Pet Funerals

Pet Remains
Pets have been ceremonially buried since the days of the Pharaohs. Cats were so revered in the Egyptian culture that they were afforded the same mummification rites as humans. While mummifying your cat or dog is not common in the United States, you do have several alternatives when it comes to final disposition.

Burial
Most suburban and rural municipalities allow pets to be buried directly on an owner’s property. Be sure to check with local government officials for burial requirements in your area. Many families choose to inter the remains of a beloved pet in a pet cemetery. The costs for cemetery burial vary depending upon the level of service. The more affordable option is communal burial with other animals. The cost for private burial depends on the size of the pet, location of burial plot, and the type of casket and marker you choose.

Cremation
Many pet cemeteries have their own crematorium. The most affordable alternative is communal cremation in which many pets are cremated at the same time. If you choose individual cremation, cremated remains may be buried, scattered, placed in a niche, or kept at home in a decorative urn or receptacle of some kind.  Cremation fees generally depend on the size and weight of your pet.  If you have your pet euthanized at an animal clinic, be sure to ask what is done with the remains.