Saying goodbye to a cherished pet is never easy. Pet Memorial Services offer a way to honor their memory and provide closure during a difficult time. This guide outlines various pet memorial service options, including cremation and burial, to help you choose the most fitting tribute for your beloved companion.
Cremation Services for Pets
Cremation is a popular choice for pet memorial services, offering flexibility and various options to suit individual needs and budgets. There are two main types of pet cremation: individual and communal.
Individual Pet Cremation
Individual cremation ensures your pet is cremated separately. Their ashes are then returned to you in a beautiful urn, often accompanied by a certificate of cremation and a copy of the touching Rainbow Bridge poem. This allows you to keep your pet’s memory close. Pricing for individual cremation typically varies depending on the pet’s weight:
- Small mammals and pocket pets: $50
- 0-49 lbs: $145
- 50-99 lbs: $175
- 100+ lbs: $200
Communal Pet Cremation
Communal cremation involves cremating your pet with other animals. While ashes are not returned to you, this option provides a respectful and affordable farewell. The ashes are typically interred in a designated area within a pet cemetery, often marked for visitation. Communal cremation generally costs $60 for any size pet and $25 for pocket pets.
Burial Services for Pets
For those seeking a more traditional approach, burial offers a lasting resting place for your beloved pet.
Cremation Burial for Pets
This option combines individual cremation with burial. Your pet’s ashes are placed in a casket and buried in a pet cemetery plot. This service typically includes the cremation, a watertight casket, a granite headstone, the burial plot, interment, and ongoing maintenance. The cost for cremation burial starts at $530 and may vary based on the pet’s size. You can also arrange for a private or public memorial service before burial.
Traditional Pet Burial
Traditional burial involves burying your pet without cremation. The service includes a casket, burial plot, granite headstone, interment, and a one-time maintenance fee. A viewing is often offered before the service, allowing for a final goodbye. Friends, family, and even other pets are welcome to attend the burial service. The cost for traditional burial starts at $700 and may vary based on pet size. You can also reserve adjacent plots for future pet burials.
Choosing the Right Pet Memorial Service
Selecting the appropriate pet memorial service is a personal decision. Consider your budget, personal preferences, and the desires you had for your pet’s final arrangements. Whether you choose cremation or burial, these services provide a meaningful way to honor the love and companionship your pet brought into your life.
