Cremation

Most veterinary clinics provide clients with an option for cremation. The arrangements are typically handled away from the clinic by a pet crematory.

Cremation:

• Involves the use of a specially-designed furnace to incinerate the body
• The remains are reduced to ash and tiny bone fragments
• The remains are then sealed within a plastic bag
• The bag is usually placed within a decorative tin or box for return to the owner
• A direction for the final handling of the ashes is given before the crematory takes the body
• Decisions for clients to make regarding the cremation of their pet include:
• Choice (at some facilities) to be present to view the cremation
• Choice of cremation service that is either:
• Private and individual
• This ensures client receives only their pet’s ashes
• Ashes are returned to the owner
• Community
• Body will be cremated along with other animals
• Ashes will not be returned to the owner
• Selection of memorial urn or memorial box to hold the ashes
• Cost of cremation depends upon:
• Location
• Weight of animal
• Type of services requested

Burial

Many clients will prefer to take their pet’s body for burial, with the intention of having a place to memorialize and visit. There are options available for pet burial, but clients may need to be reminded of some extra steps to take to ensure that this aftercare options works best for them.

• Home burial
• Advise clients that choose to take their pet’s body home for burial:
• First check with local laws to make sure burying pets is allowed on the property
• Laws may vary depending on the state and county
• Contact the County Board of Health or Animal Control for guidance
• Common sense also plays an important part in the decision:
• Do clients own the property?
• Know what is beneath the ground in the area planned for the grave site
• Check for underground:
• Water lines
• Power lines
• Phone and internet lines
• Water source
• The body will need to be placed within a biodegradable container such as a wooden or cardboard box and placed in a grave at least three feet deep
• Identify the gravesite with a memorial marker or stone
• Pet Cemetery burial
• Some companies provide pet burial services within a pet cemetery
• Using this type of aftercare provides the following benefits:
• Offers a place to visit pet
• No need to move pet’s remains or worry about leaving them behind if the client moves from the home where their pet is buried
• Ability to place a memorial or headstone upon the grave
• Cemetery will maintain the gravesite
• Cost of burial at a pet cemetery varies depending on the services provided

Celebration of Life

Offering clients the idea of creating a memorial that celebrates the life they spent with their pet may be helpful during this time. Because there are many options, clients can choose the one that is the most meaningful to them.

For example:

• Hold a memorial service
• Create a shadow box to display their pet’s tags, collar, favorite toy
• Journal their pet’s story
• Create a collage of their pet’s photographs
• Scatter the pet’s ashes in a special place
• Make a donation in the pet’s honor
• Plant a tree in their pet’s name

While providing this information to clients may not seem like much, offering help and showing concern during this sad time will be appreciated. Learn other ways to help your clients cope by contacting your Covetrus representative at 855.724.3461.

 Information taken from:
http://www.petplace.com/article/dogs/behavior-training/loss-mourning-a-dog/is-it-legal-to-bury-my-pet-in-the-backyard