So you've just been to the Vet and experienced one of the worst 20 minutes of your life, so now its time to face the practical side even though its the last thing on earth that you feel like doing. Do you choose cremation for you pet or do you just want to bury them in the backyard, is that even allowed anymore? OOF it is so rough, as if you even feel like entertaining these thoughts... Then if you do decide to go cremation route, do I want a cremation urn? Generally you only get 1 option (cremation) at the vet so it's important to go and weigh up the options available to her, so lets go through some of them now.
1. Pet cremation
with over 70% of Australian pet owners choosing to cremate their pet it is definitely an easy option but it may not be the right choice for you and your family. But if you do want to go down this route here are the 2 typical types of pet cremation services you can expect to see:
If you choose private cremation, you can select from a variety of cremation urns that suit your style and preferences. Cremation urns come in many forms, including personalised or decorative designs that beautifully reflect your pet’s personality.
2. Selecting a Cremation Urn
When leaving the vet, you’ve probably been handed a brochure from the crematorium, showcasing a range of urns that vary from budget to high-end. From my own experience, many of these options are mass-produced, low-quality products, often imported from overseas, with significant markups. It feels wrong to me that crematoriums capitalise on people’s grief in this way. That’s why I designed a high-quality planter urn that not only captures your pet’s unique beauty but also offers a meaningful way to honour their memory by nurturing new life.
2. Burial options for pets
Home burial may be the right choice for several reasons:
- Grieving: Everyone processes the loss of a pet differently. For some, burying their pet at home offers great comfort.
- Environmental impact: When done properly, a pet burial can be carbon neutral, returning your pet to the earth naturally.
- Cost: It’s important to be realistic about what people can afford, and home burial can be a more economical option.
However, fewer people are choosing this option today. Some possible reasons include:
- Difficulty: A proper home burial can be both physically and emotionally exhausting.
- Accessibility: Not everyone has access to suitable land, particularly those living in rentals or apartments.
- Cremation services: Many pet owners find comfort in professional cremation services, such as those offered by the Animal Welfare League
Making the Right Decision for You
Ultimately, the decision between burial and cremation comes down to personal preference and what feels right for you and your family. Whether you opt for a beautiful cremation urn or a peaceful burial in a pet cemetery, the goal is to honor the life of your beloved pet in a way that brings you peace.
At the end of the day, pet loss is never easy, but handling the practical aspects—like deciding between burial or cremation for your pet—can help bring a sense of closure and create a lasting tribute to the joy and companionship your pet provided.
