When a beloved pet dies, we often need time to grieve in our own way. Sometimes, as a way to find some solace and closure or as a way to say goodbye in a more formal setting, you may think that a pet funeral is right for you. 

Pet funerals are something that you can organise yourself, or there may be a local company that can support you. In this article I will explain a few options and then you can decide what is the most appropriate way for you.

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Remember that grief following the loss of a pet is normal and that you should seek help if you are struggling. There are pet bereavement counsellors and the Blue Cross have a service also. 

Burial

Something you may decide to do is a private burial on your own land and organise a ‘service’ with close friends or family; these can cost as much or as little as you like. It may be fitting that those close to your pet have the opportunity to say goodbye at this kind of burial with very little cost involved.

You do not need permission to bury ‘domestic’ pets and you can bury small domestic pet animals such as a dog or a cat on your own land, for example in your back garden. There are no minimum good practice groundwater protection requirements. However it is sensible to ensure you have enough land that you can dig to a suitable depth; not next to a water source and that you do not plan to build on that area in the near future. You must also be cautious that you bury them deep enough that wildlife will not dig up the remains. A horrible thought but even more distressing if it happens. So ensure you are of reasonable fitness to be excavating such an area. 

Coffins

If you want to, you can also organise a pet coffin. These are usually ordered via a pet crematorium service. You can also find companies that do this specially or individuals who make custom made coffins for your pet.

Remember that these must be crafted and often are handmade to order, and therefore are not instantly ready. If you wish to have a coffin for your pet, you may need to ask your veterinary practice to hold the body in their ‘cold storage’ area until the coffin is made. This may delay things if you wish to hold a burial service with family and friends and is worth taking into consideration. 

Cremation

If you decide burial is not appropriate, then you may choose cremation. This is when your pet is cremated in a special pet crematorium and their remains can be returned as ashes. If you take your pet directly to the pet crematorium you may be able to take their ashes home that day. If you use the transport service via your veterinary practice then it may be more like a few days to a week before their ashes are returned to the practice. 

There are different options here too, so it is important to consider the details:

General

There is the option that your pet is cremated with others, and you do not get the ashes back. This varies in cost but is usually £40-70 depending on the size of the animal. Typically, the pet crematorium has an area where they spread those ashes. And they sometimes have a memorial garden or memory area for you to visit. This way you may be able to visit the area or memorial garden for free and hold a small personal remembrance service yourself.

Individual

By cremating individually, you will be able to get your pets’ ashes back – the cost of this is typically £150-300. The variation is usually down to the size of the pet and your choice of container that your pet’s ashes are returned to you in. 

Options include (but not limited to):

  • Scattering

You can get your pet’s ashes back in a box or tube to scatter. Some people scatter some ashes in their pet’s favourite spot or on their favourite walk. Although you should get permission of the person or organisation who owns the land. You may also choose to keep those ashes or bury them in your garden as a place to go and remember your pet.

  • Urns/Caskets

There are several urn and casket options available should you wish to keep your pets ashes rather than scatter them. Ask your veterinary practice or local pet crematorium for their options.

  • Other

You can also get various pet ‘keep sakes’ so that you can privately remember your pet. This can include jewellery with their ashes or fur, or pictures with their ashes installed in the back of the frame. 

Religious Pet Services

Some churches and other places of worship have specific pet memorial services. Or if you know your place of worship well, they may also do a prayer or blessing for your pet at a specific service you attend.

Pet memorial services are a good way for you to remember your pet with others within your community and may be a big support to you. These are of course usually free of charge. 

Funerals

There are not many places that have the availability of an organised funeral. However if you look in your local area you may find that there is a service available. 

Some work alongside Religious and Non-Religious Celebrants to help you organise a pet funeral or remembrance service that is right for you and your pet. The fee for this is variable on what those individuals charge for their time. 

Memories

Not everyone grieves in the same way and a pet ‘funeral’ might not be right for you. Remember that memories are free, and the joy and companionship you shared with your pet should be remembered and treasured. 

You may find that scrapbooks, pictures, drawings, and other ways to remember your pet may help you in the grieving process and do not need to cost huge amounts to mean something to you. 

Again, remember that grief following the loss of a pet is normal. You should seek help if you are struggling and know your feelings of loss are valid. Everyone deals with the loss of their pet differently. Contacting pet bereavement counsellors for support may help. And the Blue Cross have a free, confidential service you can access via phone, email or web chat.

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