Every pet owner is aware that, in most cases, they’re going to outlive their pets, but no one likes to think about it. Unfortunately, pets don’t have lives that are even half as long as people’s, and it can be very heartbreaking when these treasured pets die. When this happens, some pet owners choose to bury their beloved pets in their backyards, complete with personalized headstones or memorial markers. However, not all pet owners are able to bury their pets, either because they don’t have an appropriate area, or they’re unable to physically dig the grave. This is why some pet owners opt for pet cremation. Here are the answers to some common questions that pet owners have about pet cremation.
What is pet cremation?
Pet cremation is just like cremating a person after their death. Pet cremation typically involves the cremation of various pets simultaneously, unlike with humans. Your pet’s body will be incinerated in an ethical and humane fashion, and it’s up to you to determine what happens once the remains have been cremated.
Is pet cremation only for dogs and cats?
This will depend on the specific crematorium, as well as their policies and capacities. Dogs and cats are the most commonly cremated pets, but other pets can be cremated at the right crematorium. Be sure to make inquires before deciding on a specific facility so you can be sure that your particular pet is able to be cremated. Many pet owners have happily had rabbits, hamsters, gerbils and even horses cremated, and at the right crematorium, there is typically no limit as to the type of animal.
What does the cremation process entail?
The pet cremation process is very simple, and all you would be required to do is meet with a crematorium specialist in order to choose the type of cremation you would like for your pet, as well as answer some other questions. Once you’ve finished with all the necessary paperwork, your pet will be gently taken to the crematorium and his or her body will be cremated according to your specifications.
Can I take my pet’s ashes home?
If you choose a crematorium that offers individual pet cremation in addition to “regular” cremation, which is often referred to as communal cremation, then your pet’s ashes will be yours to keep. With individual pet cremation, you can do whatever you desire with your pet’s ashes, whether you opt to have a special urn custom-made or sprinkle the ashes in a special outdoor area. This could be at a park where you frequently walked your pet, a beach, or even in a lake, river or the ocean, if a particular one has some meaning to you.
Will I receive only my pet’s ashes?
If you choose a crematorium that offers individual pet cremation as an option, then they guarantee that you will receive only your pet’s ashes. This is why it’s important to choose a crematorium that is not only understanding and compassionate, but in order to increase your chances of having a pleasant overall experience, you need to choose an agency with a stellar reputation and one that is professional. Choosing the first crematorium on a list without researching their background could potentially be disastrous, so don’t hesitate to take your time when it comes to finding the best crematorium possible.
Does pet cremation cost a lot of money?
Most pet owners who have had their pets cremated would agree that pet cremation doesn’t cost a great deal of money. Many crematoriums will quote you a price based on the weight of a pet, so if you have a cat or a small dog cremated, then the cost of pet cremation will obviously be a lot less expensive than having a full-grown St. Bernard or even a horse cremated. For many pet owners, the cost is not an object, and many will even request payment arrangements in order to pay to have their precious pets cremated.
If you would like to keep costs as low as possible and you’re not interested in keeping your pet’s ashes, then you can choose communal pet cremation. Again, communal pet cremation is when your pet is cremated with many other people’s pets. The ashes will not be available to you, but many pet owners find peace in having their pets cremated with other pets.
What if I don’t want to keep my pet’s ashes at home?
Some pet owners relish the ability to take their pet’s ashes home so they can keep their “pet” in a special place for safe keeping. However, not all pet owners like the idea of keeping their pet’s ashes at home, and for some, it could be a constant reminder that their pet is no longer with them. So, what does a pet owner who opts for pet cremation but does not want to take their pet’s ashes home? There is the option of choosing a special place, like a dog park, where quality time was spent with the pet, where the owner can scatter the ashes. For many pet owners, that is a comforting and practical way to honor their deceased pet. Regardless of what you decide to do with your pet’s ashes, hopefully you will choose an option that brings you the greatest amount of peace.
