Final Disposition of Your Pet

Whether a beloved pet dies from injury, illness, natural causes or euthanization, decisions must be made about how to dispose of the pet’s remains.  Many pet owners are unaware of their options for pet aftercare. 

Here’s an overview of the options and costs for pet disposition.

• Veterinarian disposal – Most veterinarians will dispose of a pet’s remains at the owner’s request.  The cost will vary by doctor.  Some pet owners find this to be an impersonal choice and prefer private cremation or burial.
• Private pet cremation – Many veterinarians and pet cemeteries offer private pet cremation services.  The pet is placed alone in a cremation chamber and the ashes are returned to the owner, where they can be stored in an urn or dispersed as the pet owner chooses.  The cost, which usually depends upon the size of the pet, can be expected to range between $100 and $400. 
• Community pet cremation – This type of cremation is performed with several pets together in the cremation chamber.  Because the ashes of the pets are intermingled, they are disposed of rather than returned to individual pet owners.  The cost of community cremation is lower, usually less than $200. Veterinarians who dispose of pets often use community pet creation.
• Pet Cemeteries – Many communities have pet cemeteries that are very similar to human cemeteries.  The pet’s grave will be marked and maintained and can be visited by the pet owner.  Some pet cemeteries also have a columbarium where a pet’s ashes can be placed.  Expect to pay at least $500 for internment in a pet cemetery as well as additional ongoing maintenance fees.  For more information about pet cemeteries in your area, visit the website of the non-profit International Association of Pet Cemeteries.
• Pet burial – Many people still choose to bury their pet in their backyard or in a natural setting.  Increasingly, cities and states are enacting laws that regulate pet burial.  When in doubt, check with local officials.
• Pet Body Preservation – For people who are not ready to part with their pets, taxidermy and freeze drying allow a pet’s body to be preserved in a surprisingly life-like form.  The best way to pursue this form of pet disposition is by researching taxidermy services online. 

Catie W.
March 11, 2011