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    Pet cremation services

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    Feather fragment

    9/25/25 This one's on me--I should have read the google reviews. I've had nothing but respectful, caring experiences at Heaven's Gate Pet Memorial east of Sacramento, where we've brought many animals from our rescue. That's a facility that honors your pets and treats you like you matter. I should have made the drive again. Instead, I brought my beloved pet chicken, Michelle, to Whispering Pines Pet Cemetery in Sebastopol. When I called in advance, I asked specifically about private cremation, and the woman (Wanda) on the phone told me, "All cremations here are private--we can only fit one animal in at a time." That felt reassuring. I dropped Michelle off and was told to come back in 24 hours. When I arrived, I was told they only accept cash. I found that odd--and now, in hindsight, I can't help but wonder if that's to avoid disputes or chargebacks from angry, grieving people who realize too late that something's wrong. The place felt a little hokey to me when I got there--something was off--but they had signage, and I wanted to trust. I mean, who the hell lies to someone during a moment like this? Who would exploit someone's grief and pretend to give their pet a dignified goodbye? A few days later, I returned to pick up Michelle's ashes. When I got home and opened the box--about 45 minutes later--I was hit with a strong, soil-like smell. What I saw was horrifying. Inside a Ziploc bag was what looked like black dirt--chunky, with rocks, larger bone fragments (not hers), a visible fragment of a feather, and to top it off: dried weeds. Like someone had scooped this mix straight from the ground and called it "ashes." I've seen cremains dozens of times through our rescue. Ashes are supposed to be light gray or white, powdery or like crushed bone. These looked--and smelled--like garden soil with debris in it. I called the crematory multiple times. No one answered. I drove back. Rang the bell again and again. I could hear people inside, but they refused to come to the door. Just... silence. That moment? When you realize they won't even face you, after handing you a bag of something that may not even be your pet? That's a kind of heartbreak and fury that's hard to describe. I called another cremation provider and described what I received. They confirmed that nothing about it was right--the smell, the color, the feather fragment, the rocks, and yes, even the weeds. A feather doesn't survive cremation. Nothing should have survived if they actually did what they claimed. Which makes me ask the question I never wanted to ask: What did they do with Michelle? Where is she? That thought haunts me. And all I'm left with is a bag of who-knows-what, a bunch of ignored phone calls, and a pit in my chest. You have to be a special kind of heartless to do this to someone who's grieving. To take control of their pet's final moments and treat it like garbage behind closed doors. I don't recommend Whispering Pines to anyone. I will be reporting them to the BBB, the and Sonoma County Animal Control. They didn't just mishandle cremation--they stole my peace of mind. I now live with the reality that Michelle may not be with me at all. If you're reading this, please--go to Heaven's Gate Pet Memorial or other trusted crematoriums instead. I've never had a single issue there. Their ashes are clean, respectful, and unmistakably what they should be. This? This was a betrayal. And I'll never forget it. (Photo attached: what I was given in a Ziploc bag and told were "ashes.") In addition, I like how they added "Michelle" in quotes because they knew it wasn't her either.

    Gina H.

    Once again Whispering Pines is who we go to when one of our fur babies pass. Harley was laid to rest on Monday and we received him back the next day. For someone who is like me and can't grieve without them present, this feels so much better. Locally owned.

    Matt M.

    Unlike all of my other critters who were put to sleep at animal hospitals, my beloved Chico, an 18-year old Chihuahua-Basenji mix, died at my home. After reading the reviews, I brought him to Whispering Pines. They treated my with kindness and dignity, which was all I really needed at that time. I was able to pick up his ashes the following day, they placed the ashes in a ceramic box with a ribbon and a nice handwritten "Chico" taped to the box. I recommend WP unreservedly, almost all of their reviews are 100% positive, they clearly care about pets and their grieving owners. This is the only place to go in Sonoma County, Folks. God bless the folks at Whispering Pines for taking care of me and Chico.

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    4 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    10 months ago

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    9 months ago

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    1 year ago

    All went well in the time of need thanks for taking care of our fur babies. You were all very kind

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    1 year ago

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    11 months ago

    They are very kind and compassionate. I got a quick turnaround for my cat. They are reasonably priced and I would highly recommend them.

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    1 year ago

    Took our beloved dog Chico there . Very friendly, and caring. Price was the lowest for cremation.

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    4 years ago

    Grateful for quick and compassionate service. Hard working and kind people. Thank you!

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    2 years ago

    Very kind and understanding very fast turn around I highly recommend is you ever need to cremate a animal.

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    2 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Ask the Community - Whispering Pines

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    Pet's Rest Cemetery and Crematory - They have a lovely little chapel in which to say goodbye, which helped give us the closure we needed.

