Miscellaneous Questions:
What should I do if I accidentally hit an animal with my car?
Why aren't you accepting new small animals (dogs and cats) for regular veterinary care at this time?
Do you offer valid alternative medicine for horses?
Q: What do I do when my pet dies?
A: Some leave the entire decision of handling their deceased pet up to their veterinarian and/or friends. Unfortunately, by doing that some owners have told us later that they didn't really understand what exactly happened to their pet. It is important that you know about the alternatives available to you. All veterinary clinics throughout Southeast Alaska have been invited to work with us in providing a dignified disposition befitting your special bond. You may instruct your clinic to call us, or you may call us directly. Once we receive consent, your pet will be picked up and brought back to our facility. Should your pet die at home, we offer pick up service--all that is needed is a call from you to our main office (463.5022).
Q: What happens with my pet after s/he passes?
A: The chain of custody for your deceased pet is secure. Firstly, we are the only personnel that pick up your pet directly from your home or your veterinarian's clinic. Secondly, when we receive your pet (with indentification) we bring him/her directly to our facility. And finally, your pet does not leave our facility until you pick him/her up. He or she will be kept cool until cremation takes place. Toys, blankets and cards are customarily kept with the deceased pet until cremation. Some toys or synthetics may be returned to you after your pet is cremated as certain materials may harm the equipment. If we haven't already, we will contact you to confirm your cremation wishes. Those wishes are documented in writing by us. During the time we are possession of your pet we recognize the love he or she brought to their owner and handle the deceased with care. You will be informed verbally and in writing about any necessary instructions related to this service.
Q: When did you open for crematory services? Is this new for Juneau?
A: We opened in 2007 for crematory services. We are thankful for the support we are receiving from around the region and are pleased to be able to offer this honest and reliable choice to owners experiencing the loss of a pet. Yes this is a new service for Juneau, no one else provides pet cremation in Southeast Alaska.
Q: I live in Southeast Alaska but not Juneau. Can I arrange crematory services for my pet? A: Absolutely. Please contact our office or, if you prefer, have your veterinary office contact us. In addition to Juneau, we've already helped pet owners in Haines, Skagway, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Gustavus, Sitka, Wrangell and Tenakee Springs. Please don't hesitate to inquire, we have a thorough understanding of the few steps required and can arrange transport for your companion.
Q: My friend tells me that cremation pollutes the atmosphere. Is this true? A: We take this question seriously. Yes, it is true that the process of cremation creates emissions that go into our atmosphere. It is also true that these emissions can be called pollution. However, please be assured that our 2007 U.S. built crematory unit complies and exceeds local, state and federal expectations for such emissions. What does that mean? Essentially, our unit's quality engineering and patented design is expected to remain environmentally compliant over the lifetime of the unit. Our crematory retort is computer monitored and visible emissions are rare. The unit's operating temperature and insulated construction safeguards our industrial zoned area from increased odor (eliminated from heat) or noise. Considering pet owners' continued experiences in the southeast region (dumps, landfills, open pit burning) we hold that cremation is a reasonably environmentally sound service and, importantly, a dignified method of pet disposition.
Q: I don't have pets. Why on earth should I read about animal cremation services?
A: Consider that chemically euthanized pets have toxic (pollutants) drugs in their system too. As a result, whole burial of those pets also pollutes and, if not done properly, exposes wildlife, soil, and water to chemicals with unintended consequences. We submit that our communities should have a vested interest in learning about all available disposal methods. Waste containment/management is a reality and a challenge for communities. Regional landfills, dumps and transfer sites continue to accept chemically euthanized animals. These sites have finite operating lifespans. We believe our way is better.
We already have the support of our clients and we are connected with them on a personal level. Your support, as a non-pet owning citizen, connects us as a community; a community concerned with sound disposal practice alternatives. We are on track to keep upwards of 10 tons of deceased animals from being deposited in traditional disposal sites annually. Keeping chemically euthanized animals out of the "waste stream" is something we've found most people support but just aren't aware of this reality.
