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It is a deeply emotional experience losing a much loved pet, and deciding how to handle their remains is a big part of honouring their memory. Pet cremation has become a popular choice among pet owners who want a respectful and personalised way to say goodbye.
In this guide, we will outline what pet cremation is, the details and options, and what you can expect during the process.
Pet cremation is a process that involves the careful reduction of a pet’s remains to ashes through high temperature burning. This process is conducted in specialised cremation facilities, known as pet crematoriums, where trained professionals handle each pet with dignity and compassion.
There are two ways your pet can be cremated – privately, or in a communal cremation. If you choose a private cremation, your pet is placed alone in the cremation chamber. Once the cremation process is complete, the ashes – of your pet, and solely your pet – are gathered and returned to you.
Communal cremations, also known as group cremations, involve the cremation of multiple pets together. In this case, the ashes are not separated, and they are lovingly scattered in a memorial location by the crematorium on your behalf.
When it is time, and you have made the decision to cremate your pet, you will typically begin by either talking to your vet, or contacting your preferred pet crematorium directly. They will take you through a consultation process, where you will talk about your preferences and wishes for your pet’s service. This is also where you have a chance to make any special requests.
If your pet’s remains are being cared for by your vet, the cremation service provider will collect them from there and transfer them to the crematorium. If your pet is at home, most providers will come to you, allowing you a chance to say a final goodbye.
After your pet arrives at the crematorium, they will be ethically prepared for the cremation by a trained professional. When it is time, your pet’s remains will be placed into the cremation chamber, which is heated to a very high temperature. The intense heat reduces the organic matter to ashes and bone fragments.
Once the cremation process is complete, the remains are allowed to cool. They are then processed into a finer consistency, leaving what is commonly referred to as ‘ashes’ or ‘cremated remains’.
Depending on your selections, your pet’s ashes are then either returned to you or scattered in a serene location by the cremation provider. If you opt to have your pet’s ashes returned to you, your cremation service provider will have a variety of urns or containers for you to choose from.
Many pet crematoriums offer additional services and keepsakes, such as paw prints, clippings, memorial jewellery, and personalised items. These are gently created for you and are a great way to ensure your pet is memorialised in a way that represents the incredible life they lived.
Grieving the loss of a pet is a natural and deeply personal process. During, and in the wake of, a pet cremation it is essential to allow yourself to grieve. Acknowledging and processing your feelings of loss are an important step, and not one you must do alone. Seek support from friends, family, or pet bereavement counsellors if needed.
The way you memorialise your pet will be unique to you, and pet cremation offers a compassionate way to honour their memory. By understanding the cremation process, exploring your memorialisation options, and allowing yourself space to grieve, you can confidently navigate this journey.
For more information on pet cremation services, or to discuss your options further, get in touch with our team today.
