Pet funerals

A Guide for Before or After Cremation Services at So Loved Pets

Losing a pet is akin to losing a family member. Many pet owners choose to honor their beloved companions with a funeral, either before cremation services like those provided by So Loved Pets or after, with a memorial service, using the pet’s remains.  Keep reading for comprehensive assistance in planning and conducting a pet funeral, providing a meaningful and respectful farewell.

Planning the Funeral

Deciding the Type of Funeral

The first step in planning a pet funeral is deciding whether to hold the ceremony before or after the aquamation process:
  • Before cremation: Involves a viewing or ceremony with the pet’s body present before it is taken for cremation.
  • After cremation: Focuses on the ashes returned in an urn or a biodegradable container, allowing for a flexible timeline to gather friends and family.

Choosing a Location

Select a location that feels right for you and your pet. This might be:
  • Your Home: Hosting the funeral at home can provide a personal and intimate setting.
  • A Cemetery: If you prefer a designated resting place that will be maintained over time.
  • A Favorite Spot: Like a park or garden that your pet loved, if local regulations permit gatherings.

Setting a Date and Time

Choose a date and time that allows those who were close to your pet to attend. Consider a time when the weather is likely to be accommodating if you’re planning an outdoor event.

Invitations

Decide whether you’d like a small private gathering or a larger event. You can send formal invitations, emails, or simply call to invite guests. Include details about the location, time, and any special requests you might have, such as wearing a certain color or bringing a photo of the pet.

Planning the Funeral

Deciding the Type of Funeral

The first step in planning a pet funeral is deciding whether to hold the ceremony before or after the aquamation process:
  • Before Aquamation: Involves a viewing or ceremony with the pet’s body present before it is taken for aquamation.
  • After Aquamation: Focuses on the ashes returned in an urn or a biodegradable container, allowing for a flexible timeline to gather friends and family.

Choosing a Location

Select a location that feels right for you and your pet. This might be:
  • Your Home: Hosting the funeral at home can provide a personal and intimate setting.
  • Pet Cemetery: If you prefer a designated resting place that will be maintained over time.
  • A Favorite Spot: Like a park or garden that your pet loved, if local regulations permit gatherings there.

Setting a Date and Time

Choose a date and time that allows those who were close to your pet to attend. Consider a time when the weather is likely to be accommodating if you’re planning an outdoor event.

Invitations

Decide whether you’d like a small private gathering or a larger event. You can send formal invitations, emails, or simply call to invite guests. Include details about the location, time, and any special requests you might have, such as wearing a certain color or bringing a photo of the pet.

Elements of the Funeral Ceremony

Eulogy

Prepare a eulogy that highlights the life and personality of your pet. This can be delivered by you or a close family member or friend who knew your pet well.

Readings and Music

Choose readings or poems that reflect your feelings or that were favorites of your pet. Select music that was meaningful to your pet or your family during your pet’s life.

Tributes

Encourage guests to share their memories or stories about your pet. These can be spoken, written, or even presented as photo or video tributes.

Final Resting

Decide if you will bury the ashes, scatter them, or keep them in an urn.
If you choose burial:
  • Select a biodegradable urn or use the one we give you at So Loved Pets. Our biodegradable containers work well for pet burial
  • Choose a burial site, which could be a cemetery, your backyard, or another meaningful location.

Elements of the Funeral Ceremony

Eulogy

Prepare a eulogy that highlights the life and personality of your pet. This can be delivered by you or a close family member or friend who knew your pet well.

Readings and Music

Choose readings or poems that reflect your feelings or that were favorites of your pet. Select music that was meaningful to your pet or your family during your pet’s life.

Tributes

Encourage guests to share their memories or stories about your pet. These can be spoken, written, or even presented as photo or video tributes.

Final Resting

Decide if you will bury the ashes, scatter them, or keep them in an urn.
If you choose burial:
  • Select a biodegradable urn or use the one we give you at So Loved Pets. Our biodegradable containers work well for pet burial
  • Choose a burial site, which could be a pet cemetery, your backyard, or another meaningful location.

After the Funeral

The burial ceremony can be a way to provide closure. Here’s how you might consider organizing the ceremony:

Memorialization

Create a permanent memorial for your pet. This could be a planted tree, a garden stone, or a customized bench in your pet’s favorite park.

Reception

Consider hosting a reception after the ceremony. This provides a space for guests to share memories and support each other, which can be therapeutic.

Grief Support

Acknowledge that grief can be challenging and consider joining a pet loss support group. Many veterinary offices, including those associated with So Loved Pets, can provide resources to help manage grief.

Environmental Impact

Since So Loved Pets uses modern cremation—a more environmentally friendly process than traditional cremation—you might also consider other eco-friendly options for the funeral, like digital invitations and natural flower arrangements.

Personalization

Personalize the event as much as possible to reflect the unique bond you shared with your pet. This could be through decorations, the ceremony’s theme, or a display of your pet’s favorite toys and photos.

Legal Requirements

Check local regulations regarding pet burials or scattering of ashes, especially if you plan to bury the ashes on private property or scatter them in a public area.

Summing Up

A pet funeral can be a beautiful way to say goodbye to a beloved companion, offering closure to grieving families. Whether you choose to hold the ceremony before or after the cremation process provided by So Loved Pets, it can be tailored to honor the life and memory of your pet in a personal and meaningful way.

Remember, this service is a tribute to the joy and love your pet brought into your life and a celebration of the eternal bond you share.