How to Handle a Pet’s Funeral When Kids Are Involved

Just like adults, children become attached to their pets. In some cases, the bond is stronger, so losing that pet can be devastating. It will probably be a child's first experience dealing with the death of a loved one. Instead of trying to brush the death aside, reassure your child by allowing him to say goodbye. Children will find comfort in communal rituals, therefore pet funerals are healthy. Services for small pets like fish or gerbils can be conducted at home with little fuss.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Allow your child to design the service as much as possible. Her creativity will probably surprise you.
2. Let your child to select the coffin. This could be a matchbox, cigar box or a shoe box. Whatever your child feels is appropriate.
3. Gather together in a somber and respectful manner. The child whom assumed the most responsibility for the pet should be the "minister."
4. Say a eulogy and allow family members to share significant personal memories of the pet at this time.
5. Close with a prayer.
6. Bury the pet in a peaceful spot in the backyard, and take note of where it is buried. The last thing you want to do is disturb the remains in the future.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not buy your child another pet immediately. Everyone needs time to mourn.
• If older siblings are too "cool" to part of a pet funeral seriously, do not force them. The last thing you want to do is negatively impact your young child’s mourning.