How to Plan a Pet Memorial Service

Pets play an important role in our lives. In many cases, they are more than pets. They become non-human family members. When a pet passes away, there is a period of mourning. Many people have difficulty with the loss. One way to help deal with their loss is to have a memorial service or funeral. Follow these steps to have a touching service for your pet, that will help you process your loss and deal with the grief that you are feeling.

Instructions

1. Decide on a location for the pet memorial service. Many times pet owners will choose to have the service in their home or backyard. Don’t limit yourself to this location. Consider a park where you and your pet played. You may even be able to use a local chapel or church. Call to see what their policies are concerning pet memorials.

2. Decide how you are going to care for your pet’s remains. Check your local laws concerning burying a pet. Cremation is also an option. Speak with your veterinarian about the cost of this service. Many animal shelters and rescues offer cremation services as well.

3. Select who will be attending. Be careful that whomever you ask to attend truly understands the significance of this service. Anyone that is close to you and your pet can be included. This includes friends, family, and those who cared for your pet such as the veterinarian, members of the veterinarian’s staff and groomer.

4. Choose who will speak and what they will be speaking about. It is perfectly alright to ask those attending, if they feel comfortable doing so, to speak. They may want to share a funny story of how your pet touched their life. All of these are acceptable.

5. Consider your options as to how your pet will be remembered. It sometimes helps to set a memorial of some sort. This could be a grave stone. Perhaps you would want to make a donation in your pet’s honor to an animal shelter, rescue or organization that support animal causes. You can even donate your pet’s belongings (keeping those that have special meaning to you) to your local shelter.

Tips & Warnings

• If you having difficulty dealing with the loss of your pet, please consider talking to someone about it. Your veterinarian or local shelter may have suggestions or even sponsor a support group.

• You can add flowers and music to the service, if you like. Do whatever is necessary to deal with your grief.

• Do not take your grief lightly. Your pet was an important part of you life and this is indeed a loss to you, despite what others might tell you.