Although it is “just an animal,” the death of a pet can be just as stressful for some people as the death of a family member or close friend. Although the sorrow that is felt when the pet dies is difficult to deal with, there is a decision that has to be made and made quickly; how to deal with the remains. It may be difficult, but it is something that has to be handled.
In the event your pet died while in the care of your veterinarian it may be possible for the remains to be held there for a day or two while you decide how to proceed. Rarely is the case unfortunately and the decision must be made quickly. There are a couple of afterlife options that are available.
Cremation:
Most veterinarians have established relationships with pet crematoriums. Cremation is the process of reducing the remains of your pet to nothing more than ashes and a few bone fragments which are then placed in wooden cremation urns and returned to the owner.
There are two methods of pet cremation:
Private: When one elects for a private cremation the remains will be returned in a plastic bag which is in turn placed in the owner’s choice of wooden cremation urns. In some cases the crematorium allows the pet owner to witness the process, this is often a wonderful way of closure as you know your pet is being cremated alone and the remains that are given to you are truly those of your pet.
Mass cremation: A private cremation of your pet’s remains may cost upwards of $200 to $300. If the return of your pet’s remains is not important to you, then a mass cremation may be more appealing as the cost is considerably lower. As your animal will be cremated with the remains of other animals, return of the ashes is not an option.
Burial:
For those who may wish to periodically visit a grave site then burial is the option that you would select. It is perfectly normal for pet owners to bury their dead animals on their own property. The body is usually placed in a box, either cardboard or wooden and buried at least three feet deep to eliminate the potential of another animal digging up the remains. The grave site can be marked with a shrub or small stone marker.
If there are laws that eliminate the possibility of burying the animal in your garden then you can turn to a pet cemetery. When you elect to have your pet interred in a pet cemetery you will have no concern over violating any laws and in the event you move home, your pet’s remains stay available to you if you wish to visit the grave site.
