I use VCA Acacia Vet in Corona CA and have for years. They recently switched from Only Cremation Services in Newport Beach to WC Memorial Services in Temecula. Last year I had to put my German Shepard down and the price was $520.00 which included euthanizing and cremation with ashes returned to me. They did a beautiful presentation. I recently needed to send my 17 year old dog to the bridge and drove from Arizona to California to use VCA. This dog was 20lbs verses the 70lb Shepard and the cost quoted me was $650.00. Additionally, was the $300.00 vet charge. Capitalizing on grief to the highest power. I wrote to Only Cremations and they offered to discount it down to $450.00. I then called VCA and told them I was upset, and decided to take his body home instead. Then, I was told that WC memorial offered a package for $348.50 with free shipping. I called them and arranged for him to be picked up, cremated and shipped back to me in Arizona. Being a Senior on a limited income, I still think the price is very inflated. Years ago, it went by weight, now it goes by office visit, examination, two shots and freezer storage. Which is a minimum of $350.00 whether you take or leave your pet. And then on top of all that cremation for $450 to $600 extra, and if you can stomach watching your beloved get put into an oven, that view and nightmare will cost you an additional $600.00!! I suppose someone should check the ashes they get back from a private cremation and check the DNA against the hair vial. Look up Lamb Funeral Home in Pasadena scandal 1980s. The same could happen here with the right distraught pet owner.
So...as far as the service, it was compassionate, and reasonable and quick. It has been a week, and I am waiting for UPS to bring my boy home today. I received notifications from WC and I am looking forward to the presentation. I will update. read more