Pet Cremation Facts
When a beloved pet dies, you have several options as far as taking care of the body. For low-cost methods, you can ask your local animal control office to collect the body and dispose of it according to their standard procedure. (This usually means mass cremation and minimal ceremony.) If you have the right permits, you might also be able to bury your pet on your own land.
However, these steps, while useful in terms of finance, aren’t always enough for a family in mourning. For many of us, the loss of a pet is just as devastating as the loss of a close friend, and it’s only right to provide a proper memorial service and interment.
Why Choose Pet Cremation
Pet cremation is a common pet funeral choice since it provides a low-cost option that still adheres to a high standard in terms of ceremony. However, because pet funerals aren’t as common as those for humans, it can be difficult to know where to ask for help. Here is a list of pet cremation facts that can help you plan the perfect memorial.
- You can purchase pet urns, pet cremation jewelry, and any other storage options online. These range from ornate urns in hardwoods and expensive metals to simpler boxes. In most cases, the urn will need to have one cubic inch of space for each pound your pet weighed.
- Contact your veterinarian for information on a pet crematory. Some vets have their own crematories on site, while others use a third-party provider. They can refer to options in your area.
- Check the International Association of Pet Crematories for a comprehensive list of pet cremation providers.
- Pets are sometimes cremated as part of a group. In order to save money, you can opt to have your pet cremated with other animals. Be sure and ask your chosen crematory for information on how they separate animals if you want to make sure you get the cremains back.
- Restrictions on scattering pet remains apply in most public areas. Be sure and have the permission of the land owner or city officials if you want to scatter your pet’s remains.
- The average pet cremation costs $50 to $200 (depending on the animal’s size). This cost doesn’t include your chosen cremation container or memorial.
- Pet funeral insurance and payment plans may exist to help you cover the unforeseen costs of pet cremation.
Many people opt to keep pet cremains inside the home in an elegant urn or other receptacle. Others bury the cremains or scatter them somewhere the animal loved. There is no wrong answer when it comes to pet cremation—anything that helps you honor the life of your best friend and facilitates the grieving process is a worthwhile investment.
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