not Alone
Losing a beloved pet is one of the most profound losses a family can experience. At Cherish Pet Aftercare, we are here to walk with you through every step of this journey — with the same gentleness and respect we would give our own pets. Our goal is simple: to make sure you always know what to expect, so you can focus on what matters most — honoring the life of your beloved companion.
What Happens, Step by Step
Step 1: Choose Your Cremation Service or Reach Out To Us
We offer private or communial cremation. Private cremation, meaning your pet is cremated individually — never with other animals. This ensures that the ashes returned to you belong only to your beloved companion. Our services start at $150, and our team can walk you through every available option to find what feels right for your family.
If you need help, give us a call at 757-630-2926 — any time, any day. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and guide you gently through your options. There is no pressure, no rush, and no question too small. We understand this is an emotional time, and we will meet you exactly where you are.
Step 2: Select a Meaningful Keepsake
While we prepare for the cremation, you can choose from a range of beautiful keepsakes to remember your pet by — from handcrafted urns and paw print impressions to a lock of fur. Our team will help you select something that truly honors your pet's unique personality and the bond you shared.
Step 3: We Come to You
If your pet has passed at home, we offer caring, professional transportation to bring your pet into our care. Our team handles this with the utmost dignity, so you don't have to worry about logistics during such a tender moment. Simply let us know your location in the Hampton Roads area, and we will make the arrangements.
Step 4: Your Pet Is Received Into Our Care
From the moment your pet arrives, they are treated with the same love and respect we would give our own. Every pet is individually identified and carefully tracked throughout the entire process. You have our word that your pet is always looked after with full dignity and attention.
Step 5: Your Pet's Ashes Are Carefully Prepared
After cremation is complete, your pet's ashes are carefully collected and placed into the urn or container of your choosing. Every step of this process is handled with precision and care. We take this responsibility seriously, because we know how much it means to you.
Step 6: We Bring Your Pet Home
We will personally return your pet's remains directly to your family home, so you never have to travel during this difficult time. Our team will arrive with care and sensitivity, giving you the space and time to receive your pet's ashes in whatever way feels right for you.
Step 7 : Remember and Honor
Your connection with your pet doesn't end here. We invite you to create a personalized online memorial through our website, browse our gift shop for meaningful remembrance products, and reach out to us any time if you need support or have questions. We are honored to be part of your pet's story.
What We Offer
In addition to our core cremation and transportation services, we offer a range of optional keepsakes to help you carry your pet's memory close.
Clay Paw Print Keepsake A handcrafted impression of your pet's paw, made in clay and ready to display at home. A timeless, tangible reminder of the paws that walked beside you.
Ink Nose Print A detailed ink impression of your pet's nose — as unique to them as a fingerprint. A deeply personal and one-of-a-kind keepsake.
Lock of Fur Available upon request, a small lock of your pet's fur, carefully preserved so you can always have a part of them with you.
Urn Selection Choose from a thoughtful range of urns in various styles, materials, and sizes. Whether you prefer something simple and elegant or something personalized and decorative, we will help you find the right fit.
Memorial and Gift Products Browse our on-site shop for a curated selection of remembrance gifts — from garden stones to photo frames — to celebrate the life of your pet.
Online Pet Memorials Create a lasting tribute to your pet through our online memorial platform. Share photos, stories, and memories, and give others a place to honor the life your pet lived.