How to Respectfully Dispose of a Deceased Pet

When your raise your pet, you develop a bond that lasts the animal's entire life. When the time comes for your pet to pass away, not only do you face the loss of your beloved friend, you must also deal with how to arrange for your pet's remains. Several options are available depending upon your preferences, finances and whether you rent or own your home. If you decide you don't want to bring your pet home, you can ask your veterinarian to dispose of your pet's body.

Things You'll Need

  • Shovel
  • Sheet
  • Rock
  • Pet toy
  • Urn
  • Picture of your pet
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Instructions

  1. Burial

    • 1
      Find a quiet spot in your yard.

      Bury your pet at home when this is an option. Dig deep enough to provide at least 3 feet of dirt to cover your pet. You can wrap your pet in a sheet and provide a marker such as a rock to symbolize your pet's grave. Keep in consideration that you might move to a new home someday.

    • 2
      Pet cemeteries will preserve your pet's grave.

      Opt for a pet cemetery burial. Like human cemeteries, pet cemeteries are regularly maintained. This allows for your pet's remains to lie undisturbed, regardless of where you live.

    • 3

      Provide arrangements for your pet's transport from your veterinarian to the pet cemetery if this is your option. Some pet cemeteries allow you to bury your pet with a favorite toy or object that comforted your pet.

    Cremation

    • 4

      Ask a pet cremation service to cremate your pet alone when you want to bring its remains home, indicates the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. This ensures that your pet's remains won't become combined with another pet's remains.

    • 5

      Keep your pet's remains in an urn. Some urns allow you to display a picture of your pet alongside the remains.

    • 6

      Scatter your pet's ashes. You can scatter your pet's remains over its favorite place, or in an area that represents your pet's freedom from death.