My Pet Died, What Now?
When you get a pet, chances are you are going to outlive it. It is difficult to think about, but after it happens you might wish you did. Pet death planning will help prepare you for when that time comes. There are many things to consider. What will you do with the body? Do you want memorabilia? Can you afford the more expensive options?
Remembering Your Pet
When you love your lost pet, you never want to forget them. Ways to remember them include options for when they’re alive, and after death.
Living options include having your pet make a painting, taking pictures or having a photoshoot, and doing things together to create lasting memories.
Post-mortem memorabilia includes making art with the ashes, keeping your pet in an urn, doing post-mortem ink prints of their nose and paws, taking fur and whiskers to remember them by, or keeping something that was special to your pet like their favorite toy, dog tag, or collar.
As you read this article, please refrain from negative judgement against the options available. These decisions are deeply personal, and what one person can’t stand to do, another person may not consider any other choice.
How each person handles grief is individual and completely valid.
Options for carcass care
Burial
The first option you may think of is burial. This may be a good choice for you if you have your own land, but what about if you don’t? When Quinn passed, I buried her at my grandma’s, so your family might let you do the same. You could also bury your pet in a pet cemetery, or a flowerpot. If you decide to do an outside burial, you can make your own marker, buy a customized headstone, or plant a tree or flower where your pet is.
Another thing to think about is if you want a coffin for your fallen loved one or not. There are businesses who make pet-sized coffins. Alternatively, you can make one yourself or use another container in place of an actual coffin.
Cremation
This is a popular option that avoids the issues of burial. The three types are private, partitioned, and communal. Communal is the cheapest option because multiple animals are cremated in a group, but you can’t get the ashes back. Partitioned is the happy medium. Multiple animals are cremated at the same time, but they are sectioned off. Your pet’s remains may be mixed with other animals. If you want only your pet’s ashes, private cremation is for you.
Taxidermy
If you don’t want your pet to leave your side and don’t mind the cost, taxidermy may be best. Prices range from 150 to over 5,000 dollars depending on size and if you want articulation or a certain pose. Often the cheapest way is laying down. Sitting or standing is more expensive. The pose can be fixed where it doesn’t move, or for an added price you can choose articulation, allowing you to move the legs, head, and ext..
Vet or Animal Control
If you don’t want your pet’s remains, you can call animal control and have them pick it up. Or, you can bring the body to the vet, who will take it from there.
Trash can
Maybe none of the above are options for you. Maybe you believe only flesh and bones are left behind. Either way, if you feel comfortable with it you can throw the carcass in the trash can or dumpster.
Self Care
If you’re reading this and you lost your pet, remember there is no wrong way to grieve. Whichever option you choose can’t hurt your pet, so do what feels right to you. It’s okay to cry, or not to. Use your support network to help you through these hard times, and take care of yourself. It won’t feel this bad forever, and their memories are always in your heart. My sincerest condolences for your loss.