Q: What sort of fuel is used for the cremation process?
A: Liquid petroleum gas or "propane." Propane is an approved alternative fuel listed in both the Clean Air Act of 1990 and the National Energy Policy Act of 1992.1 It is one of the cleanest burning alternative fuels.2 Propane produces minimal emissions and has a narrow range of flammability unlike other fuels.3 Compared to gasoline, propane yields 12% less carbon dioxide, about 20% less nitrous oxide and as much as 60% less carbon monoxide.4 It is not harmful to soil or water.5 Propane has long been recognized as the "green" energy. Lastly, and this surprised us as well, almost 90% of propane is produced in the U.S.A.6 (1-6 World LP Gas Association 2003).
Q: What are the costs?
A: See our Pet Cremation Care page for specific fees. We've had a few inquiries about providing this service free to the public however we are not a government agency nor are we subsidized in any way. We want to provide our community with this new service and if we are to continue doing so, our current fee structure must be followed. Thank you for your support and understanding.
Q: How long does it take to get my pet back after cremation?
A: Our average turnaround time is 14 days or less from the time we receive your pet. This "every other week" availability helps keep costs lower. We utilize our own cold storage for deceased pets until they are cremated. Expedited services for a fee are available upon request.
Q: I've read upsetting news reports about some down South human cemetaries and shady business practices. Have you ever made mistakes when it comes to your cremation services?
A: We were also shocked about those stories some years ago. Those weren't just "shady reports" they were downright fraudulent and illegal activities by businesses given enormous trust by grieving clients.
Bridge Veterinary Services has never misidentified pets placed in our trust or failed to return the correct cremated remains to their owners. From the beginning we have had policies to make the chain of custody verifiable, consistent, and secure.
This is not to say that I (Mike) have been perfect when it comes to meeting my own personal goals for excellent "customer care" which is different that the physical actions of cremation/security mentioned earlier. One upsetting encounter in particular remains with me. I mistakenly referred to an out-of-town owner whose pet we received for cremation as a "good Cat Mom" when in fact she was a "Dog Mom." Understandably, I probably filled this person with some measure of doubt as to my competency. My worst nightmare in this business! I recognize that there are consequences to actions despite apologies and I can only hope that this confession is accepted in a manner of good will to anyone questioning the integrity of our business.
As pet owners ourselves, the most important job we have is to follow your cremation instructions and give dignity to your deceased pet while in our care. Thank you for taking the time to read this particular question and answer.
Q: Why should I choose cremation?
A: First of all, no one has to choose cremation for their deceased pet. This service is simply a new choice for Southeast Alaska considering alternatives of which some, frankly, are unacceptable to us as pet owners. You too may have the same concerns that we do. Some choose cremation because of the environmental benefits: reduced landfill dependency; cleaner fuel; non-toxic remains. Cost is certainly another factor. Our economical communal cremation is appreciated by those who don't want to choose between dignity and cost for their deceased pet. For those choosing an individual cremation, the options for personal memorials are wide open. For what it's worth, we've never met a pet owner who regretted their decision to cremate their pet. However, we have heard from many saying they wished the choice of cremation was available when their pet passed away.
Q: I am having a hard time being without my pet. Any grief resources for adults and children?
A: Thankfully, there are coping resources available for you both locally and right here on our LINKS page. We selected our professional recommendations based not only on academic accreditation but also on how they recognize the beauty of the human-animal bond. Indeed, mirroring the welcoming atmosphere provided by companion animals, may these professional counsellors and resources bring you peace and fulfillment.
Q: I have some medical waste I want to dispose of, can I use your crematory unit?
A: No. To preserve the dignity of our facility, we only use our crematory unit for animal cremation. There are no exceptions to this policy. Trash may be disposed of through local waste management or through recycling centers and/or the city's hazardous waste collection site in Lemon Creek.
Q: Can I come to your facility?
