Cherie T. Buisson, DVM, CHPV, CPEV Certified Hospice and Palliative Care Veterinarian
Certified Peaceful Euthanasia Veterinarian
Low Stress Handling (TM) Silver Certified
What Your Choice About Your Pet’s Cremation Says About You:
ABSOLUTELY NOTHING.
Saying goodbye to your pet is hard enough. Most of you will have feelings of guilt and sadness no matter how your pet passes. The last thing you need is more guilt.
What you do with your pet’s remains is a deeply personal decision. Things like past experience, trauma, family tradition, and religion can all come into play. It’s not anyone’s business what you choose unless they are co-owners or family members. Please do take into consideration how those closest to your pet feel and don’t assume they want what you want. This is an important discussion to have in order to give closure to loved ones.
What are your options for aftercare? Here are the most common
- burial on your property
- burial at a pet cemetery
- flame-based cremation private
- flame-based cremation semi-private
- flame-based cremation group
- aquamation (water based cremation) private
- aquamation group
Private cremation (also called true private) means your pet is cremated alone in the chamber and their ashes are returned to you. (This is the only private cremation we offer.)
Semi-Private Cremation (also called partitioned) means multiple pets are in the chamber but there are dividers between them. Other pets’ ashes are likely present in your pet’s ashes but it is mostly your pet.
Group cremation means many pets are cremated together. Generally, no ashes are returned. Instead, they are scattered or disposed of according to law and the preference of the crematory.
Burial options vary depending on where you live. Please be aware that after euthanasia your pet’s remains are toxic (because of the drugs we use) and could poison a pet, person, or wildlife that consumes them. In the case of endangered wildlife, this could have serious legal consequences. We have a handout of burial information available if you need it.
How you choose to handle your pet’s remains after their passing says nothing about how much you loved them. If you choose to have us assist you with your pet after they pass, we handle communal cremations exactly the same as private cremations – with as much gentleness and respect as possible. We do not judge families for choosing a particular type of cremation or no cremation at all.
If you are having trouble deciding or have any questions, please let us know. We wish you peace and strength during this difficult time.
