When returning the cremains,either back to you or through your veterinarian, we must protect the integrity of the cremains. If we sent the cremains back just in a plastic bag there could be a chance of dropping the bag and spilling the contents. By placing the cremains in a container (Urn) we are assured the cremains are protected until they reach you. Should you wish to scatter the cremains, you will have to open the urn to access the bag the cremains are in. You can keep the urn to store your pet's collar or other items that are mementos of your life spent together.