Post-Life Options

By Derek Cooke
Abbey Glen Pet Memorial Park

As human beings we have long accepted our right to mourn the death of another human, but until recently it has not been popular to openly grieve the death of an animal companion. As pet owners we know that the strength of emotions surrounding the loss of a beloved and loyal pet can be the same, and sometimes stronger, than those surrounding the loss of a human. Now that we are entitled to feel a sense of loss at the death of a pet we need to know what options are available to us in making final arrangements. We all seem to know what to do when a human member of the family dies, but what about our four legged members?

Most of us share a special and trusting relationship with our veterinarian. Our veterinary practice is a wonderful resource for emotional support and practical information about post-life options when we’re inevitably faced with the need.

All of these practices are aimed at achieving a degree of closure to our loss.

Post-life options are highly personal decisions and should be based on individual preferences, both emotional and financial.

Here is a practical guide to post-life and memorialization options from which you, as a pet owner may choose when the time comes:

Individual cremation. Your pet is cremated individually and the remains are not commingled with any other pets. Cremated remains or ashes can than be returned to you to be scattered in a meaningful spot or placed in many styles of urn for storage or display. Urns range from inexpensive metal, simple wood or ceramic to marble or bronze in the higher price ranges. Most urns can also be personalized with engraving. Arrangements can be made through most veterinary hospitals by contacting a pet crematory directly.

Attended cremations. Some crematories have facilities that allow for you to be present for your pet’s cremation service. For some this can be comforting. There may also be the opportunity to have a viewing prior to the cremation, similar to a human funeral. Arrangements can be made contacting a pet crematory directly.

Group cremation: Pets are cremated together and cremated remains are disposed of on crematory/cemetery grounds or according to state regulations. Arrangements can be made through most veterinary hospitals by contacting a pet crematory directly.

Burial at home. Many find solace in having their pet close at hand and backyard burial suits the purpose. A potential drawback is the question of permanency. What happens to the grave site when the family moves? Many municipal ordinances also prohibit this activity.

Burial in a pet cemetery. This formalized burial allows for a place to visit when desired. For some it is a question of the beauty and significance of a formal cemetery setting. Individual graves can be purchased on cemetery grounds. The grave may be individually marked with a headstone or flat marker depending on cemetery
regulations. Arrangements can be made contacting a pet crematory directly.

Abbey Glenn Pet Memorial Park, 1280 North Ave., Plainfield, NJ; 800-972-3118; www.abbeyglen.com

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