Sunset Pet Services

When we lost our sweet boy… we were so heartbroken. They were wonderful people. And helped us pick out a really beautiful urn. I know alot of us spend a ton of money when a pet becomes sick at the Vet. So its stressful to worry about the price of having to cremate your pet. But the Price was so much cheaper then I thought and feared. This place is very understanding.

We had a very good experience at Sunset Pet Services. We called ahead and they told us everything we needed to know. They met us at the door and treated our Schoolie with tendercare.
Mark Marvin was so kind with us and very warm with our children. He was very encouraging and welcoming and understanding of our sad feelings. He didn’t try to sell us anything and let us look around at our leisure. As hard as it was to leave Schoolhouse there we knew he was in good hands.

The service that Sunset Pet offers is amazing. I had my beloved 10-​year-​old rabbit cremated here recently, and it was a perfect experience. I have had another experience cremating a rabbit elsewhere – I once lived in NYC and paid 6 times the price of Sunset to cremate a then 12-​year-​old rabbit that had passed away. The prices that Sunset offers are fair. They cremated my rabbit for me, and also put the remains of my older rabbit in a nicer urn that they had in their urn display room. As others have said, there is no pressure to buy an urn. They explain everything to you when you’re there, and have a very wide range of urns to choose from – various styles, colors, and price ranges.
The plan is also run quite well. It is a family business; they have funeral hearses and limos parked out front – it is clear that they take their practice very seriously. The waiting room is beautiful, clean, and well-​kept. It doesn’t have the sterile feeling you might expect. And the staff is amazing. Especially considering the sensitive situation. They do everything meticulously and courteously. And it is quite comforting.
As for the location, it is a pain to get there if you don’t have a car. It is far out into the Virginia area, accessible via the DC Metro system, but be mindful of the fact that to walk from the Metro to their location, there are limited sidewalks off the side of a major highway. Sunset does offer pickup and delivery services for a high fee, but given how long and inconvenient the trip is, it is worth it if you have more money than time. I took advantage of their pick-​up service, and I must say that when the person they sent to came to pick up my rabbit’s body, he was extremely kind, courteous, and patient. He let me take as long as I needed to say goodbye, and handled the remains with great care. They gave a 4-​hour pickup window, and they were definitely right on time. All of the paperwork was easy to manage despite the difficult situation, and as I said, the driver was very patient in letting me take whatever time I needed. I picked up my rabbit’s ashes several days later, due to my schedule, and they were able to hold them for as long as I needed.
I highly recommend using Sunset Pet Services when you need to say goodbye to your beloved furry family members.

Sunset Pet Services’ compassionate care was a comfort as we faced the unpleasant task of saying goodbye to our cat, Ludwig.

It is never easy to lose a pet. My 15 year old Cee Cee kitty was precious and loving (she would even wake me up if I had a nightmare, by putting a paw on my arm, and looking into my face with concern), but age and illness took its toll on her and I had to make the extremely difficult decision to have her euthanized (but I knew it was the right decision). Cee Cee is the third kitty I have had to bring to Sunset and each time, the people there were compassionate, caring, and kind. They gave me time to say goodbye to her, Mark, with my permission, clipped a little of Cee Cee’s fur and gave it to me in a little bag, and when I went to pick her up the next day, they were just as compassionate and caring. Robin even made a NICE pawprint of my Cee Cee and gave it to me, which was unexpected but so very kind!

This was the third time I’ve used Sunset since 2001. And by far it was the most unprofessional experience of the three. This is a different (new?) staff. While the two men were kind when speaking to us, I was not impressed with their behavior or service ethic.
We called and told them we’d be bringing our pet’s body and should be there before the normal office closing hours. They said no problem. We got there and there was NO ONE anywhere around. We stood there with our pet in our arms and waited around until I saw a man in the back and I had to call to him through the door. He said someone would be with us shortly, pushed the gurney over so we could put our pet on it, and then called for assistance. He said the other guy was «in the building next door.»
When the other man arrived, he was kind but basically acted like there was nothing more for us to do and he’d take our pet, like we were just dropping off laundry or something. I said could we please have a moment with her and he said sure, and he just stepped back a foot or so from us and stood there waiting while we uncovered her and said our goodbye. He could at least have had some decorum and gone over to the desk and given us some PRIVACY for a minute! So we had to say goodbye to our beloved pet with this man standing right there next to us, waiting.
When we came to pick up the remains, the same man went out and brought out the container and that’s when I noticed IT HAD ASHY FINGERPRINTS ALL OVER IT! I am not squeamish but this is the absolute height of callousness and unprofessionalism. He didn’t even notice it until I pointed it out to him. And then I asked, sarcastically, I hope that isn’t some of my pet’s remains all over the container. Only then did he notice, apologize and act embarrassed.
They clearly need better oversight of the current crew at Sunset. Especially considering that next door they cremate people — if what they do with pets is an indicator, God only knows what’s happening with Grandma’s remains next door.

for the second time in a week Martin was there to help us in yet another time of grief. when our dear Sandy decided it was time to go, our Zalgaris stopped eating and drinking. at 16 years of age he went to meet his maker and be with Sandy. Martin was there again, at our side, to see us through it. there are still good people.

