Pet ownership comes with a vast array of responsibilities. We carefully choose our pet’s food, take training classes, buy coats and toys and joyfully spend hours loving our pets. Ultimately, we know inside that our pets lives will end much sooner that we would like. Taking the same forethought and steps to plan for that eventuality will help ease the pain when the moment arrives.
PET OWNERS’ RIGHTS
The pet owner does have the right to choose the cremation facility for their pet. The following are a few questions the pet owner should inquire about:
1. Which crematory? Google can give you insight. Google ”pet crematories” for your area and several results should be returned. Check them out.
2. Call the pet crematory and ask if you can view their facility, can you bring your pet to them when they are deceased or can the crematory pick up at your residence, or your veterinarian’s office. Ask when your pet would be cremated and approximately when can you expect to pick up your pet’s remains. For many, receiving their pet’s ashes is the final act of closure – how long will you have to wait?
3. Ask about all fees involved, and while private cremation is more expensive than communal, with private cremation, your pet will be cremated by itself and you will receive the remains in their standard container (urn). Many crematories will also offer custom urns, if desired, for an additional cost.
Some things to consider:
If your pet should pass at home, or in your veterinarian’s office, veterinarians will often assist and handle the cremation. Many veterinarians have a relationship with a pet crematory. As the pet owner, you have the right to choose your own cremation facility based on your personal preferences.
Here are some key questions to talk with your Veterinarian about:
What is the name of the crematory that will cremate my pet?
Has the vet visited the crematory?
When will my pet be picked up?
Can I view the cremation (if the pet owner desires to do his, normally appointments would be scheduled for this)
Approximately when will my pet be returned?
Does the crematory use an identifying system (ID tags) for private cremations
The loss of a beloved pet is traumatic. Please allow yourself time to grieve, you’ve lost an important family member. Sometimes writing about your pet and the happy memories can help. SarasotaDog.com offers a memorial journal where you can share your dog’s story.
Other resources include but are not limited too:
Help with the grief following the loss of a beloved pet is available to the community through the Tidewell Grief Education and Support Center. Groups meet at a variety of locations are offered once a month.
Call Toll free 1-855-Tidewell (855-843-3935) for more information.
Veterinary Wisdom for Pet Parents helps pet owners with difficult decisions, memorials and guilt. They have resources and keepsakes to help you prepare for loss and capture the love your pet brought to your life.
Moira Anderson Allen, M.Ed., writes about “Ten Tips on Coping with Pet Loss“.
Pet Loss is a gentle and compassionate website for pet lovers who are grieving over the death of a pet or an ill pet. Here you will find personal support and thoughtful advice to help you through this difficult time.
HelpGuide.org is a trusted, non-profit resource. This section of the site offers support for pet owners making the difficult decision to euthanize, and also provides support resources for those who have just experienced their beloved pet’s passing.
In time, you may be ready to open your heart and your home to another loving dog. Please consider our local Sarasota County shelters or rescues, you’ll find a list here. Not only will you gain a new loyal friend, but you will also be helping to save a life.
The Association for Pet Loss and Bereavement, Inc. (APLB) is the only Internet clearing house dealing with the loss of a pet.
Contributed by Priscilla Myers, Owner/Operator Sarasota Pet Crematory
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