How to Hold a Pet Funeral

Losing a beloved family pet can be a devastating experience. Although you may not have given any consideration on how you wish to keep their memory alive once the pet is gone, you may wish to honor your pet by holding a pet funeral.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Decide on what you wish to do with the pet's remains. You can either provide a burial or cremation for most pets.
2. Use your backyard as your pet's final resting place. A home burial keeps the body of your pet close and you have privacy to say your goodbyes.
3. Bury the pet at a pet cemetery as an alternative to home burial. You purchase a plot and a stone and you are allowed to visit whenever you would like. A benefit of a pet cemetery is that they would handle all of the arrangements needed to bury the pet.
4. Cremating the pet allows you to keep the ashes in your home or spreading them over a favorite place. Most vet's offices will arrange this service.
5. Hold a memorial service once you decide on the disposal of the remains. Gather the family together and speak about the pet. Read a poem or share fond memories. If you have decided on a home burial, place a marker at the site.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are having a hard time getting over the loss of your pet, speak to a counselor.
• Although it may seem difficult, you may wish to decide on burial arrangements before the pet dies.
• If you bury the pet in your backyard, be sure that it is a deep enough hole that it is not a health hazard.