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I hate to do this but I need to update my posting. I had two dogs pass away this year so had to visit this place again. I was expecting the same exemplary, compassionate, sensitive treatment this time around but it wasn’t to be. I’ll only focus on where I believe the service diminished:
–Not careful with the body: I only arrived there 10 minutes early but he mentioned this and said the the other person was on the phone. I told him «no worries, I can wait.» He proceeded to take out her body anyway and was so uncareful with her. He twisted the blanket she was on over her face and dragged her out of the car and onto the gurney. Her head and all the body parts hit the car. I asked him again to wait and he kept going and I helped out to minimize the jostling. Now to tell you how uncareful he was with her body, I had moved her from the house to the car and nothing had happened. As he moved her to the gurney, blood started running out of her nose. He didn’t cause the bleeding but he jostled her hard enough that the fluids came out at this point. You just want the body to be treated with more respect.
–Cremation: Once again, they were pretty insensitive about the body. There were two people at this point but they were just NOT careful. Also, I told them I wanted her to be in the same position in the oven with the her head on the pillow. Instead they just threw the pillow on top of her body like the refuse employees throw in one trash bag after another into that truck. I knocked on the pane and had them readjust the pillow. They did but you could tell they didn’t want to and they were not careful.
Viewing: As mentioned the viewing costs extra which I’m fine with BUT this time while I’m still staring at the furnace, knowing this is my last moment with her body on this earth, he asks if he can close the blinds. Geez. Actually as I write about this, I’m starting to get mad. It was so clear I was not ready to leave.
He did call to let me know when the ashes were ready.
I want to emphasize these men were quite kind and I know they didn’t mean to be insensitive but they were. They really had no idea about how important it is to be respectful of the body. It is the last memory we carry of our loved ones and ever so important. I was right there and they had no idea of how egregious their lack of thoughtfulness was to me and my family.
I’lll still give them 3 stars — the first experience was just wonderful.
Original Posting in ⁰³⁄₂₀₁₅
What an incredible place. I would give this place more than 5 stars if I could. The people in the establishment are incredibly professional, emphatic and are sensitive about making this this difficult experience the most positive one they can.
Location: It’s definitely located in an industrial area (where else could a facility like this get a permit), on a very narrow street with some other auto and other repair businesses BUT it is the nicest, cleanest building on the entire street and you can tell they take price in their facility.
Service: Excellent. I would be cremated here if I could. I know they would be so respectful of my body throughout the entire process based on what I observed with my dog. I brought her body over and they were so careful about taking her out of the car. They made sure that her legs/​arms did not touch the edge of the car and carefully positioned her on the gurney to take her inside. I had her on her dog bed positioned in her favorite sleeping position on her favorite pillow. I indicated with some gestures (I could barely speak) that I wanted her head as comfortable as possible. They had to shift her a bit to get her into the oven and her head shifted. One of the men, readjusted her head, moved the pillow to its’ original position and gestured to me to make sure it was okay for me (it was). The other person came in and spoke so kindly for a few minutes.
We chose the private viewing (extra fee of a bit over $ 100). I had no issues with paying this fee. They are essentially closing out the room for your private viewing. No one else is going in and out so they are essentially holding that facility for you for the time you choose to stay.
I was a nut case about switching the time but the woman that answered the phone was so kind and patient the entire time.
I am so so happy to have found this place. I happen to live only 10 minutes away but I would drive over an hour if I had to. I completely trust them
You know how there are so many stories about how pet owners do NOT receive the actual ashes of their dog? I completely trust this company to return YOUR beloved pet’s ashes. When I went to pick up my dog’s ashes, it was still warm from the oven. I don’t mean to creep anyone out but I trust their quality control.
Cost: I believe I paid between $ 400 and $ 500 but I did also pay for the private viewing.

