A Realistic Timeline You Can Rely On
Some providers advertise next day returns for every situation. In practice, that is not always realistic or in the best interest of careful handling. At Gentle Tide Aquamation, we focus on doing things correctly and communicating clearly.
For most private aquamation or cremation services, the complete process including preparation, the cycle itself, processing and packaging of ashes takes about 3 to 5 days. This is a typical timeframe for families in Suffolk County NY, Nassau County NY and Queens NY.
If timing is especially important for your family because of travel, memorial plans or work schedules, we will talk through that with you during the first call and be as specific as possible about what we can do.
Typical Return Window
- Most private services: 3 to 5 days
- Heavy scheduling days: closer to 5 days
- Quiet periods: sometimes a little faster
We would rather give you a realistic window and meet it than promise something faster that we cannot deliver.
What Happens Between Pickup And Return
The 3 to 5 day window covers several careful steps. Here is what is happening while you are waiting.
1. Intake & Identification
When your pet arrives, we log their information, assign a unique ID and place a physical tag with them. This step is recorded in writing and confirmed before any aftercare begins.
2. Scheduling The Cycle
We schedule your pet’s aquamation or private cremation based on their size, the equipment in use and other pets already in the system. This scheduling keeps our process orderly and prevents rushed handling.
3. Aquamation or Cremation
The cycle itself runs for a set period of time. Once complete, we allow for safe cooling or completion of the process before any handling of remains or ashes begins.
4. Processing & Packaging
Your pet’s ashes are processed, verified using the same ID system and placed into a simple urn or chosen keepsake. Documentation is prepared and checked before we schedule return.
How We Keep You Updated
Waiting for ashes can feel longer than it looks on a calendar. We know that silence during this time can add unnecessary stress, so we make communication part of the service.
- We give you an honest estimated window when you first call.
- We note any special timing needs such as travel or a planned memorial.
- We confirm when your pet’s ashes are ready for return.
- We coordinate how you would like to receive them, either by pickup or scheduled delivery when available.
If at any point you are unsure where things stand, you can call and we will tell you exactly which stage of the process your pet is in.
When Timing Is Especially Sensitive
If you have family flying in, a service planned at home or other time-sensitive needs, please tell us on the first call. We will:
- Review what is realistic for your dates
- Explain any limitations up front
- Offer alternatives if needed, such as a simple home remembrance before ashes are returned
Talk With Gentle Tide About Timing And Next Steps
If you have questions about how long your pet’s aftercare will take or need to coordinate around travel and family schedules, we are ready to go through it with you step by step.
Call (631) 819-9572 or send us a message and ask about the current 3 to 5 day timeline for returns.