A: We do not have set office hours but you are welcome to visit our facility by appointment (visits are not offered when equipment is operating). We hope you will find it to be a caring, clean, and professional environment. All we ask is that you phone first just to make sure pet owners have privacy to say goodbye to their pet if need be. Visits are informal and without a heavily structured format though specifics regarding the operations and technical aspects of the equipment can be discussed.
Q: Will you pick up my deceased pet?
A: Yes. BVS will certainly provide transportation from any local home address. We have soft stretchers to help move your pet. Please ask your veterinarian's staff to contact us if you prefer that your pet be picked up at a clinic.
Q: Who should I contact if I have further questions about your crematory services?
A: Please contact Mike Dziuba. You may e-mail him directly at mike@bridgevet.com or call his cell phone at 957.0144. This email does not accept attachments/photos.
Q: I'm thinking about buying a horse, can you help?
A: Yes. Establishing a relationship with an equine veterinarian is critical before buying a horse. An equine veterinarian can help you make an educated decision about your prospective mount through a pre-purchase exam. If you prefer, we can mail you AAEP literature that covers a variety of horse topics for the prospective owner.
Q: Considering our soggy environment, relatively no pastureland and no equine surgical facility isn't it absurd to have a horse in Southeast Alaska?
A: Almost by definition, living in Alaska presents challenges to all of us, horse owners or not. While having a horse in SE Alaska may sound peculiar to some there really aren't that many issues that a dedicated owner can't handle. With proper planning and an acceptance of the risks of living in a remote location, horses can manage very well here.
Q: I have a horse but don't live in Juneau. Do you travel to other Southeast communities?
A: Definitely. When the need arises, Dr. Dziuba can and does travel to towns throughout Southeast Alaska. If preventive care is requested, please call the office as early as possible so travel arrangements can be optimized.
Q: I have a horse emergency, what is the quickest way to contact Dr. Dziuba?
A: Cell phone: 957.5022. Please use this number in an emergency. Please do not call Dr. Dziuba at the Gastineau Humane Society for horse related emergencies.
Q: What should I do if I accidentally hit an animal with my car?
A: After you take care of your needs and are safe, please call Animal Control for further assistance with unknown, fatally injured or suffering animals: 789.6997. If you know the owner of the pet, you should immediately call the owner.
Q: Why aren't you accepting new small animals (dogs and cats) for regular veterinary care at this time?
A: We appreciate the sincerity of this question. Dr. Dziuba is licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Alaska. However, the medical needs for small animals (non-equine) can be met by other veterinarians locally or through referral.
BVS's care strategy from the beginning has been to focus on the previously unmet veterinary needs in our region. With a couple hundred horses, the Gastineau Humane Society's varied adoptees, marine mammal obligations, and now pet cremation, Dr. Dziuba is a very busy veterinarian. Bridge Vet wants to provide outstanding veterinary care but this requires very careful planning to reduce the risk of having one of our services suffer at the expense of another. If you own a dog or cat (or another small animal) and currently don't have a relationship with a veterinarian, you are more than welcome to call for a referral.
Q: Do you offer valid alternative medicine modalities for horses?
A: "This question is unanswerable because it contains an invalid assumption. Alternative is a slogan often used for promotional purposes, not a definable set of methods. Methods should be classified into three groups: (1) those that work, (2) those that don't work, and (3) those we are not sure about. Most described as alternative fall into the second group. But the only meaningful way to evaluate methods is to examine them individually, which we do." -Stephen Barrett, M.D.
As a licensed veterinarian, Dr. Dziuba is observant of her Oath to apply her scientific knowledge to her practice of medicine. She will discourage therapies that are not effective or discredited. She understands that alternative treatments promising cures are sometimes difficult to ignore when your companion is ailing. We've been there. To help you sort through data when reviewing treatments for your animals, remember that finding research by agencies who have no monetary gain in such therapies is a great first step. Please always feel welcome to excercise your confidential veterinary-client relationship to discuss any questions you may have about the effectiveness of alternative therapies.