{"id":3849,"date":"2019-11-15T23:01:39","date_gmt":"2019-11-15T23:01:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.animalhealthfoundation.net\/blog\/?p=3849"},"modified":"2019-11-15T23:01:39","modified_gmt":"2019-11-15T23:01:39","slug":"pet-cremation-practical-first-steps-memorial-ideas-2019-edition","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.animalhealthfoundation.org\/blog\/2019\/11\/pet-cremation-practical-first-steps-memorial-ideas-2019-edition\/","title":{"rendered":"Pet Cremation: Practical First Steps & Memorial Ideas (2019 Edition)"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

\"\"\u00a0<\/a>Jill Carbone<\/a><\/span><\/h1>\n<\/div>\n
\n

\"\u201cUntil<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Introduction<\/h2>\n

I\u2019ve noticed my little Shih Tzu is failing. She hides under my bed or stays outside in the rain. When I call for her, she turns toward me in confusion. Her eyes are blank and searching, for she is blind. In the mornings, I regretfully leave her hoping that when I return, she will greet me excitedly at the door. I dread the days when I have to hunt her down as though we are playing hide and seek. I\u2019m never sure of what I will find, and that makes my stomach flip nervously and my heart race.<\/p>\n

Our pets are our family, and our family is our world.<\/h4>\n

For this reason, it\u2019s important to begin thinking about a pet\u2019s death and how we would like to honor and memorialize our companion before our pet passes.<\/p>\n

Suggested Read<\/strong>:\u00a0Say A Meaningful Goodbye To Your Pet<\/a><\/p>\n

Pet Cremation Services<\/h2>\n

Before losing my last pet, I never thought about what I would do with his remains. I regret not preplanning for my pet\u2019s death because I put myself in a position to make a hasty decision\u2013one I would later regret. We have options as pet owners, and it\u2019s important to know what those options are.<\/p>\n

If you choose to leave your pet with the veterinarian, make sure you ask your vet how he or she disposes of an animal. It could mean that your pet will be included in a mass cremation process or taken to a landfill. If this is not your desire, make sure to speak up.<\/p>\n

Pet Cremation Cost<\/h3>\n

According to the\u00a0National Funeral Directors Association<\/a>, at least 17% of funeral homes in the U.S. now offer pet cremation services, and another 13% plan to do so. As of 2016, there were over 800 pet cemeteries and crematoriums in the United States, and the\u00a0pet funeral industry continues to grow<\/a>. 90% of pet owners choose cremation while less than 10% choose burial when their beloved pet passes.<\/p>\n

Depending on your pet\u2019s size and weight and the market where you reside, cremation costs can vary substantially. The price can range between $30 \u2013 $250. In addition, there are add-on services that can influence the price like memorials or funeral ceremonies. The good news is that most crematoriums have options that fit the budget of the owner.<\/p>\n

Private or Individual Cremation<\/h3>\n

Private or individual creation is the most costly option. Your pet will be placed in the cremation chamber alone, ensuring that it will not be mixed with other animals\u2019 remains. Some people request to view the cremation of their pet to help with closure and provide comfort that the pet\u2019s remains were, indeed, cremated individually. There may be an added fee for this service.<\/p>\n

Semi-Private or Partitioned Cremation<\/h3>\n

During a semi-private or partitioned cremation, pets are cremated at the same time with other animals. Even though crematoriums do their best to keep the remains separated in the chamber, there is a chance that part pf the remains could be comingled or mixed together which makes this choice less costly. Some crematoriums may refer to a partitioned cremation as individual, so be sure to ask specific questions.<\/p>\n

Communal or Group Cremation<\/h3>\n

Communal or group cremation involves the cremation of multiple animals in the same chamber at once. The remains cannot be separated, and therefore, will not be returned.<\/p>\n

\"Pet<\/p>\n

Pet Funeral<\/h2>\n

Practical First Steps<\/h3>\n

There is no right or wrong way to announce a pet\u2019s death. Some people turn to social media and find comfort in reading comments and responses. Others send an email or post card notification to their closest friends. Still others prefer to keep the news private and limit an announcement to family and close friends. Today, anything goes.<\/p>\n

In fact, as I\u2019m writing this, the news is announcing the death of a celebrity\u2019s dog. It has become socially acceptable to acknowledge the suffering and despair that accompany the loss of a pet. It\u2019s important that the owner do what is most comfortable for them.<\/p>\n

If an owner chooses to write a death announcement or obituary, they have creative freedom, as there is no prescribed way to compose a pet obituary. Including a picture of a pet, sharing a fond memory, or writing about a pet\u2019s personality is common. However, the tone of an obituary can be sad, humorous, inspiring, or serious. Every pet\u2019s personality is unique, and this can be reflected in how one tells the story of their pet\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

Organizing a Funeral Service or Ceremony<\/h3>\n

Holding a pet funeral is a cathartic means to gain closure after the loss of a pet. The funeral can reflect the pet\u2019s personality or its owner\u2019s. Funerals can be fun, quirky, serious, elaborate, or simple. From backyard ceremonies to procuring the services of a pet funeral home and cemetery, there are many choices that can adapt to your budget and taste.<\/p>\n

People in the pet industry understand that losing a pet can be as devastating as losing a beloved family member; therefore, they are there to assist you. Not only do pet cemeteries and funeral homes offer burial and cremation services, but they also sell caskets, urns, and grave markers specifically created for pets.<\/p>\n

As noted above, some traditional funeral homes are now providing pet services.\u00a0Funeralwise.com<\/a>\u00a0is an excellent resource to search for pet cemeteries and cremation services in your area.<\/p>\n

Choosing a Location<\/h4>\n

If you choose to have a funeral for your pet, the first decision to make is where to hold the ceremony. It could be at a favorite park, a beach, or a cat\u2019s favorite place to sun itself. Choose a location that reminds you of spending joyous moments with your pet.<\/p>\n

Ideas to Include In Your Ceremony<\/h4>\n

Below are some common features to include in your ceremony:<\/p>\n