i have been using this service since 2008 and it was great. However i have noticed that over the years I have serious reason to question if I am even getting my pet’s ashes. i have taken several pets there during the time frame of 2008 – 2015 and lately when i transfer the ashes into a memorial I buy from amazon, (much cheaper than the ones sunset sells), I have noticed that the amount of ashes don’t really correspond with the weight of the pet. Sometimes i get the same amount of ashes I got for a 20lb pet when the pet was only 5 lbs. When i called to inquire about it, I was told, the «bones were big». Not so, I specialize in animals so I know this is not the casei also noticed that more recently the ashes are completely white in color. previous years that had a white and dark tint to them. At any rate, I would not trust that this place is actually cremating your pet individually and giving you the actual ashes from your pet. I am so disappointed at how the business has cut corners with cremating animals together at the pet owner’s expense that I am in the process of having them investigated to find out once and for all if I am actually getting my pets ashes. If I find out they deceived me, I am suing them. I wrote in my will that I wanted to be cremated and my pet’s ashes mixed with mine when I die. Having my actual pet’s ashes is very important to me and I hate that i now question if I have even gotten the correct ashes over the years. So many other pet crematories have been exposed for fraud and I won’t stop this quest for truth about this business. If anyone else has information on this business or noticed the amount of ashes may not match the weight of the animals please let me know

Mark Martin is a wonderful man. In too much grief to review but just go here if you have ANY pet final resting assistance. They are very kind and very respectful of your loss. I thank you.

Like the following review, it was the same for us. Although, we were given anoter excuse for why we were paying $ 110 for the viewing. This place, although friendly, capitalize on those that are devastated by the loss of a pet and prey on your emotions. I felt taken advantage of because the viewing was me handing my beloved pet over to the man in charge and he just put him in the crematory. Took 5 seconds. Then we were told to come back in two hours. That was $ 110?
My dog will be euthanized tomorrow Friday November 11^th. I asked how much was an individual cremation for a 47 pound dog. $ 150 was the answer. Fine with me. Then I mentioned to the woman who answered the phone that I had heard horror stories of unscrupulous places that would burn many pets at once in order to save energy and then would pretend that your pet was burned alone. I simply asked if I could witness my dog being put into the oven, alone with no other pets. I was careful to mention that I didn’t wish to witness the cremation process. Why would I do that? Why would I want to see my beloved dog’s body being twisted by intense heat. I specified that I just wanted to see the oven empty before she was put in it. That’s considered a viewing, I was told. You’ll be charged $ 110 more. I told her again that I didn’t want a viewing of the cremation but just to check that my dog was indeed going to be the only animal put into the oven. Checking that the oven is empty is considered a viewing, I was told. This place tried obviously to take advantage of my pain and distress thinking I would not have any other alternatives. Fortunately, they were wrong and I did find something much better. Be aware these people are in business, but not in the one of helping you.

SPS has cremated two of my pets and they were professional, caring and very sensitive.

These people are kindness embodied. I am a dog person, have had dogs for 30+ years. When my babies are gone, these people are so helpful. You can NOT do better than bring your baby here. They understand and respect your pain. They are open 365 — again, a blessing. I am so grateful to them.

It is actually hard to imagine a more professional and caring group of people who are there to help you during one of life’s big challenges — after saying goodbye to a beloved pet. Most people don’t seek out pet cremation services until the pet’s life is just about to end and the process can be confusing and painful, particularly at a time of great emotional strain. For us, Sunset provided not only expert and emotionally senstive care during our recent time of need they also made the entire process seamless and pain free as possible.

We have used them a few times over the years and they have been nothing but respectful and helpful even during difficult times. They are professional and caring they are not in this business just to «make a buck.» As a pet lover I’m sure I will have to use their services again and I will have comfort in knowing that they will be there when I need them.

The true measure of service is what happens when something goes wrong. We have used Sunset 3 times and they have always been wonderful, sympathetic, kind, compassionate, and caring. This time there was a small misunderstanding. At 2 am my dog passed away at the animal hospital and I called for a pick up for later that morning. At 11 or noon I called and they had not made the pick up, apparently something didn’t get passed along correctly. I was a little upset but understood accidents happen. They assured me the would go immediately and also would perform the service that day and I would be able to pick up his remains that same day. They also apologized several times and said they would waive the pick-​up fee. This was extremely nice of them an unnecessary — a nice apology is all most people need. Later the manager called me and apologized profusely. I let them know I was fine and it was not a huge deal. She said I could even have a free urn, which was totally unnecessary. When I did go to pick up they asked if I wanted my free urn. We had not planned on an urn, but even so would not have accepted it free. I appreciate how hard it is to run a small business and that was way beyond what was necessary. So I pulled out my credit card to pay for the cremation and they said no charge. I said, no, that was just for the pick up, not cremation. No they said, you money is not good here. I tried to insist but they would not let me. No way I was going to take a free urn too!
So these guys are great and I highly recommend to anyone. When you are at the depths of sadness and call, they a professional and kind and don’t talk money, it make a very hard thing easy.
Open ²⁴⁄₇ and even on ALL holidays. We lost one dog on Christmas eve day last year, can you imagine having to wait one or two days in that situation. Christmas was hard enough.

