Final Resting for Your Pet
Dignified Caring Service
Aftercare
Body care options are important to consider in advance. Choice to consider are home burial, burial at a pet cemetery, cremation arranged by the owner, or cremation arranged by the veterinarian. Special arrangements are best made in advance.
I’m currently working with Pet Passages out of Southbury, CT. Once the cremation is complete, you can schedule a pick-up day and time with the crematorium (they are open Monday-Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM). You can pick up the ashes from my home in Sherman, CT or you can have the ashes shipped to you for an additional fee of $50-$75.
Home Burial
The law requires that you dig a hole minimum 3 feet and preferably 4 feet deep to accommodate your pet’s body. Check the zoning laws in your town. You must avoid septic systems, flood plains, and proximity to rivers, streams, and lakes. Wintertime burials may require the use of a backhoe if the ground is frozen.
Truly Private Cremation
Your pet is the only pet in the cremation unit during the cremation process. Guaranteed return of only your pet’s cremated remains. Cremated remains lovingly held in a velvet pouch and returned in a wooden urn.
0 – 20 LBS | 21 – 50 LBS | 51 – 100 LBS | 101 – 225 LBS |
---|---|---|---|
$250 | $300 | $350 | $375 |
Semi-Private Cremation
More than one pet may be in the cremation unit during the cremation process. Guaranteed return of only your pet’s cremated remains.
0 – 20 LBS | 21 – 50 LBS | 51 – 100 LBS | 101 – 225 LBS |
---|---|---|---|
$150 | $200 | $250 | $275 |
Communal Cremation
Several pets may be in the cremation unit during the cremation process. No partitioning system is utilized and cremated remains are NOT returned.
0 – 20 LBS | 21 – 50 LBS | 51 – 100 LBS | 101 – 225 LBS |
---|---|---|---|
$125 | $150 | $200 | $225 |
Transportation to the Crematorium
Pets up to 100 lbs – $75
Over 100 lbs – $125
After hour fees apply for emergency delivery to the crematorium
Removal
I bring soft-sided and rolling stretchers to transport your pet to my vehicle. Help is often needed to carry the larger pets. Depending on the size (over 100 pounds( we may need to make special arrangements for the crematorium to pick up directly. Let me know in advance if there are individuals on your end to assist with the carry. If you would like your pet wrapped in a special blanket or sheet, please have that available. Favorite toys or handwritten letters from the family can be sent with the pet to the crematorium.
Urn Selection
You can choose from the standard complimentary urn (pictured below) or go to Pet Passages to choose a different urn for an additional fee. You can purchase an urn from any location or utilize a container of your choosing to transfer the ashes to.
Memorializing Your Pet
There are wonderful ways to honor your pet:
- Set up a fund in your pet’s name
- Accept money, pet food, or pet supplies and donate to a local animal shelter
- Donate to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation
- Honor your pet on APLB.org during their Monday Night Pet Candle Ceremony
- Plant a tree via Arbor Day Foundation
- Plant a memorial garden at home
- Join me on National Pet Memorial Day (second Sunday in September from 5:30-7 PM) at Sherman Town Beach Pavilion for an evening of remembrance.
- Create a lasting piece of glass blown artwork incorporating your pet’s ashes.
credit: Coleen Ellis
Grief Support
After the loss of a pet, it is normal to feel empty and lost. Reach out for support from family, friends, clergy, and mental health professionals. Reach out to me. You don’t have to go through the mourning process alone.