What Are Your Options To Do With Your Deceased Pet?
A deceased pet can be one of the hardest things for anyone to deal with. While being consumed by tears and anguish, you can also find yourself in a position of not knowing what to do with the body. So, it’s best to learn about your options before your pet passes away.
You can have ceremonies for deceased pets
Although many people may think it’s crazy, animal lovers and those who have lived with a pet for many years will want to say goodbye in an honorable manner. This will help commemorate the pet’s memory. And why not? Here are some options for that you can choose when your pet passes away:
Cremation
There are several private companies dedicated to cremation pets. You should do a thorough search on the internet to find a trusted one. Also, if you have any doubts, you can talk to your vet about it.
The price you pay the company includes transferring the dead animal to the funeral home, the wake, a book of signatures, psychological care if you or a family member will need it, the coffin and delivery of the ashes. This is a worthy and memorable funeral option.
You have the option of taking the coffin home with you or burying it, whichever you prefer.
Pet Cemeteries
There are pet cemeteries in several countries where you can bury your own pet. To do so, you’ll have to pay for a service that includes retrieving the animal’s body, a coffin and the burial with flowers.
You can pick out the coffin and the location you want your pet to be buried, as long as there is space available. This burial is very similar to those of humans. You can even put an epitaph. However, we’ll warn you that they cost between 200 to 6,000 euros depending on the size, engraving, and materials.
Take your deceased pet to the vet
Veterinarians offer two services that will help you figure out what to do with your deceased pet. The first option is through a collective cremation in which your pet would be burned with other pets. In this case, you would not get the ashes and they’d end up in a common grave or landfill. This will cost between 50 and 200 euros.
As for the second option, the vet will take care of the procedure for the individual incineration. You will get the ashes and it will cost you between 200 and 300 euros. Unlike with private companies, you will not have the option to watch the incineration. Therefore, you’ll never be sure they’re actually your pet’s ashes.
Municipal Services
City Halls offer collection services for pets that have passed away. This service is free because the taxes you pay cover the expenses. However, it’s probably not the worthy farewell you’re searching for.
A car from the kennel will come over to pick up your deceased pet, wrap them up and take them to be cremated along with other deceased pets. Then, the ashes will be thrown into a common grave or the garbage dump. Some speculate that it may also end up as food to feed the animals at the zoo.
What you shouldn’t do
What you should never do, mostly because it’s not hygienic and second because it’s punishable by law, is to bury your pet in your garden or backyard. Another thing that is illegal and you most likely won’t do, is throwing the carcass away.
Animals that are decomposing are a haven for disease and infections. If you are found doing one of these things, you could face a fine(s) that’s worth 10,000 euros.
However, that’s the least of our worries. What concerns us the most is the lack of sensitivity. Don’t you think your pet, the one that’s lived with you for years and has shown unconditional loyalty towards you, deserves a worthy farewell?