I agree with all the other reviewers.
Woke up this morning and my 22 year old cat was lying on the bathroom floor with a horrible facial expression, not the way to start a week. That said (and there is a reason I bring this up other than being morbid — read on) … I looked up places to take him, and saw all the reviews of this place and figured I would use it.
When I arrived they offered to bring the pet in themselves, or I could bring him in, that was nice. I decided to bring him in having wrapped him in his bed he would sleep in for the past many years. They took the pet and placed him in a side room on a stainless steel cat wrapped in white linens. They took me outside to fill out one form, took 3 minutes, but in that time they laid him out, fixed his facial expression so that he appeared to be sleeping, arranged his paws nicely, and placed him on his little pink bed. They told me to take as long as I needed.
This place is great. The staff is understanding, compassionate, and as I babbled they sat there and listened intently. I can’t say enough about this place and highly recommend it to anyone looking for or persuing such services. They also offer a wide range of reasonably priced urns (don’t get me wrong there are some $ 500+ ones) … they also will explain the whole process if you so wish to know.
You pick up your pet’s remains sealed inside high-​density plastic (or so they tell me, since it is an overnight service you go in the next day), they even are going to cremate him on his bed!!! They place it inside a respectable urn if you so choose not to pick one out there.
It is $ 150 for the cat, which is very reasonable, and for the services they provided as far as compassion and dignity it is worth it over a sterile Vet office.
Gotta give props on one of my few 5 star places!

I can’t say enough about how much of a comfort it is to have found this place. I had my pet rat cremated. My pet was treated with the utmost respect even though she is an unconventional pet. I really liked the little folder with certificate they gave with the cremation. The ladies working when I went in (different ones both times) had the best atitude you could imagine for working there.
Their prices are quite reasonable, they charged me what they quoted over email. They had lots of urns varying in price from $ 25 up to $ 200s to choose from. I was also able to add a plaque to my urn for less than $ 20. You can view the urns on their website so you know before you go if you like.

I feel weird giving five stars to a cremation place. As good as it gets does not describe how I felt dealing with this place, but that’s not their fault.
Our two cats both passed away this year, Gabriel in January, and Beel in February. Gabe was 17, Beel nearly 20. This has been a pretty devastating year for us. Having to take care of them afterward was absolutely horrible.
Eventually we are going to have our babies made into diamonds, but for now we had to deal with the immediate need of having them cremated. It was agonizing to deliver them to our vet, but thankfully we didn’t have to take them directly to Sunset. Sunset picked up our babies at the vet for a $ 99 fee. I arranged everything with them over the phone. They were extremely nice and respectful.
I chose a simple wooden urn from the pictures on the internet. They let me know when they were done, and when I went to pick up Gabriel — well, that was probably the worst day of my life. The building is in a horrible, industrial part of town. I suppose that shouldn’t have surprised me, but it was shocking. It seemed even more horrible to be picking up my baby there. But the place itself was nice and the people were quiet, nice, again respectful. I paid the $ 275 and get the hell out. Picking up Beel was not quite so traumatic since i knew what to expect, but still pretty awful.
They do individual cremations, so we know it is our babies we have. Every interaction I had with them, I was crying and not terribly coherent. They were always really nice and pretty much kept things to a minimum. Let me know what needed to be done, informed me, didn’t drag it out.
When Beel passed away, we were traumatized. Thankfully, all I had to say was please just do everything you did for Gabe, and they did. I barely had to deal with it at all, which I am grateful for.
For a service I really never wanted to deal with, I am grateful there was a good place I felt comfortable with that made it less horrible to deal with the reality of what I had to do. I don’t know how to give them a better review than that — it’s not like I can get excited about using that service. But at least there is a good place to go to when that horrible need occurs.

We had to deal with the sudden loss of a pet and didn’t know what to do. Called the vet and they told us they would take our pet (i.e. «dispose») for $ 55 or have them cremated for $ 260. It sounded more like a business transaction than anything else. My wife called a fellow pet owner she knew who recommended Sunset and they were kind and empathetic on the phone, said they were open until 5PM but we could make arrangements to come by later if we needed too, and that they could do an individual cremation for $ 85. We got there just before closing, they again were very kind and understanding with us, gave us our space and the time we needed, and were very low pressure about the «business end» of what we were there for. While this is not a service you hope you need to use or have to recommend, they made a very painful situation a little easier with their understanding and accommodation.