Can I Have a Funeral for a Pet?

It’s certainly possible to have a funeral for your dog or cat and any other pet, and the practice is becoming increasingly popular as animals enjoy a more and more significant role in human lives. Pet funeral services allow owners to say goodbye, remember happy memories shared and can even help with healing and moving through grief.

Burying or cremating your pet

When it comes to planning a pet funeral, deciding what you will do with their body is a good first step. There are pet cemeteries with burial plots where you can lay your pet to rest, while some human cemeteries allow pets to be buried alongside their owners. If you’d like to bury your pet at home it’s generally legal to do so in your backyard, or any private property with permission of the owner, though it’s prudent to confirm with homeowners associations or local authorities. Renters should check with their landlord and potentially local authorities. To ensure the grave site is free of underground lines, call 811 several days before digging and your local utilities company will help mark any buried utilities.

You can also opt for cremation, available at many animal hospitals or your local Humane Society, which provides the option for you to keep your pet’s ashes or scatter them in a special location. If you want to scatter in a public place like a park, it’s a good idea to check with your local parks department. If you choose cremation, you may be asked if you would like your pet to be cremated alone (which can be more expensive) or with other pets. Choosing the former will ensure you receive only the remains of your pet.

Having a memorial service for your dog or cat (or other)

Whether you’re burying your pet in a cemetery or at home, or scattering ashes, you can have a memorial service just as for a human. You can invite others who were close with your pet such as dog walkers, friends from the dog park, and your own friends and family. People can share stories and memories and/or you can have a moment of silence in remembrance. There are no set rules and you can make it as simple or elaborate as you wish.

Creating a memorial site for your pet

It can be healing to have an outdoor memorial area with a marker or stone, which you can embellish with plants or flowers. You can also set up an indoor memorial area — many places that provide pet cremation offer personalized memorial items such as urns or paw prints. You can surround the area with favorite toys, photographs and keepsakes.

Honoring your pet in any way that feels comforting to you can help you keep them in your heart while aiding in the grief process.

Sources 

“How to have a funeral for your dog or cat”. Animal Wellness Magazine. https://animalwellnessmagazine.com/how-to-have-a-funeral-for-your-dog-or-cat/ 

“Planning a Pet Funeral”. Perfect Memorials. https://perfectmemorials.com/guides/planning-a-pet-funeral 

Call 811. https://call811.com/ 

“End of Life Services”. Humane Society. https://www.animalhumanesociety.org/resource/end-life-services