Pet Funeral Services And Coping With Pet Loss.

Pet Funeral Services And Coping With Pet Loss.

More and more people are turning to pet funeral services to help them cope with the  loss of a dearly loved companion pet. Deciding what to do after a pet has passed away, is also difficult, so we have put together this Holidays4Dogs guide, to explore some of the options and provide details of support organisations.

The loss of a pet is a hugely upsetting time for many families and the strength of grief can sometimes be unexpected. When a beloved family pet dies, people can experience a range of emotions from sadness, to confusion and loneliness. When people have to make the difficult decision to put their pet to sleep, this can be even more difficult to deal with and many find the sadness overwhelming. This is perfectly natural and nobody should feel guilty about their dogs passing, or the choices they subsequently make.

Read on for further information on choices available and resources to help with pet loss grief.

Cremation.

In the past, pet owners would leave their pets at the vet after they had passed away and this is still an option for many. Your vet can arrange removal and cremation of your pet and you need do nothing more.

However, many veterinary practices these days, can arrange individual cremations, whereby you receive the ashes of your pet back. There will be an additional fee for this, but it is something that many pet owners choose to do.

You can receive the ashes back in an urn, or casket and either keep them, or scatter the ashes at a later date.

Pet crematoriums offer a range of services and most are trained in pet bereavement.

However, many people might question the authenticity of individual cremations.

Some may wonder if the ashes they receive back, are actually their own pet. Pet cremations in the UK, is sadly an area where mis-selling of services happens.

The Association Of Private Pet Cemeteries in the UK attempts to address this with a strict code of practice that members must abide by. All members conduct individual cremations and burials.

Individual cremation costs range from around £200 to £400 depending on the size of the pet. (Smaller pets such as rabbits and guinea pigs around £100). Many pet crematoriums can also collect your pet from the vet, or your home, for an additional cost. Alternatively, you can arrange to transport your pet yourself.

Burial.

If you choose to bury your pet, you can legally do this on your own land ( owned, not rented). Burying pets elsewhere, such as parks, or in the countryside is not allowed.

There are now many private private pet cemeteries across the UK where pets can be laid to rest. This way, people can still visit their pets, even when they move home. Burial in a pet cemetery can cost several hundred pounds – typically in the region of between £400 and £700.

Some people choose pet taxidermy, but it isn’t for everyone and something that needs to be carefully considered. There are very few pet taxidermists in the UK – costs can be expensive and the process takes a very long time.

Whatever your choice in pet funeral services, you should never feel guilty about your dog’s passing. Always remember, your pet had a good life and will always be lovingly remembered, no matter where they are laid to rest.

Remembering your pet.

People cope with the loss of a pet in different ways, but many people like to have some sort of memorial for their animal companion.

This might be a simple photograph, or an album. If you have buried your dog at home, you could buy ( or make ) a stone, or marker, with an inscription.

Perhaps even have an inscription on a garden seat, or buy a tree, or shrub.  You could even donate to one of the many animal welfare charities, in his, or her name.

Final thoughts on losing a pet.

Its important for anyone who has lost a dearly loved pet, to express their emotions. Reaching out to friends and family can help with the grieving process, as well organising a memorial. It is normal to feel intense sadness, but for anyone who is overwhelmed, there are charities that offer free pet grief counselling.

The Blue Cross offer a pet bereavement support service and you can find further help and telephone numbers here.

For further information on The Association of Private Cemeteries and Crematoria and to find your nearest member click here.