VIP Advice
VIP Advice
A Personal Decision – Bury or Cremate Your Pet
3 Minute Read
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Healthcare | Jan 2019
A Personal Decision – Bury or Cremate Your Pet
3 Minute Read
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Healthcare | Jan 2019
By Dr. Karie Johnson | Jan 2019
AFTER CARE FOR YOUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBER
Before proceeding with euthanasia, it is important to make a decision on what happens to your pet’s body after they have died. It is a very personal choice and there are two main options available to you: Burial or Cremation.
BURIAL
Depending on your local ordinances (it is illegal to bury your pet in many counties in Illinois), you may be allowed to bury your pet at home. If you decide to go with this option it is important to keep these items in mind.
- Your pet will go into rigor mortis (become stiff) 2-3 hours after death. Try to position your pet in the way you would like them to stay before this occurs.
- The grave should be dug 5 feet into the ground to allow for 3 feet of soil to be above your pet.
- Have local authorities mark where gas, water, or electrical lines are to avoid problems while digging.
- Mark the grave with a headstone or memorial stone to discourage future digging in this location.
- Please remember that after the euthanasia process, your pet’s body is deadly to other animals.
You may also consider private burial at a local pet cemetery. Hinsdale Pet Cemetery is our local recommendation. Their prices range from $660-$1,200, and they will go through all of the available options, including caskets and headstones. They even have viewing rooms for you to hold a wake for your beloved pet.
CREMATION
There are two forms of cremation: Private and Communal (otherwise known as memorial).
Private Cremation occurs when your pet is individually cremated. Their ashes are then returned to you in an urn of your choosing. You may choose to put their ashes in a piece of jewelry or even turn their ashes into a beautiful diamond. There are many memorial options available to you.
Communal or Memorial Cremation occurs when your pet is cremated with other pets. At Hinsdale Animal Cemetery, they spread the communal ashes in their butterfly garden next to their pet cemetery. You are allowed to visit the cemetery grounds and the butterfly garden 365 days a year during daylight hours.
TAKE TIME TO DECIDE
This is a very personal decision and there is no right or wrong answer on what option to choose. It is best to decide on your pet’s aftercare before your pet approaches the end of their life. If you are confident in your aftercare choice, you can then focus all of your attention on loving your pet during their final moments.
Author: Dr. Karie Johnson, Co-Founder of VIP Vet Visit
Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. Her desire to strengthen the human-animal bond while providing enhanced preventative care led her to start VIP Vet Visit – an at-home veterinary care option that provides less stress, more convenience and better care.
AFTER CARE FOR YOUR FURRY FAMILY MEMBER
Before proceeding with euthanasia, it is important to make a decision on what happens to your pet’s body after they have died. It is a very personal choice and there are two main options available to you: Burial or Cremation.
BURIAL
Depending on your local ordinances (it is illegal to bury your pet in many counties in Illinois), you may be allowed to bury your pet at home. If you decide to go with this option it is important to keep these items in mind.
- Your pet will go into rigor mortis (become stiff) 2-3 hours after death. Try to position your pet in the way you would like them to stay before this occurs.
- The grave should be dug 5 feet into the ground to allow for 3 feet of soil to be above your pet.
- Have local authorities mark where gas, water, or electrical lines are to avoid problems while digging.
- Mark the grave with a headstone or memorial stone to discourage future digging in this location.
- Please remember that after the euthanasia process, your pet’s body is deadly to other animals.
You may also consider private burial at a local pet cemetery. Hinsdale Pet Cemetery is our local recommendation. Their prices range from $660-$1,200, and they will go through all of the available options, including caskets and headstones. They even have viewing rooms for you to hold a wake for your beloved pet.
CREMATION
There are two forms of cremation: Private and Communal (otherwise known as memorial).
Private Cremation occurs when your pet is individually cremated. Their ashes are then returned to you in an urn of your choosing. You may choose to put their ashes in a piece of jewelry or even turn their ashes into a beautiful diamond. There are many memorial options available to you.
Communal or Memorial Cremation occurs when your pet is cremated with other pets. At Hinsdale Animal Cemetery, they spread the communal ashes in their butterfly garden next to their pet cemetery. You are allowed to visit the cemetery grounds and the butterfly garden 365 days a year during daylight hours.
TAKE TIME TO DECIDE
This is a very personal decision and there is no right or wrong answer on what option to choose. It is best to decide on your pet’s aftercare before your pet approaches the end of their life. If you are confident in your aftercare choice, you can then focus all of your attention on loving your pet during their final moments.
Author: Dr. Karie Johnson, Co-Founder of VIP Vet Visit
Dr Karie is a companion animal & equine veterinarian in the Chicagoland area. Her desire to strengthen the human-animal bond while providing enhanced preventative care led her to start VIP Vet Visit – an at-home veterinary care option that provides less stress, more convenience and better care.
