It’s the moment in our lives that we all dread. Saying goodbye to our beloved dogs is really hard, and making decisions on how to lay your companion to rest is equally difficult.
In this blog, we’ll explore your options for cremation, so you can lay your pet to rest in the way that feels right for you.
Whilst your vet will offer cremation services, there are other private services which you may like to explore which give you more options and say over the service.
Choosing cremation or burial for your beloved pet
It’s a very personal choice and there is no right or wrong answer. You may prefer to have your dog cremated and their ashes returned to you, or you may prefer a burial service at a pet cemetery.
There are lots of options for keeping your pet’s ashes with you, from beautiful urns through to jewellery that allows you to keep them close to you always.
Alternatively, a pet cemetery gives you a place to hold a funeral for your dog and a place to visit whenever you want to spend some time remembering them.
How do I arrange for my dog to be cremated?
Most vets partner with pet crematoriums to provide a cremation service. Typically your dog will be collected from the practice and transported for cremation. Their ashes will then be returned to you.
Your vet will usually give you the choice between a communal cremation alongside other pets, or an individual cremation where your pet is cremated alone.
Alternatively, you can arrange your own service privately, which gives you more control. The Association of Private Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria is a membership body for private crematoriums and cemeteries that promise to abide by a strict code of conduct.
Choosing a private cremation service allows you to speak directly to the people taking care of your cremation, which allows you to make more choices and feel greater peace of mind.
Find a pet cremation service near you
Are dogs cremated at the vets?
Dogs are not cremated directly at the vets. Typically a vets will have a contract with a pet crematorium who collects the bodies awaiting cremation and takes care of the cremation on their behalf.
How much does dog cremation cost?
Communal cremation usually starts at approx £50+ and individual cremation can cost anywhere upwards of £100.
Other factors that will affect the cost include: location of the crematorium, whether you have ashes returned to you, urn or casket choice, the size/weight of your dog.
How long does it take to get my dog’s ashes back?
This will vary depending on the cremation service you choose. A private individual cremation with you in attendance, can allow you to leave with your dog’s ashes the same day.
A communal cremation often doesn’t return your pet’s ashes to you, instead scattering them in their grounds or cemetery.
Ultimately, there is a lot of variation depending on the company you choose to carry out your wishes. A private cremation service gives you much more control over every part of saying goodbye to your dog.
Having a pet cremation service
Many private pet crematoriums offer you the option of having a funeral service, where you can pay your respects to your pet. Some even offer pet bereavement counselling to help you process your grief and hold space for you during this difficult time.
Our pets are our family and losing them is no easier on us then losing our human loved ones.
Choosing a burial or cremation service and the way you would like to say goodbye and honour your pet’s memory is an incredibly personal decision.
We hope this blog has helped you feel clearer about your options, and that you find the service that feels right for you.
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