Losing a pet is a tragic experience for any pet parent, but sadly, it is part of owning an animal. It might not be a pleasant thing to plan for, but making pet cremation preparations in advance will give you one less stressful decision to make during the mourning period.
If you’ve never used a pet cremation service before, we’ve put together this post to help you understand how they work and what to expect. Keep reading to find out how to prepare for pet cremation and say goodbye to your furry friend in a respectful way.
Where can you get a pet cremation?
Depending on where you’re located, there are different ways to go about getting a pet cremation. If you reside in a large city or metropolitan area, you should be able to find a company that specializes in the cremation of dogs, cats, and other pets. For example, if you live in Atlanta, Paws, Whiskers, and Wags is a local business that performs these services.
If you live in a rural area where these companies don’t typically operate, you should contact your veterinarian or local animal shelter. While they won’t be able to perform the services themselves, they should know where to refer you.
How much does pet cremation cost?
It depends on a few important factors, like the weight and species of your pet. The smaller your pet is, the less you’ll have to pay. Also, domestic animals (like dogs and cats) will be cheaper than horses and other large pets.
Something else to consider is if you want a communal or private cremation. With communal cremation, your pet is placed with other animals during the cremation process. Since there are multiple animals involved, you will not be able to retrieve your pet’s ashes.
On the other hand, a private option ensures that your pet is the only one in the chamber, so you will receive an urn or other container with your animal’s remains. As you might expect, private cremations are pricier than communal ones.
All things considered, you can expect to pay around $75 to $300 for a pet cremation if you have a dog or cat.
What should you do with the ashes?
It’s really a matter of personal preference. Some families choose to display their dog or cat’s ashes in an urn in their home. Others scatter their animal’s remains in a place that their pet loved. There are even some pet shops and online companies that can take some of your pet’s ashes and incorporate them into a piece of jewelry.
Is cremation the only option when a pet dies?
No, you don’t have to cremate your pet if you don’t feel comfortable with it. Many people prefer to bury their animals or ask their veterinarian to manage that aspect on their behalf. Again, it’s a matter for you and your family to decide.
With a bit of advanced planning, you can understand the options you have for pet cremation. It isn’t pleasant, but being prepared can remove a bit of stress from your life in a difficult time.
For more pet ownership tips and resources, check out the PetPonder blog.
