Losing a pet is like losing a family member and many people desire the best send-off possible for their furry friend and rightly so. There are many different peaceful euthanasia options which can be offered to you if your pet is suffering, and you decide that this may be the kindest option. After they pass, there are different options for the next steps; including different keepsakes, different locations for their resting place and different companies offering the services. Although memories will last a lifetime, you will only get one opportunity for your big send off. So if this is what you think you want to do, make sure you personalise the proceedings.

Table of contents

Firstly, you need to decide how you would like your pet to be euthanased

If this is planned, it can be done by a veterinary professional within your own home or within a veterinary practice. Depending on the service the veterinary practice you are registered with offers may alter this decision. You may choose for your pet to be euthanased by a vet they know and feel comfortable around. If your veterinary practice does not offer the service you’d hoped for, look online for nearby euthanasia clinics. Some veterinary professionals only do euthanasia, making their service very defined and could mean they have more availability.

Prior to your pet’s passing, thinking about what you would like to do with their body is sensible

There is no rush to make any decision, but the more time you have to make this decision the better. You may even want to discuss your options with other people who have had an influence on your pet’s life. The options include: burial, communal cremation and individual cremation. 

If you choose to bury your pet, you need to ensure you have a suitable location. This means you have land that you own, that is suitable for digging deep enough and far enough away from any water supplies to avoid contamination. Cremation can be performed communally or individually. If you would like your pet’s ashes returned to you, you will need to opt for the individual cremation option. 

If you are burying your pet’s body or the ashes, you may wish to get a headstone and/or tombstone made, in order to mark the location. These can be very beautiful gestures helping with the remembrance aspect of the passing.  

There are many different keepsakes that you can consider

These can include nose prints, paw prints in ink or clay, memorial books, fur clippings and shadow box frames with some of their items, such as a collar and tag. Following cremation, you have the option to have the ashes back in a casket, urn or scatter tube. Some people even have the ashes made into special items of jewellery.

Many crematoria all over the United Kingdom offer funeral services for pets

These companies have lots of experience in creating a dignified, personalised experience for owners during an incredibly sad time. Researching the location of the nearest crematorium that offers this service and ensuring the distance is suitable for you is important at the start of the process. If you decide you would like a funeral for your pet, you need to decide how you would like to personalise the funeral. 

We recommend meeting up with different members of the pet ceremonies team and ensuring you understand and feel comfortable around them in order to optimise your experience. As with any funeral, there are many decisions that need to be made. This will include deciding who you would like to be present at the funeral. So planning and preparation for the ceremony is important. 

With some ceremonies, you are able to choose songs and readings which you would like to hear in your last comforting moments with your pet. You can decorate the location with pictures of your pet and ensure the ceremony is designed exactly as you please.

Of course, you don’t have to use a company to organise it

If you are burying your pet, then you can always organise a graveside funeral. And a simple and meaningful service at home with the family can be even more powerful. If you have other pets, they may benefit from seeing the body of your deceased pet. This can help with the mourning period as your pet will start to understand what has happened rather than continually wondering when your other pet will return.

To conclude, there are so many different ways to ensure your pet has a peaceful, comfortable passing surrounded by those they loved the most. Take time to think, plan and prepare the day as you see most fitting and suitable. It is always going to be an emotional time period so give yourself the support you need and deserve.

Further reading: