Best Pet Memorial Services in the USA

West Coast Pet Memorial Services

When facing the loss of a beloved pet, it is often a time of emotional turmoil. When you come to grips with this sudden change in your life, you may be left wondering how to honor your loyal partner and cherish the memories left behind. At West Coast Pet Memorial Services, we understand how difficult it is to say goodbye to a true friend. We also know how important it is to celebrate your pet’s life in a way that is meaningful to you and your family. Whether the loss of your pet is unexpected or not, we will help you make the memorial arrangements you need.

From our selection of cremations and private viewings to unique memorial products, we offer a variety of ways to say goodbye and remember your pet for years to come. All of our pet care services are provided with dignity and respect. You can count on us to guide you through this difficult process with compassion and sensitivity, helping you achieve a lasting sense of peace and tranquility.

Services

It’s a hard thing to describe to someone who hasn’t had it—that special bond between pet owner and pet that is truly an unconditional love. This pet has been a big part of your family, and so ending their life can be painful. There is a grieving process when you lose a pet, and we at Pet Memorial Services can help you find a solution that will help you move on.

There is no right or wrong way to grieve your pet, nor is there a “one size fits all solution” to finding the closure you need. It was your pet and you shared a bond, and when it comes to honoring them in death you need to find what’s best for you. We specialize in working with animal lovers like you and finding a solution and service that fits your needs.

We recognize that you may have questions and may not be familiar with all of the services we offer. We can create something truly unique or even more traditional to honor the pet that you love and cherish. Not only will we develop the right solution for you, but we’ll also work with you to take some of the pain out of the process.

Attended Services

You may find that as a pet owner you feel it is best to be with your beloved pet for this final step. If you need a little extra time to say goodbye or if you need that extra step in the grieving process, we encourage attendance services. The services available can help you and your family find closure, including your other grieving pet. Our cozy parlor in Westchester, PA makes a wonderful way to pay tribute to your friend.

The Services and what you choose to engage with are entirely up to you, and that’s why we work with you to create services that meet your needs and desires.

Our friendly staff of fellow animal lovers will not only help you make the arrangements that will work best for you, but they will also be on hand to offer their support. We will help you in this difficult time!

Individual Cremation Services

A funeral is a very meaningful final step in honoring our pets. You will always have a way to keep your pets with you. Although this can be a difficult step to navigate at first, our expert care will make it a lot easier.

You can feel confident that individual cremation services go as you intended them to, and know that you will have closure through this step of the process. Pet cremains are packaged in a silk pouch with a standard urn and custom engraved brass name plaque. Standard urns are provided free of charge with individual cremation service and serve as a lasting memory of your beloved pet that you can always carry with you.

Individual cremation services can also be personalized or unique. We offer a variety of special urns and memorial products for your pet.

Communal Cremation services

A communal cremation service is where a group of pets are cremated together, so that their cremains cannot be separated. With this type of cremation service, pet families are unable to receive their loved one’s cremains as a gift, instead mass cremains are buried in a practice-restricted pet cemetery.

Regardless of the type of funeral service chosen for your loved one, there are many additional ways to memorialize your pet. You can choose our clay paw prints to create a lasting memory for your pet. Or check out our exclusive photo-etched souvenirs. When pet owners want a more permanent memory of their deceased companion, we can take your favorite photo of your pet and engrave it in granite for a beautiful, lasting effect.

Just as there is no right or wrong way to grieve, the types of services you need are individual to you. We will help you find what is right for you and help you respect your beloved pet in the best possible way. We at Pet Memorial Services have been through the loss of a pet and know that sometimes the right service can make all the difference in the world.

Trusted Travel Pet Souvenir Services

Welcome to Trusted Journey Pet Memorial Services. We have been locally operated since 1983 and specialize in funeral and cremation services for pets and pets only. Rest assured that your partner is in the gentle hands of people who genuinely care – we follow a strict, respectful code of ethics and are open and transparent. Transparent Whether you are a veterinarian or a pet parent, please contact us for more details on how we can serve you.

Honorable. Professional. Compassionate

Our pets are part of our family. We know firsthand the complex grief involved with losing a pet after years of care and unconditional love. Memorial pet services are the care you need during the difficult grieving process. Our staff is here to support you every step of the way. We provide the highest level of care for your beloved pet – with complete transparency around our memorialization process.

Our Services

Private funeral

A private funeral allows you to keep your pet’s funeral as a permanent and personal memory. When you choose a private cremation, your precious pet will be the only pet in the crematorium during the cremation. When the cremation process is complete, we make sure you only receive your pet’s cremation. We have two private funeral options to choose from:

Bronze Claws:

Navy Scatter Tube -or- Hand Carved Rosewood Urn

Burial Certificate

Golden Claws:

Country Style Photo Urn -or- Pewter Paw Print Vase Urn

Burial Certificate

Black onyx cylinder necklace

Terracotta clay paw print

Black metal easel stand for paw prints

Communal cremation

While keeping your pet’s memory close to your heart, mass burial offers both peace of mind and comfort. With mass cremation, your pet is gently cremated with other pets.

Because no cremated remains are returned to you when you choose mass cremation, you may want to consider one of our commemorative paw prints as a lasting memory. The cremated remains are spread across the field of a private farm in southern Wisconsin. For privacy reasons, we are unable to disclose the exact address of the form field.

Pricing:

Cremation costs are based on your pet’s weight. Please note that veterinary clinic prices may vary.

The Ultimate Gift Pet Memorial Center

Founded on our sincere commitment to offering compassionate memorial pet care services for our beloved family pet, Felicia, Final Gift Pet Memorial Center is the most trusted and comprehensive service available to the New England community of bereaved pet parents. Provides sensitive pet care services. Whether you are the proud owner of a domesticated dog, cat, exotic pet, goat, or large companion animal such as a horse, we can meet your every need.

From pet funerals to burials, beautiful urns to beautiful caskets, and grief support tools, you can be sure your loved one is in the gentle hands of those who truly care. . As a proud member of the IAOPCC, we follow a strict, respectful code of ethics and always work to the highest industry standards. For more details on how we can serve you, please contact us today.

Deceased Pet Care

At Deceased Pet Care, we understand the loss and pain you feel when you lose a pet. We get it like no one else does. Rest assured that every detail will be taken care of to provide funeral services for your beloved pet that will ease their transition into the next world and leave them with dignity and grace. Now you can say goodbye with a final, dignified goodbye.

The company has grown over the years to include a wide range of pet memorial services such as same-day services, pet funerals, pet burials, and equine cremation services. We specialize in all things pet related. Whether it’s for your pet’s memorial, pre-planning or funeral arrangements, you can count on us for quality care. Our Paws e-Track online tracking ensures complete transparency and accountability throughout the process. Our proprietary ID tag stays with your pet through all stages of care, ensuring you know where they are at all times!

For more than 50 years, Deceased Pet Care has been helping the pet community in its time of need. Why not entrust your four-legged friend to a company you know can help? Our team of skilled professionals will handle the intricacies of the pet cremation process with the care and compassion of your beloved companions. Let us give you peace of mind with this valuable service.

Deceased Pet Care, Inc. Leading the way by providing expert transportation and burial services for your beloved horse for decades. With our loving and sensitive hands, we promise to provide the kindness and compassion your horse deserves in your time of need. Our equine crematorium is specially designed for the respectful burial of your horse’s remains without any inconvenience. We are happy to offer our deluxe services along with standard service. The latter includes everything from cremation to cremation at Horseshoe Gardens, all of which can be customized to your liking with other options available for purchase.

Deceased Pet Care began in 1972 with a humble cemetery and a desire to serve the pet community. Our true passion is providing loving pet parents with compassionate, caring services to meet their individual needs. Whether it’s cremation services or a private funeral, you and your family can be sure that your pet will be handled with the highest dignity, guidance and compassion at our Chamblee, Bethlehem, and Douglasville facilities.

Welcome to Hinsdale Pet Cemetery and Pet Cemetery

Chicago’s historic animal cemetery since 1926

Established in 1926, Hinsdale Pet Cemetery and Pet Crematory is the final resting place for thousands of beloved pets. All animals are welcome – from horses to K-9’s, service dogs and war dogs. The beauty of our gardens brings a sense of peace and love to every pet owner. No matter how you decide to put your beloved pet to rest or how easy it is, we’re here to respect your wishes and help you make your choice. Whether you choose burial at our pet cemetery or pet cremation, the love you have for your animals will be honored.

As pet owners ourselves, we understand the special bond that exists between humans and our animal companions. We know firsthand how difficult it can be to lose a pet and how overwhelming the decision can be at the time of pet loss. In fact, many of our family pets are buried here so we can always remember. We offer pet grave decorations that are placed for different seasons. You can visit whenever you want. Our beautiful, historic pet cemetery is open during daylight hours year-round.

With this in mind, we have created our website to explain the services we offer. No question should go unanswered and we are here to help you through your tough times.

Faithful Friends Pet Memorial Services

Private cremation Faithful Friends Pet Memorial Service

Private cremation at Faithful Friends Pet Memorial Services is a dignified option that allows families to keep their pets in their hearts forever. Each pet is cremated one at a time, so the integrity of your pet’s remains is never in question.

We understand the emotional impact the death of a loved one has on a family, and the desire to ensure that your loved one is immortalized. We’ll make sure you have the best quality pet caskets and pet urns at your disposal at a reasonable price so you can treat them to the memorial service they deserve.

Urns

Making funeral arrangements for pets

Although many people think of pet cremation as a modern practice, people have memorialized their pets since ancient times. And while holding a pet funeral may not be for everyone, many experts believe that having some kind of ceremony or ritual can help us cope with the loss of a precious animal friend.

Whether you choose cremation or cremation for your pet’s final disposition, your approach to memorialization may align with your religious views or environmental concerns. Your ceremony can be as simple as saying a few words or as elaborate as a human funeral. What is right for you will depend on personal preference.

You may also consider planning your pet’s funeral in advance, as many people do for themselves. It saves valuable energy and time when you feel the most grief. Planning ahead can also offer financial benefits. While it’s easy to plan funeral arrangements before a loved one passes, the same is true for pre-planning a service for a beloved pet.

Planning a Pet Funeral

You have many options when it comes to planning a pet’s funeral. Depending on the rules and regulations in your area, you can have a simple backyard ceremony or you can engage a pet funeral home and pet cremation. There are people in funeral homes and cemeteries who believe that losing a pet can be just as painful as losing a human family member. They offer funeral and burial services, and for a fee, provide specially designed caskets, urns and grave markers for pets. If you don’t have a pet funeral home or cemetery, contact a traditional funeral home. Many accommodate requests for pet services. Our Preferred Provider Directory includes pet cemeteries and cremation facilities and may be a good place to start.

To plan the most meaningful event, consider the people who have been important in your pet’s life and invite them to attend. To choose the best location, think about your pet’s favorite places. Was there a backyard or a window seat where you were most likely to find it? The beach or the park, maybe? Keep the ceremony in place.

Pet cremation

Planning a funeral can be cathartic for all those grieving the loss of a pet. The process of creating a memorial service can be especially helpful for some children. Consider getting your whole family involved in making arrangements.

There are no hard and fast rules when it comes to designing a pet funeral or memorial service. There are common elements that involve many people. These customs are similar to those you see at human funerals but are usually much simpler. Of course, it’s up to you how elaborate you want your event to be. In general, pet funerals are shorter and more relaxed than human funerals.

Pet Memorials in wheat ridge

Even if a pet has moved on to Rainbow Bridge, the memories of that beloved companion can live on forever. This page is dedicated to pets who are no longer with us and includes owner submitted photos to remind us all of the good times.

Submit a memorial.

If you’ve recently said goodbye to a beloved animal companion, we invite you to share your favorite photo memories with us and others. Maybe you’ve seen your cat adorably cover its face with its paw during a nap, or your dog in mid-air while catching a frisbee. Whatever happy moment your photo captures, we’d love for you to share it with us. We invite you to upload your favorite photos using the form below, and we will consider adding them to our page.

Ways to make your pet memorable

Pets leave a lasting impression on their family’s lives long after they are gone. Keeping their memory alive is an important way not only to cherish the time spent with your pet, but also to cope with their loss. Pet Cremation Services, Inc. in Wheat Ridge and Centennial. offers a variety of pet memorial options so families can remember their loyal companions with joy and fondness, but we know there are other creative ways you can memorialize your pets, too.

Create a clay or ink (or both) paw print.

A clay or ink print of one of your pet’s paws makes a sweet, simple gift that will always remind you of your companion and how special they still are.

Create a personalized rainbow bridge keepsake.

The Rainbow Bridge poem is a touching representation of the bond we share with our pets even after they have passed. Use the entire poem or select a section you like and create a simple display with one of the best photos of your pet. Or if you prefer, you can make an artistic print of the entire poem and place it in a room you frequent. There are many different ways to use the Rainbow Bridge poem to memorialize your pet.

Use your pet’s collar wisely.

Love crafts? Turn your metal pet tag into a pendant. Wrap their collar around a flower pot or old watering can that can be used as a planter. Create a shadow box and add their collar, tag, photos, their favorite toy, and anything else that reminds you of your pet.

Put together a scrapbook and/or video compilation of your pets.

We all have our favorite photos of our pets (sometimes numbering in the hundreds) and a handful of cute and silly videos. Share your photos and videos with family and friends and exchange memorable stories that make you laugh and smile. This may make the recent loss a little easier to handle.

Volunteer with local shelters and rescues.

Helping animals in need is a great way to keep your hands and mind busy, and you’re saving lives too. You can also choose to donate regularly to local shelters, which are always in need of funds and supplies. Every little bit helps.

Share your pet’s story on social media.

Being open about loss and sharing your story with others is a healthy way to cope with grief. It also gives you the opportunity to connect with people who have had similar experiences. Post your favorite photo and talk about the day you brought your pet home, or the time they stole one of your socks and buried it in the backyard. Your story will inspire others to share theirs.

Hold a memorial service.

If you have a taste for formality and want to give your pet a proper send off, you can organize a memorial service with close friends and family who loved your pet as much as you do. . If possible, encourage them to bring their pets as well. Treat your pet the way you think is best.

Pet cremation service

A modern, sustainable, and respectful way to care for your partner.

We come to you.

If your pet dies at your home, we can come to pick up your companion. It doesn’t matter if it was an expected or unexpected event, we understand how difficult this opportunity is – we’re here to make things a little easier. Just give us a call or send us a message, and we’ll be able to meet you at your home the same day.

Who are we?

Companah is a North Carolina company, here to provide you and your family with pet and animal cremation services when you need us. We offer the most advanced and respectful means of caring for your pet after its death. Their remains are returned to you in a personal urn or memorial of your choice. The company offers pet funerals, memorial jewelry and keepsakes delivered to your home.

The company offers private pet cremation or mass burial services. We offer water cremation – a gentle, environmentally responsible process (also known as alkaline hydrolysis). Using water flow, low temperature and mineralization, it is more like the natural decomposition that occurs after burial than any other process of the body – water cremation only involves the natural process of hydrolysis of soft tissue. Accelerates.

11 pet memorial ideas to honor your beloved friend

Losing a pet is painful and it’s only natural to grieve afterward. It’s an extension of saying goodbye to someone you love, whether two-legged or four-legged. Wanting a pet memorial (something that reminds you of your beloved pal) is a natural part of the grieving process.

“Having something to remember their pet after death is important for many people,” says Hayley Bridgeland, CPDT-KA, CBCC-KA, RBT, pet health and behavior specialist for Daily Paws. Is.” “It can be as simple as grabbing your pet’s favorite toy or collar. You can even turn an old item into something new. I knew someone who turned their dog’s blanket into a large one. were sewn into blankets that they now keep on their couch. There are so many unique ways to commemorate your pet’s life and time with you.”

Consider these inspiring pet memorial ideas that include everything from personalized gifts to steps you can take to honor your beloved pal.

1. Memorial services

A pet funeral is a way to celebrate a pet’s life, just as you would any other family member. Even if you don’t bury your pet in a pet cemetery, you can still plan your ceremony at home or at another location, such as a park your pet loves.

To relive your pet’s memories, show a commemorative video or slideshow of your pet’s best moments or simply share your stories. Other thoughtful touches include serving treats after your cat or dog’s cravings, such as bacon, tuna, or popcorn, and giving your pet personalized temporary tattoos. You can also ask for a donation to an animal shelter in honor of your four-legged friend.

2. Memory boxes

Keep all your favorite memories in one place with a beautiful pet keepsake box. There’s room for a collar, leash, favorite toy, photos, and other favorite items that remind you of your late dog or cat.

3. Pet souvenir jewelry

There is a wide array of pet memorial jewelry to choose from so you can keep your pet’s memory close to you at all times. Options include cremation jewelry, which uses some of your pet’s ashes for personalized necklaces, rings, and bracelets with your pet’s name, photo, or paw print.

4. Plaques and frames

Pet memorial frames are specially designed to hold a photo of your beloved pet with a heartfelt sentiment or memento such as a paw print or your pet’s collar for a beautiful display. Plaques can turn a favorite photo into a 3D image on a stand or, more traditionally, display your pet’s name and a photo of your choice.

5. Personalized coffee mug

A creative way to keep your pet’s memory close is to get a handmade and printed mug with a cute face to greet you every morning.

6. Wind chimes and stones

If your pet likes to spend time in the backyard or on the patio, an outdoor pet memorial would be perfect. Glass stones made from your pet’s ashes or engraved, resin stones with your pet’s photo and name can be placed in the garden. Personalized wind chimes are also nice — you’ll think of your friend every time you hear the wind blowing through them.

7. Animal imitations

A unique way to keep the memory of your beloved pet close to you is to have a custom plush or figurine made. Using a photo of your cat or dog, the artist creates a miniature version that you can hug.

8. Artwork

For a lasting memory, commission a drawing or painting of your four-legged friend to hang in your home. Or, create a framed print featuring one of these comforting quotes to pay tribute to the wonderful bond you and your pet share.

9. Jewellery

Whether you hang an ornament during the holidays or keep it somewhere in your home year-round, a personalized pet memorial ornament can be a meaningful keepsake.

10. Plant a tree.

Pay tribute to your deceased cat or dog by planting a tree, shrub or flower inside or outside a container in their memory. Every time you water it, catch a whiff of its scent, or sit in its shade, you will be reminded of your beloved pal. You can also get a kit that uses your pet’s ashes to grow trees from seeds.

11. Memorialize their ashes

Recently, more services have been created that allow pet parents to create jewelry or even artwork from their pet’s cremated ashes. The company EverAfter takes high-resolution digital images of the microscopic crystals that form from the chemistry in pet ashes. The resulting abstract patterns, shapes, and often vivid colors create a one-of-a-kind art, which the company calls “Your Pets.”

After the water cremation process, only the mineral ashes of the bones remain – free of disease and disease. Unlike flame-based cremations, which emit harmful greenhouse gases, remains do not contain black, carbonized ash.

RIP Noodle, the pig who taught us it’s okay not to have a bone day.

Noodle, the pig who took TikTok by storm by determining whether it was Bones Day or not Bones Day, has died at the age of 14.

Its owner Jonathan Graziano announced the sad news on TikTok over the weekend. Nodal died at home in Graziano’s arms.

“It’s incredibly sad,” he said. “It’s incredibly hard. This is the day I always knew was coming but never thought it would.”

The noodle shot to viral fame last year, attracting millions of viewers who looked to the pig to find out what kind of day it would be. Every day, Graziano would place Noddle in a sitting position to “read.” If the noodles were sitting, it was bone day. If he slowly fell into a dozing position, it wasn’t a bone day.

Bone days are for working, taking on new challenges and doing your best. No bones days are for taking breaks, recharging and self-care. All Bones Days (or Super Bones Days) may sound like the ideal existence—to some people who aren’t me—but for every one of them, you need a No Bones Day. You have to take care of yourself, as Noodle reminds us every few days.

People frequently received bone-based guidance through TikTok comments in 2022, and Graziano offered Noodle readings over the summer (while also writing the Noodle book). But in the fall, he announced that the readings would appear less frequently because Noodle was getting older and needed some extra attention each morning.

My job is first and foremost to take care of her and take my cues from her to the best of my ability,” he said in an October 10 video, suggesting that each of us One must act.

After hearing the news of Noodle’s passing, pet owners took to TikTok to pay tribute to the pug. A chalk artist even created a stunning portrait. Memories also greeted Graziano, who certainly seemed to be the epitome of pet ownership.

12 Ways to Cope When Your Pet is Diagnosed with Cancer

Hearing that your four-legged friend has cancer is devastating. But that doesn’t necessarily mean it’s the end of your time together. Cancer in pets is unfortunately common, but thanks to advances in research and treatment it has become more treatable, meaning more quality time with your best furry companion.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, about half of all dogs over the age of 10 develop cancer. The good news: Some cancers are treatable and others are curable, helping your pet feel better for longer.

A cancer diagnosis can fill you with anxiety and make you feel powerless. But there’s a lot you can do for your pet, and taking action is the best antidote to anxiety. Here are 12 steps to take back control of the situation and make it work for you and your pet.

1. Gather information.

The more you know about your pet’s medical situation, the better choices you can make moving forward. Although the Internet is full of information, it’s hard to know what applies to your pet if you don’t have the medical background to sift through it all, says Christine Swanson, DVM, DACVIM, board at Blue Pearl Pet. A board-certified veterinary oncologist at a hospital in Grand Rapids, Mich., says.

There are several types of cancer with different characteristics. Some spread quickly, while others grow slowly. And depending on the location, different types of cancer cause different symptoms.

A consultation with a veterinary oncologist is the first step in knowing what you are dealing with and what treatment options are available. “Don’t be afraid to schedule a consultation even if you’re not sure you want treatment. It’s perfectly fine to gather information and then think about it,” says Swanson.

2. Understand treatment options.

Many cancer treatments for people are also available for pets, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and immunotherapy.

“In veterinary medicine, though, treatments are usually not that aggressive,” says Swanson. “We adjust therapy to avoid side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and immune suppression. We want pets to be able to lead normal lives.”

The best treatment options depend on the type of cancer, its stage (how advanced it is), and its location. Before committing to a treatment plan, it’s important to ask your veterinarian the following:

Is this cancer curable? If the answer is yes, ask your veterinarian what is needed to heal your pet. If the answer is no, what is the purpose of treatment? Is it to extend your pet’s life or provide a better quality of life for the rest of your life?

What is the median survival time? If you decide to take the treatment recommended by your veterinarian, you your pet coffee, after harvesting).

What is investment? How much time and money is involved in treatment? And do you have to travel to see a specialist or get treatment?

3. Consider alternatives.

When working with your vet on a treatment plan specific to your pet, there are a few additional treatments available in addition to traditional cancer treatments. Many of these treatments can also help manage symptoms. “Chemotherapy and radiation are effective, but they come with their own concerns and side effects,” says Carolina Icard, DVM, founder of Luna Veterinary Care, a practice that specializes in holistic medicine, hospice and hospice care. Skilled. Life at Life Care, Phoenix, Ariz.

Holistic veterinarians practice integrative medicine that combines both Western and Eastern approaches. Acupuncture, herbal remedies, and therapeutic nutrition may be additional ways to manage cancer and its symptoms. For example, Ikard says: “I am currently treating a dog with lymphoma with Chinese herbal medicine and supplements. The owner does not want chemotherapy and radiation due to the dog’s age and medical condition. Wanted. He was diagnosed four months ago. And he’s doing fantastic. His lymph nodes have shrunk and he’s enjoying his walks.”

Results vary, but most alternative treatments are safe when used under veterinary supervision—even if they don’t have the desired effects. Look for veterinarians certified in veterinary acupuncture and herbal medicine through the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society (IVAS) or Chi Institute.

Related: What is Holistic Vet Care? How a holistic approach to your pet’s health keeps them thriving.

4. Assess your resources.

After you’ve gathered information about your various options, it’s time to consider what’s right for you and your family. Consider how much you can afford and how much time you can devote to caring for your pet. “Cancer treatment is emotionally difficult, but it can also be logistically and financially difficult. All of these factors must be taken into account when coming up with the best treatment plan for your pet,” says Swanson. “

5. Make a plan with your doctor

It’s hard to think things through when your emotions are running high. That’s why Ikard recommends setting treatment goals and limits with your doctor early on. “I take care of sick pets for a living and when it comes to my own, I can be a basket case sometimes because they’re my kids. Or Z you have a knee-jerk reaction. It prevents you from making mistakes that you may regret—especially on days when your pet isn’t doing so well.”

Be clear with your doctor about what is most important to you and what symptoms would indicate it is time to stop treatment or consider euthanasia. “Don’t be afraid to set your own limits as a pet owner,” says Ikard. “Tell your vet what you’re comfortable with and what you want to do.” If you don’t want to take the prescribed treatment, that’s fine.”

6. Talk to friends and family members.

Let your friends and family support you during this difficult time. Knowing what you’re feeling will help them understand if you’re not ready to be together. They may even be willing to stop and check on your pet when you can’t be home, help get your pet to and from treatment, or just hold a hand during a difficult time. Or put your hand on your shoulder and be ready to cry.

7. Adjust your home.

Depending on your pet’s symptoms, you may need to change some things around your home to keep your pet safe and comfortable. For example, if your dog has trouble walking on hardwood or tile, placing a rug underneath can help him gain traction and prevent falls. Or, pets in pain may need a kosher bed or one with a heating element to stay warm and comfortable. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations for your pet.

8. Maintain a routine

If possible, stick to your routine. Pets, like people, gain a sense of security when things are familiar. Continue to walk, snuggle and play. Sticking to your schedule will help reduce stress for you and your pet.

9. Spend extra time together.

We often take the best things for granted. But a cancer diagnosis can shift your focus back to what’s most important, like spending time with your loved one. Take extra time to do activities you and your pet enjoy together and take lots of photos.

10. Consider Hospice Care.

Veterinary hospice services aim to provide end-of-life care that keeps pets comfortable and as pain-free as possible. Many pets ncerns

Tell you when your pet is nearing the end of its life

“The biggest benefit of hospice care is the peace of mind that if something comes up, there’s someone you can call,” Ikard says. “If things change with one of my patients, I can usually respond very quickly and assess the situation. Sometimes it’s an easy fix and other times, the animals tell you what to do.” Their time has passed.”

11. Assess your pet’s quality of life.

One of the most common questions veterinarians ask is: When should you consider euthanasia for a pet? Most experts look at the quality of life of pets. Is your pet still feeling well enough to act and enjoy life?

Swanson recommends choosing four or five behaviors or personality traits of your pet that stand out to you. And then measuring your pet’s behavior against them. “For example, I have a Labrador who loves to eat,” she says. “If she didn’t want to eat, it wouldn’t be normal for her. Plus, she wakes up every morning and joins me while I’m getting ready. If she stops doing that, it’s A big sign would be wrong.”

12. Join a support group.

Finding emotional support is really important and sometimes you don’t get it from your family or friends. But you can find it in other pet parenting communities. Swanson recommends asking your veterinarian about local support groups or connecting with like-minded people online in places like Facebook groups.

Why Lauren Smith Kennedy Takes Pictures of Pets at the End of Her Life

It’s a great way to honor beloved pets and bring back memories of their families.

Photographing pets at the end of their lives seems like an emotionally charged task few would be willing to do. Yet Lauren Smith Kennedy does — with beautiful, meaningful results.

She works as a late-life pet photographer in her exclusive side gig and founded The Tilly Project. It helps pet owners find end-of-life photographers and offers bereavement resources as they anticipate their pet’s passing.

Kennedy, who works extensively in animal welfare, shoots her “Forget Me Not” sessions for free, often posting sweet photos and videos on her Instagram and TikTok accounts. The photo and caption serve as souvenirs, telling the pets’ stories and showing how much they mean to their families.

The DailyPaz spoke with Kennedy to learn more about how she got into the field, why she does it, and how a difficult job can be so rewarding.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

What got you into this kind of work? It’s not often that you hear of someone being a late-in-life pet photographer.

I have always been known for my work and volunteering in animal welfare and being a photographer. When a friend reached out to inquire about where to get an urn for her friend’s dog who was terminally ill, I naturally put the two interests together and offered a free end-of-life session. Offered to do.

The dog’s name was Lacey and she was only 3 years old. After completing the shoot, and with permission from Lacey’s family, I went ahead and shared the photos on my social media. The response I got was overwhelming. Many people can relate to the heartbreak of losing a pet and wanting to honor their lives. Pets make such a profound impact during the short time they are with us.

RELATED: 13 Things to Help You Through the Transition When Your Dog Dies

How do most families react to your work?

I have always received such love, kindness and gratitude when I share my photos with families. These shoots are not your typical portrait sessions. Many of these mixed emotions, mixed with a different kind of vulnerability filled with tears and heartbreak. Each photo shoot is uniquely hers, but she continues to thank her pets for their love and images.

Are there any sessions featured? Do you have any favorite photos?

Every single shoot I’ve done has been incredibly special to me. Not only are these families trusting me to receive their love, but they are also taking the time to share their pets’ heartwarming stories and memories.

It would be hard to pick a favorite when each one is so vibrant, unique and special. From a technical standpoint, I can definitely look back across photos and recognize when I was able to get beautiful lighting or when a particular shot just worked because of external factors. Such reflection and critique of my own work only allows me to expand my skills for future families. Every shoot I’ve done teaches me such meaningful lessons in so many ways.

Kennedy lives in Maine, where she grew up. She also serves as the Communications Director for the Compassion Animal Project and as the Development Director for the Saco River Wildlife Center.

Caring for your pet after death

Saying goodbye to a beloved pet is very difficult. Caring for your pet’s remains after death is one of the last things you want to think about when dealing with your grief. The grief you feel from losing a pet is hard to bear. However, after your pet dies, you will need to make a decision immediately. The term “aftercare” refers to how you would like your pet’s remains to be handled. As difficult as this may be to resolve, you must.

If your pet’s body is at your veterinarian’s office, they may be willing to hold the body for a day or two while they evaluate your options. However, in some cases, there is no way to store your dog or cat’s body and an immediate decision must be made. After handling your pet’s remains, you may also want to hold a small funeral or memorial service to say goodbye to your beloved companion. Common care options for your pet’s remains include:

The funeral

Cremation involves burning the body in a specially prepared furnace, reducing the remains to ashes and small fragments of bones or remains. Most veterinary offices have a professional relationship with one or more pet funerals and can help you make the arrangements.

Private/individual cremation

By choosing this type of cremation, you will be able to have your pet’s ashes returned to you. Choose a reputable company to ensure you are receiving your pet’s ashes (and not the ashes of one or more pets). Some people want to attend the funeral, while others don’t. However, choosing a cemetery that allows viewing can give you peace of mind that your pet is truly being cremated alone. The base price for a private pet cremation averages from $150 to $300, depending on the size of the pet and the costs in your area.

Typically, pet funerals will return you in a plastic bag inside a decorative tin or box. However, many offer a selection of urns, ornamental boxes and statues at an additional cost. However, you can find an urn or memorial box for your pet elsewhere, such as online. Some funeral homes will also transport the remains for you at no extra charge.

Mass/mass burial

If you do not want to retrieve your pet’s ashes, you can choose this option. Mass cremation means your pet will be cremated with other animals, so receiving the remains is not an option. The typical price is based on weight and can range from about $25 to $150.

Funeral

If you don’t like the idea of cremating your pet or if you prefer a grave site you can visit, pet cremation may be the best option for you.

Home burial

If you want to bury your pet on your property, first make sure local laws allow it. Unfortunately, in some areas, local government does not allow pets to be buried on personal property.

Before burial, be sure to remove the body from non-biodegradable materials (such as plastic) before burial. The body can be placed in a wooden or cardboard coffin. The grave should be at least 3 feet deep and in a place that is unlikely to be disturbed or dug again. You can mark the grave with a special headstone or plant a special tree or shrub at the site.

Cremation of pets

There are many companies that offer pet burial services at pet cemeteries. Some are even associated with pet funerals. This will allow you a designated place to visit your pet without the potential legal issues of a home burial. Plus, if you move from your current home, you won’t have to worry about moving your pet’s remains or leaving them behind. Pet burial services are able to offer a selection of headstones and other decorative touches for your pet’s grave. Prices vary from a few hundred dollars to several thousand, depending on the specification.

To find a pet cremation or pet cremation service in your area, visit the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematoria or talk to your veterinarian’s office.

Memorialize your beloved pet

When your pet dies, you may want to collect a lock of hair and/or make a claw mark with ink or clay. Some doctor’s offices and pet funeral homes offer this service. The keepsake can be framed with a photo of your pet to preserve memories.

There are many online companies that offer special ways to memorialize your pet. Some involve using a small amount of fur lock or residue. Others personalize the decorative item using a picture of a pet. These souvenirs include decorative stones, paperweights, jewels, ornaments and more.

Art from ashes

Beautifully handcrafted glass keepsakes made from a small amount of a loved one’s ashes

Gem of Life: A certified, high-quality diamond made from a lock of hair or as a memorial to the ashes of a loved one.

Paternity: A wide variety of jewelry, custom art, keepsakes, urns, and many other pet keepsakes.

Everlife Memorials: Engraved plaques, personalized items, funeral jewelry, headstones, urns and more

Remember Stones: Decorative engraved rocks and stones for pet memorials

Eco-friendly pet cremation

We are proud to offer a gentle, eco-friendly alternative to flame burning for your pets. Zimmer Pet Memorial is the only tri-state area pet cremation service that uses the process of biocremation, an environmentally responsible alternative to cremation. An alkaline water bath is used to speed up the natural decomposition process and return the body to mineral form. Bio-cremation is energy efficient and does not emit harmful greenhouse gases. The bone ash delivered after the bio-cremation process is pathogen and disease free and 100% safe to handle.

Private Cremation Care

Individual burial of your pet. Only your pet’s cremains will be returned to you.

Community Cremation Care

Your pet will be cared for on site, in a communal crematorium. Due to its communal nature, your pet’s cremation will not be returned, but scattered in our memorial garden.

Should you have a pet memorial service?

Why should you consider a pet memorial service, or pet funeral, when a pet dies? We are not necessarily talking about something formal. It can be as simple as a backyard ceremony when burying a pet or a private moment when your pet’s ashes are returned home. But should you have a memorial for your pet?

Losing a pet is a milestone life event no different than losing a human family member. It is painful. Reconciliation is difficult. Powerful guilt can consume you. Sometimes adopting a proven ritual of honoring life, as we do for humans, can be very helpful.

For many people, a beloved pet is considered a member of the family. When an important pet dies, it leaves a difficult void in the pet parent’s life. Pets follow us. Some have more hours in the day with us than others. So it stands to reason that when they are gone, you should feel a larger-than-life hole in your heart.

The power of ritual

Milestone events, including death, deserve to be celebrated in some way. Symbolic traditions rich in history, such as funerals or memorial services, allow us to grieve. They represent a moment in time to acknowledge an important death that will change our lives forever. This moment in time allows us to accept what has happened and begin the healing process.

Funerals fulfill a basic need for you, family, friends, and even society as a whole to publicly acknowledge that a person or animal companion was important. That they lived. The Ritual of Remembrance allows reflection and acceptance to begin. An opportunity to combine an old reality with a new one. It is a time that allows the bereaved to see loved ones. To know they are still there. They give time to those close to them to recognize that help is needed in the coming days, weeks, months or years. Especially when it’s a beloved pet that’s been lost.

This is reason enough to hold some kind of ceremony as you prepare to move on to a new life without your beloved pet. Your pet, who was as important to you as any other family member, deserves a dignified farewell. No matter how comfortable or spacious, it matters.

A pet memorial service is healing.

Your pet is something you will miss in your life. There will be people who don’t understand why you are broken up over losing your dog, or cat, or bird, or small pet. But don’t listen to them. Get support from those who understand.

When pet parents deny themselves the opportunity for a goodbye ritual, they are doing more harm than good. Because you gave yourself permission to grieve during the first stage of grief, you will feel better knowing what you did.

How to Plan a Pet Memorial Service

There are approximately 5.9 million dogs and 7.9 million cats in Canada. More than a third of households in the Great White North have either a cat or a dog as part of their family.

Losing a pet can be an incredibly traumatic experience, as you have lost a part of your family.

Holding a ceremony in your pet’s honor can be an important part of the grieving and healing process. This can help give you and your family a sense of closure.

Are you wondering how to plan a pet memorial service? Let’s take a look at what you need to know.

Consider a variety of pet memorial ideas.

Holding a cat or dog memorial service can be a wonderful way to say goodbye to your four-legged friend. There are no wrong answers when it comes to honoring your pet’s memory. Finding pet memorial ideas that feel right for you and your family is paramount.

Plant a tree in their memory.

A beautiful way to always remember the impact your pet has had on your life is to plant a tree. Through the process of creating new life to honor the departed, many people consider planting a memorial tree to be a healing process. You can plant a tree as part of the service or separately, depending on what feels right for you.

Hold a candle lighting ceremony.

If you’re looking for a simple, symbolic gesture you can make in memory of your pet, consider holding a candlelight vigil. You can either read, recite poems, or pray during this time or read silently. Sometimes performing a ritual that is steeped in history can be an important part of the healing process.

Do a symbolic release.

Another ceremony idea for a dog or cat memorial service is to hold a symbolic release. This could mean releasing biodegradable lanterns, biodegradable balloons, or live butterflies. This cathartic act is a wonderful way to symbolize the liberation of your pet’s spirit.

Attend a private memorial service.

As mentioned earlier, there is no right or wrong way to grieve the loss of your pet. You and your pet had a unique bond, and only you can determine how best to compensate for this loss. Some people may feel more comfortable participating in a more private memorial service.

Maybe you want to scatter your pet’s ashes at their favorite hiking spot. Adding to your best friend’s memory can be an opportunity to mourn and reflect on the memories you shared together.

It is also quite popular for people to get a tattoo to commemorate the death of a dear friend.

Share memories with loved ones.

Chances are you weren’t the only one who felt a deep connection to your pet. It can be a good experience to invite friends and family to a memorial service, where they can bring photos to help create a memory board. During this time, you can all take turns sharing memories you’ve had with the pet.

Put together a slideshow

If you’re holding a cat or dog funeral where you’re inviting others, you might consider putting together a slideshow. It’s a wonderful way to remember the vibrant life they lived.

Create a dedicated memorial space

Our pets are part of our family, and we never want to forget them when they pass. Creating a dedicated memorial site can be a wonderful way to do this.

Maybe you want to design a shelf on your bookshelf just for pictures of your pets. You can also purchase a pet memorial stone that can be placed in your garden or in your home.

Explore your options for cremation and burial.

After your pet dies, you have to decide fairly quickly whether you are going to bury or cremate them. This is because many vets’ offices do not have the space or means to store your pet’s body for long periods of time. For this reason, it may be a good idea to consider which option you prefer before your pet dies.

The funeral

There are two different options when it comes to pet cremation. You can choose an individual cremation or a mass burial.

With private cremation, you can receive your pet’s ashes as they are cremated themselves. This is the more expensive of the two options but may be worth it if you need to keep your pet’s ashes. Depending on where you live and how big your animal is, it usually costs between $150 and $300.

Mass cremation occurs when several animals are cremated at the same time. This means you will not be able to receive your pet’s ashes. It’s not as expensive as an individual cremation, which costs between $25 and $150 depending on where you are and the size of your pet.

If you burn your pet individually and their A large number of different options. You can choose to bury your pet in a pet cemetery or you can bury them in your backyard.

A more affordable option is definitely to bury your pet at home. It’s not legal in all places though, so you’ll need to check with your local government. You may need a permit or it may be prohibited on private land in your area.

If you are going to bury your pet in your backyard, you may also want to consider whether you will ever leave your home. If you don’t plan on staying in your current location forever, you may find it difficult to leave your pet’s resting place behind.

If you’re going to bury your pet at home, you’ll want to make sure you bury them at least three feet deep. You may also want to use a cardboard or biodegradable wooden box to bury them. You can either use a natural marker such as a tree or rock as a grave marker or create a headstone.

Burying your pet in a pet cemetery can be quite expensive. To purchase a burial plot in a pet cemetery, it will usually cost between $400 and $600. Caskets can also be quite expensive, ranging from $50 to $500.

Depending on how intricate a headstone you want, a headstone can cost between a few hundred dollars and a few thousand dollars.

Choosing a pet cemetery makes a lot of sense if you’re a renter or if you don’t think you’ll be staying in your current home forever. This way, you will be able to visit your pet whenever you want.

Make a guest list

It is very likely that your friends and family are also grieving the loss of your pet. Our pets are part of our family, and they touch many lives during their time on earth. If it seems appropriate to extend the grieving and healing process outside of your home, consider inviting those who love your pet to attend the pet’s funeral.

Set up a lookup table.

If you are cremating a cat or dog, you may want to consider setting up a viewing table. This can include memorabilia and photos of your pet, including tags, favorite toys and collars. If you choose to cremate your pet, you can also display the ashes in an urn.

Choose prayers, readings, or poems for the service.

When planning a memorial service for your pet, you may want to consider including some poems, readings or prayers. Sometimes it can be difficult to put words to the intense emotions you are experiencing during grief. Finding current texts that capture the way you feel can be a wonderful way to memorialize your lost pet.

A pet memorial service can help you remember your beloved pet and help you heal from the loss.

Your pet has been with you a lot. Losing a pet can be absolutely devastating, as many of us see our pets as members of our family. Holding a pet memorial service can be a wonderful way to honor your pet’s life as well as begin your own journey of healing.

Pet Memorial Services

Full service pet cremation

We believe that pets are truly family. You and your beloved pets share a special bond, and when faced with their loss, we are dedicated to helping you honor that bond.

How and where your pet is buried or memorialized is always your choice. If your pet unexpectedly passes away or dies at home, let us help make this difficult time a little easier. We have staff on-call after hours and on weekends and can work with any veterinary office.

Your beloved pets will be safely laid to rest in our own cemetery. They would never have to leave the protection of the Heavenly Pet Monuments team. You can be sure that your pets will be treated with the same love and care as if they were our own.

Allow us to help you navigate the loss of your beloved companion and provide reliable aftercare services that are best for you and your pet’s needs.

Cremation Packages

Souvenir Package – $290

Private Funeral *Additional charge based on weight*
Transporting your pet to our memorial center
Framed ink paw print
Clay paw print impression
Fur trimming is a memory of the heart
Choice of urns
Confirmation of burial
Grief Support Pamphlet

Tribute Package – $390

Private Funeral *Additional charge based on weight*
Transporting your pet to our memorial center
Framed ink paw and nose print
Clay paw print impression with display stand
Fur trimming is a memory of the heart
Choice of urns
Engraving on an urn, nameplate, or stand
A personalized river rock memorial
Burial Certificate
Grief Support Pamphlet

*Additional charges based on weight of above packages*

51 – 100 lbs: + $25

101 – 150 lbs: + $50

151 and up: + $75

Basic Cremation

We will pick up your pet at no charge during business hours from any veterinary clinic within a 10 mile radius of Topeka.

Your beloved pet will be returned in our standard “Rainbow Bridge” velvet pouch.
You can still request clay paw print, ink paw or nose print, fur clipping etc.