When choosing a cremation provider, here are some questions to ask:

• Do they perform their own cremations? If so, can you tour and inspect the cremation facility? If not, who performs the cremations for them, and can you go there?
• Are they a member of the Cremation Association of North America?
• If not, do they adhere to some other code of cremation ethics?
• Do they provide you with a written copy of their operational policies and procedures?
• Can the cremation be attended by a family member or designated individual?
• What is the average time between receiving the deceased and the completion of the cremation?
• Do they have refrigeration facilities to hold the deceased prior to cremation?
• What is their procedure to track the remains throughout the cremation process and verify the identity of the cremated remains following cremation?
• How are the cremated remains returned? What is their policy regarding holding of the cremated remains after the cremation is completed?
• What is their policy in reference to disposition of prosthetics, artificial joint replacements, etc., and other non-combustible material?
• Will they give you references of other families who have used their services?
• Have their crematory operators been certified by a recognized organization, such as CANA, in the proper use of the cremation equipment and care of human remains?