Questions and Answers
Why Oakey’s Pet Funeral Home & Crematory?
Our professional and compassionate staff will pick up your pet and deliver to your vet’s office* and are available 24/7. We provide private cremation for peace of mind, have a variety of urns and memorial products to choose from and offer pre-arrangement and grief support services as well.
*$2.25/mile beyond a 25 mile radius
We are not a pet cemetery.
But, we do provide delivery to a pet cemetery. We also provide private cremation, urns, caskets and memorial products. We will pick up your pet from your vet’s office and we offer pre-arrangements as well as grief support services.
Why specify Oakey’s to my vet?
Because our professional staff provides an extra level of care and compassion with our services such as private cremation, 24/7 availability and pick up and delivery to veterinarians’ offices.* We have a variety of urns, markers and memorial products and we offer pre-arrangement options and grief support as well.
*$2.25/mile beyond a 25-mile radius
What if I live outside of Roanoke?
We will pick up your pet from your vet’s office anywhere, including Lynchburg, SML, NRV and Lexington* and deliver the cremains to your vet’s office or ship them. We are available by phone 24/7 as well.
*$2.25/mile beyond a 25-mile radius
How can I memorialize my pet?
We provide urns, markers, keepsake jewelry and other products to help you honor your pet. Also, it is our pleasure to post your pet‘s obituary on our website. Stop by our facility to see customized items to remember your pet or click here. Due to the Coronavirus pandemic, we ask that you view items online.
What if I don’t want cremation for my pet?
We provide options other than cremation such as a third party to open and close a grave on your property or we can deliver your pet to a pet cemetery. We provide a variety of caskets and markers, grief support services, and can help with memorial services and we are available 24/7.
What is pre-arrangement for my pet?
Pre-arrangement includes making plans for the final care of your pet well in advance of a loss, so you don’t have to make these decisions at a difficult time. Pre-arrangements ensure that your pet will be taken care of the way you desire. Details covered can include, burial or cremation, urn or casket selection, memorial celebration and charitable donations.
What services are available?
We offer several options including customized memorial celebrations for your pet, private cremations and traditional burials.
What do I do when my pet dies?
If your pet dies at home or at your veterinarian’s office, please call us. We are on call 24 hours a day and are there to assist you with your needs. Just call 540.265.7297 for our services.
What happens when you pick up my pet?
When we pick up your pet, we take care of your pet as you would. From your veterinarian’s office to our facility on Airport Road, your pet does not leave our care. The cremation is performed on-site at our facility. We will return the cremains to your veterinary clinic if you are paying for the service through their offices. If you choose, other arrangements may be made to ship the cremains to your home.
Can I stay while my pet is in your care?
Absolutely and we encourage you to do so. We furnish a private room for our families and you are welcome to stay until the cremation is complete. Please advise us if this is your preference and a time will be arranged.
What is a private cremation?
Private cremation is simply an individual cremation of your pet with no other animals.
Should I choose cremation or burial?
This is your personal preference and we will explain your options to you.
Where can I have my pet buried?
There are several options for pet burials in the area and we are happy to make you aware of these cemeteries. A list of cemeteries that accept pet burials is available from our office upon request.
What types of markers are available for my pet?
We offer a wide selection of markers for your pet and they may be etched with your pet’s name and image should you desire. Please see the Merchandise section of our site for a few of the options we provide.
Are you associated with a funeral home?
Yes, we are associated with Roanoke’s oldest funeral service, Oakey’s Funeral Service & Crematory. The business opened in 1866 and has grown to 5 chapels throughout the Roanoke Valley as well as our one Oakey’s Pet Funeral Home & Crematory.
Can I visit the pet crematories in the area?
As a pet owner, you should visit the crematories in the area to learn what is offered. Inspect the cleanliness and quality of the facilities and equipment. The cremation equipment should not be outside. Ask about the age of the machine and if they have other operations outside the city. Is the staff professional, kind and forthcoming with information?
How much does cremation cost?
Pricing information is available here or you can call us at 540.265.7297. If you speak with your veterinarian, be sure to ask which crematory facility is used and if they provide a choice of crematories. Since it is your pet, the choice ultimately belongs to you. Ask lots of questions.
Is an urn required and where do I get one?
An urn is not required. The cremains are returned to you in a temporary container. Most people who choose private cremation, however also choose a permanent container or urn reflective of the memories of their pets. Please see the Merchandise section of this site for a few of the options we provide.
What sort of license or credentials do you have?
Oakey’s is a member of The International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories. This organization establishes the highest business and ethical standards we at Oakey’s desire to maintain. It is our goal to provide comfort and support to our pet parents. Our facility was constructed specifically for the cremation and care of pets and is separate from our other chapels. All of the pet cremations are performed on-site in our facility and you can be assured that the cremated remains you receive are those of your pet. A certificate of cremation is provided with each cremation.