I have heard many people saying pets are just pets. Well, no. They are not ‘just pets’. People who have pets, know how much they matter to us. And if we want to say them the final ‘goodbye’ with the proper burial of their cremated remains, it is allowed.
Undoubtedly, people are free to carry the crematory remains of their loved ones on train, no matter if it is our relative or pet, both are special to us in their own ways. Many of us want to bury the remains in a pet cemetery or in a place that is special to them.
While generally traveling by plane, checked bags or carry-on bags are recommended for ashes, trains (such as an auto train) may not offer checked bag services. But you can take the ash urn in a carry-on bag — this is one of the best ways of transporting cremation remains.
Now that you know that no one can stop you from taking your pet’s ashes on the train, you should learn about the other parts of the situation. Let’s have a look at it.
You Need To Get An Urn — But Why?
There are a variety of reasons for transporting a cremation urn, but the most popular are dispersing ashes at a loved one’s favorite area, transferring to an out-of-state final resting place, and when the urn’s next of kin lives in another town.
The ashes will be given to you in a temporary urn by the crematorium or funeral home after the cremation is completed. This is a plastic or sometimes cardboard container with a plastic bag inside that holds the remnants securely.
When it comes to choosing an urn, you should notice certain things. Exterior dimensions (which are listed in the product details) are not the best way to determine if the urn is the right size to hold the ashes because many urns have decorative accents or edges.
The volume of an urn is measured in cubic inches, and most normal adult urns have a capacity of 200 cubic inches, which can accommodate the remains of a person weighing 200 pounds.
What Urn To Choose?
It is necessary to choose the right urn so that we do not face any trouble while traveling with the ashes of our pets. But how do you know what to choose and what not? Well, do not worry. I’ve got you covered.
Below are some points that you must consider while buying a crematory urn:
- Durability:
Lightweight materials such as wood, plastic, cardboard, and cloth will not break during transit. You can request that they be transferred to a more permanent urn once you get to your destination.
- Size:
When traveling by land, the size of the container used to transport your loved one’s remains is critical. A container that is too large for your vehicle may not fit and will be difficult to transport into a vehicle. When choosing a bus or train, however, size constraints may apply; always choose one that is within the sizing standards and easy to handle.
- Packaging:
Even if you prefer to hold a cremation urn in your lap, you must always make sure it is in a larger container with enough padding in the remaining space to provide a buffer in case of any bumps or other unexpected accidents.
Before Traveling, Consider These Things
It is a different fact that cremated remains can be mailed to your destination ahead of time or taken on a plane if they meet airline and Transportation Security Administration requirements.
But, if you are traveling by vehicle or rail, the documents provided by your cremation service provider should suffice; however, it is always a good idea to double-check. This is especially important if a cemetery or columbarium is involved.
Note that some jurisdictions, such as California, may require a supplemental permit if the remains are not transported straight from the crematory or funeral home to the final destination.
Be aware that there are a number of factors to consider and incorporate into your approach before moving remains to minimize any issues. A variety of documentation, including a burial transit permission, death certificate, cremation certificate, and other country-specific authorization forms, may be required depending on your destination.
If you intend to bury the remains as part of your journey, make sure you have all of the necessary papers, authorizations, and permits before arriving at the cemetery. You may need to engage the assistance of a qualified funeral director to deliver and receive the cremated remains.
Some Extra Tips
Besides maintaining the above-mentioned things, there are some more aspects that people miss. Since you are reading the blog, you will not miss anything.
- Keep the cremains in a temporary container that can be scanned while traveling, and then move them to an urn or other container once you arrive.
- Cardboard, cloth, fiberboard, and most wooden urns, as well as plastic and clear glass, can all be scanned. Inquire with your funeral director about urns that have been certified as safe for airport transit.
- Stone, granite, several potteries, and metal urns are among those that cannot be scanned.
- If you are traveling an urn that can not be scanned, you should put the cremated remains in a plastic bag inside the urn so the contents can be scanned properly.
Take Away
When our dear pets pass away, we do the funeral work with immense love and respect. People, who have gone through that hard phase, would understand the grief. We all should be compassionate towards such pet owners.
However, many of us believe that the cremated remains of our pets should be buried in a particular place. Hence, if they want to carry the ashes from one place to another via train, there should be no objections.
But rail staff might not approve the ashes if they do not get confirmed that you are not carrying any harmful material. Hence, make sure that the container can be scanned easily.
However, you should be careful while choosing a cremated urn. Considering all the factors in mind get an urn to carry the ashes. Do not forget to have the proper documentation because you might have to show it if needed.
It is equally as painful to lose a pet as it is to lose a human family member or friend. It is understandable if you are having trouble coping with your loss because your pet’s company and loyalty are unique and unrivaled. Living without your cat, like other losses, will get easier with time.
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