A General Guide to
Understanding Pet Loss Options
Location
The location in which to bury a pet is a decision that should not be taken lightly. While home burial can be an excellent and affordable choice, it is important to ask yourself, “What will happen to my pet if I move?” It is also important to familiarize yourself with your city’s ordinances. Today, many cities require that deceased pets be removed from the city limits within a certain time period after death.
Burial of a pet at a designated pet cemetery, such as Cedar Hills Pet Cemetery in Cape Girardeau, Missouri insures families an everlastingly place to visit their pet, as well as the peace and sanctity they desire. There are currently over 1,000 pet cemeteries in the U.S. each with its own prices, policies, and procedures. When choosing a pet cemetery, it is important to ask whether or not the land has a deed restriction ensuring that the cemetery will always be a pet cemetery. It is also important to ask about documentation such as plot maps and guidelines regarding placement of markers and visitation.
When choosing a pet casket for home burial or cemetery burial, it is important to consider many factors. In the past, most pet owners used homemade wooden caskets. Today, we understand that these wooden caskets offer little protection for the pet and often deteriorate quickly leaving behind a sunken spot in the earth. Cedar Hills Pet Cemetery offers clients a plastic alternative. Manufactured specifically for pets by Hoegh Industries since 1966, these caskets offer lasting protection. They also offer the advantage of delaying burial until weather conditions improve or family can be present. Choose from a simple and economical burial shell or a more lavish casket/vault combination with pad, pillow, lace, and hinged lid.
Definition
Cremation is the process of reducing the body to bone fragments through the application of intense heat. The process itself only takes a short time (1-3 hours depending on weight of the animal) and occurs in a special type of furnace known as a cremation chamber. The remaining fragments are processed into a finer substance and placed in a temporary container.
Trends
Cremation is currently the most popular choice of disposition for pets. Cremation offers families greater freedom in the final resting place of their pet. Cremated remains can be buried or scattered at a special place. Cremated remains can be kept at home in an urn or distributed amongst family members in a keepsake urn or jewelry piece.
Options
Cremation options vary from crematorium to crematorium. It is important to speak with your local vet, pet cemetery, and/or pet crematorium regarding the services they provide.
Private Cremation is by far the most popular choice of pet owners. A private cremation means only your pet is placed in the cremation chamber and you receive your pet’s ashes back. Facilities that offer private cremation may also offer home pickup of your deceased pet and a showroom of decorative urns and keepsakes in which to help you pay tribute to your cherished friend.
When choosing a crematorium, it is important to discuss several factors. How long will it take to receive your pet’s ashes? Where will your pet be stored? Is the facility licensed? Is the equipment run by certified technicians? Can I visit the facility?
The Hill Pet Crematory in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri offers private cremation services for the Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois Regions. Your local vet may also provide cremation services.
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