Cremation and Pets

The process of losing a family pet is emotionally taxing enough, but dealing with everything afterwards can be hectic and confusing.  Most pet owners choose to go the cremation route, which can be significantly less expensive and less difficult than utilizing a pet cemetery or attempting burial yourself.  Considering the options of how to deal with your pet’s remains is probably the last thing you want to be doing during your grieving period, but it is a decision that must be made.

The process is rather simple.  Crematoriums use extremely high heat to turn the body into ashes, which are then returned to the owner.  There are typically two types of cremation services offered by crematoriums.  The least expensive option is mass cremation.  This is when a group of deceased pets are cremated together and their ashes are divided by weight of the animal prior to being returned to the owner.  Some people may not like this option, but many others think of it as nothing more than their own pet passing on with other beloved pets.

If you feel that mass cremation is not a suitable option for your pet, most crematoriums also offer private cremation.  This is when your pet is cremated individually and all of his or her ashes are returned to you.  While this option may appeal to you at first, it can carry a hefty price tag.  In the end, the decision is up to you and your family.  Paying the extra money to know that you will always have your pet with you can be worth it to some people.  Both mass and private cremation are common, reputable procedures and should choose the one that is right for you.

When your pet’s ashes are returned to you, they will be sent from the crematorium in a plastic bag.  Some facilities will send them in a cardboard box, while others send a cheap plastic or aluminum urn.  These are not intended to be permanent vessels for your pet’s ashes, so it is important that you find a reliable way to store them.

The best way to store your pet’s ashes is in an urn.  Not only will a pet urn keep the ashes safe, it can be a lovely way to keep your pet with you in your home and memorialize him or her.  Dog and cat urns are available from many retailers online.   I also have compiled lists of photographic urns, modern urns and classic urns that may be of use in deciding.  There are hundreds of styles, so you can find one that will help you remember your pet however you choose.

For more information on the history of cremation, read the next article in this series.