    Pet's Rest Cemetery and Crematory

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    Life feels unbearable losing my little girl who was by my side 24/7 during both of our health…read morebattles we've fought together, since the day we found each other. As we both began to decline from terminal illness and disabilities, where mine progressing caused my attention to split- This caused further issues for her wellbeing and safety. A traumatic accident resulted, and where I also couldn't rush to her to stop it in time. She survived the tragic fall, and yet her injuries were far too much to add. I had to choose to set her free. Part ways with my other half, and lay my baby to rest. To have an angel of a mobile vet come to us, so Lucy would not need to be in pain and anxiety in a car to a clinic, then scared in a clinic as her final moment, was a huge gift. Then what saved me from full blown drowning after, is finding Pets Rest. Where I could stay with Lucy's remains, and all the way through. This option to witness was a must for me. To never take my eye off of her ever again, even after her passing. This was not something I even knew I could do, until looking into Pets Rest. The got us in very quickly, in just 2 days. The chapel, the grounds, the employees-everyone and everything about this business is absolutely beautiful. Perhaps an example of something I've heard of called "sacred commerce". They're not trying to get rich here. In fact I wonder how they afford to be so fair and generous. Taking no shortcuts, but going the extra miles to create and maintain such a gorgeous heartwarming setting. Giving us plenty of time to grieve and say goodbye, in their Saint Charles Chapel. What I got out of this experience, I'm sure would cost a fortune anywhere in the country. And here this is San Francisco... The operator was so kind, patient, compassionate and very informative. I learned so much from him. He was the best part of my experience with Pets Rest. I always want to drive by when i can, even though I didn't buy a burial plot, I'll always see Pets Rest as where to go to honor Lucy's life. Very blessed for this family business. Thank you,

    Cotati Small Animal Hospital - It's unbelievable that they would turn away a pet.

    Cotati Small Animal Hospital

    (43 reviews)

    Happy to be able to bring my two dogs to Dr. Kong at Cotati Small Animal Hospital. She's very…read morethorough and knowledgable. Took over an hour with us (two dogs, first visit) and caught a positive anaplasma on my new little rescue pup. My oldest dog has been licking and chewing her paws for 4 years. Vets have always noticed it, but that was it. One look and Dr. Kong said it's the result an allergy and here's what we're gonna do to treat it. For FOUR YEARS nobody has given me an action beyond the question "does she lick her paws?" yes. Yes she does. Since she was 8 weeks old she has licked her paws and that is why they are rust colored. We all knew this. Oh. You mean there's something we can DO for her? Well, thank you Dr. Kong! Taffy shall have relief soon. The staff is fantastic, and you can tell they all really like each other. Plus they have therapy dogs in there to boot. ALSO! Yes, there's MORE! I got right in at a time when it's nearly impossible to get an appointment as a new patient. Very grateful to have been referred by my friend to Dr. Kong. Five stars. More if I could.

    Maybe this office was good at some point but that is not the present state. They are more worried…read moreabout selling food and other products than caring for your pet. One doctor has no patience or skill with pets. The other one is always out of the office. I thought a smaller office would give more personalized care but is worse than a chain. Seems like the owner is on their way out and letting the business go down. Too bad at the expense of clients' welfare.

    Skansen Kennel

    Skansen Kennel

    (81 reviews)

    So we're going on two weeks since we went to pick up our fur baby from Skansen Kennel and we are…read morepleased with our baby boy. He's absolutely gorgeous! There are a lot of rules to follow with this breed from this kennel and information on how best to take care of him and we are adhering to them. Carrie was pretty helpful with us as far as information goes and we met Laina when we picked him up and she seemed pleasant and gave us some more useful information. My only one complaint was the long cuts he had on his back and other places when we picked him up. We were told that his brother had scratched him like that but these didn't look like nail scratches at all, he was cut. They looked like clipper cuts to be honest and it just so happens that he had just gotten a haircut when we picked him up so there's that, I'm not saying what we were told didn't happen but doesn't seem likely from the severity and length of the cuts, not to mention others didn't think they were puppy scratches either. Sooo, yeah wasn't impressed by this. She gave us some vitamin E to put on the cuts. Other than that, we flew him home and he has been the typical happy and hyper puppy with a lot of energy. We initially flew to Oakland and rented a car from there to drive to the kennel to pick up our pup. It is definitely a hike, at least an hour and 15 minute drive. Location: Very rural location but nice country drive if it's not rainy and wet. Kennel: Huge property where they have llamas and all types of schnauzer dogs running around. The driveway is extremely long and very bumpy with lots of potholes so travel slowly. Wear clothing you don't mind getting dirty because the puppies typically have hay/sawdust debris all over them from their play areas and living quarters it's kinda of barn like and to be expected. Take a look at our beautiful boy Skansen's Vanta!

    They are knowledgeable about their breeds and are extraordinarily careful in their care…read moreThey are also careful about who their dogs go to.....

    Mattern Livestock Hauling

    Mattern Livestock Hauling

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    This transporter was very professional and respectful. I called him in advance to arrange the…read moretransport of my old mare who was to be put down at the age of 32. The process was easy, he showed up right on time with a clean truck and handled my deceased horse with care, delivering her directly to the cremation facility.

    This morning, my beloved horse was found down in his stall & colic'ing severely. Cotati Large…read moreAnimal Vets came out to assess & examine him, but he needed to go to UC Davis immediately for emergency diagnostics & probable exploratory surgery. I had recently rescued handsome Orion from slaughter & I had not got him to the point to trust me enough to get a halter on him, so we needed someone with a stock trailer & fast. Luckily, Jack Mattern with Mattern Livestock Hauling was available. Jack arrived and was very professional and conscientious of the situation and my horses needs. We loaded him right up with ease. He also already knew the exact streets to take, once we arrived at the freeway exit to UC Davis Large Animal Hospital, which was a relief and made the going easier. Jack was supportive throughout the whole hauling process. Sadly, my beautiful boy did not make it, as his large bowel was too far swollen & necrotic to survive the surgery. After saying goodbye to my sweet, young boy, Jack provided a much-needed shoulder to cry on. I can't recommend Jack Mattern's service more highly, even though the outcome was horrible, Jack was 100% stellar from start to finish.

    Whispering Pines - petcremation - Updated July 2026

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