Frequently Asked Questions
If your horse passes away at home we can schedule transportation service directly from your property. Included in the service is the return of the ashes back to your home after the cremation has been performed. Please note that it is important to phone us immediately to ensure a rapid and dignified transportation for your companion.
The weight of your horse, donkey or pony, transportation services, and distance to our facility are all factored into our service rates. You can contact us 7 days a week to discuss available options and cost with one of our helpful representatives.
Cremation is the process of reducing the body to bone particles and ash through the application of direct flame and heat. The organic matter is consumed and the remaining bone fragments are often referred to as “cremated remains” or “cremains”. These cremated remains are carefully placed into an urn, or other container, for return to the family.
Whole horse cremation means that we only cremate the whole body. Some horse cremation companies perform “Head, Heart, and Hooves” cremation, meaning they cremate only the head, the heart, and/or the hooves.
We do not dismember or render any equine companions in our care, and encourage you to inspect, question, and visit all equine cremation services in which you are interested. Trust is a gift, and one that we believe we earn by offering full transparency in our process. Come and tour one of our facilities to see for yourself.
Definitely. We only perform whole horse cremation on site in purpose built equipment designed specifically for private equine cremation.
In fact, witnessing cremation is becoming a more common practice to do so. You may request a visitation period prior to the cremation where others may find it important to initiate the actual cremation process.
Similar to what is used during human cremation services, the Pet Tracker 360® tag is a small metal disc that that we use at EPONA to guarantee that you receive your horse, donkey or pony’s remains after cremation. All horses, ponies and donkeys are cremated individually in purpose built equipment on-site at our facilities.
We secure the Pet Tracker 360® to the leg of your horse to identify your loved one. Each disc has a unique number on it that is assigned to the individual horse and is documented on all their paperwork and in our digital system. The disc stays with your loved one throughout the entire process, beginning to end, including going into the cremation chamber with them. The Pet Tracker 360® never leaves your horse.
After the cremation services are complete, we carefully attach the disc to the surgical bag used to safely and securely hold your loved one’s remains.
Small items such as a plush toy, card, note or photo may accompany and remain with your horse for the cremation.
Please note that organic material, such as treats, grass, or food will cremate. Inorganic, or manmade material, may not cremate completely.
Yes, they can. This option is frequently requested by families, siblings or co-owners of the horse. We have several products to assist with this.
No, we do not euthanize horses, as this must be performed by a licensed veterinarian. We work closely with mobile and large animal veterinarians who can come to your home or perform the euthanasia services on site in our equine facility.
We can help arrange and coordinate the veterinarian’s visit in accordance to your needs. The veterinarian fee is separate from EPONA funeral services costs.
Yes, this is one of the most important valued parts of the service we offer. As fellow horse lovers and owners, we understand that the way an animal’s body is handled after death is just as important as when they are alive. You can rest assured that your horse will be treated with the absolute utmost respect and dignity that they deserve.
We utilize large animal emergency rescue equipment, specifically the Large Animal Value Glide from CDA products. The Value Glide is essentially a (thin but very durable plastic) horse-sized stretcher that allows for the humane and gentle handling of the horse’s body.
The horse is secured to the glide, which is attached to a winch inside the trailer that pulls the glide with the horse’s body inside the trailer, avoiding unnecessary manipulation of your beloved companion.
We do not chain or drag your beloved horse across the ground, or hoist them into a truck.
We only transport equine companions in enclosed, retrofitted horse trailers in which your loved one is securely transported to one of our facilities in Georgia or North Carolina.
