Choosing Your Cremation Provider

WHAT TYPE OF PROVIDER DO I NEED?

Based on the type of services you prefer, decide where you’d like to make your cremation arrangements.

• Funeral Home – Full service offerings for cremation services and memorialization.
• Cremation Society – Cremation specialists who will assist with planning and memorialization.
• Cemetery – Do you own property at a cemetery? Contact their office for cremation recommendations.
• Online Arrangement Company – Not available in all states, online providers are generally staffed with funeral directors and offer the lowest prices but the least assistance.

What firm should I choose?

​Make sure you select a reputable firm.

• Check the CANA Member Directory. CANA members commit to abiding by the Cremation Code of Practice
• Ask your friends and others in your community what they know about the firm.
• Attend an open house or other firm-sponsored event to see the facility and the staff before final plans are discussed.
• Seek advice from your religious leader regarding your options. They have likely worked with firms in your area before and have experience with the company.
• DO NOT choose a firm based solely on price.

CANA recommends you ask the following questions regarding each firm’s policies and procedures.

• Do you have your own crematory or do you work with a cremation firm? If the latter, which crematory do you use?
• Who owns the crematory facility?
• How often is the facility inspected?
• Are licenses and permits current?
• How many operators do you have and what type of training is required? Are operators CANA certified?
• Does the crematory have refrigeration?
• How long does the crematory hold the body prior to cremation?
• Does the crematory have liability insurance?
• Does the facility allow family members to witness the cremation?

​You may have concerns about specific details of the process. The best way to establish confidence with a provider is to interview them. Do not be shy about asking the following questions.

• Do you require the body be identified prior to cremation?
• What is the procedure to track the body through the cremation process and verify the identity of the cremated remains following cremation?
• What is the average time between receiving the deceased and the completion of the cremation?
• How are the cremated remains returned if an urn is not provided prior to cremation?
• What is your policy regarding holding of the cremated remains after the process is completed?
• What is your policy in regards to disposing of or recycling prosthetics (artificial hips, knees, etc.)?

The staff should freely answer any and all of your questions. If they are hesitant or unwilling to provide answers or requested documents, IMMEDIATELY find a provider that will. We recommend consulting the CANA Member Directory.