Cremated remains update – New kits available for pets

The Postal Service has introduced a kit to ship cremated remains for pets and other animals.

Two versions of the Cremated Remains Animal Kit — which must be shipped through Priority Mail Express — are available:

• Cremated Remains Animal Kit 1 includes a roll of Priority Mail Express adhesive tape
• Cremated Remains Animal Kit 2 includes a Priority Mail Express tape roll, a self-sealing plastic bag, bubble cushioning and a copy of the Publication 139, How to Package and Ship Cremated Remains guidelines

The guidelines for shipping animal remains are similar the guidelines for shipping human remains.

Customers who choose to use their own packaging must adhere to the shipping guidelines, which include affixing the bright orange Label 139 to all sides of the box including the top and bottom sides.

Both Kit 1 and Kit 2 are available at usps.com at no cost.

Label 139 is available online and at Post Offices.

Additionally, the Postal Service has released a video that explains how to ship cremated remains.