After the passing of a beloved pet, owners can choose what happens to the body. While some may want to let their veterinary clinic handle the logistics, others opt to have their companion cremated, so they can keep the remains. Here’s a more detailed look at the pet cremation process and a few options for handling the remains to help you decide if this is what you want to do.

How Does Pet Cremation Work?

If a veterinarian euthanizes your pet, you’ll likely be able to have the remains cremated. With small pets, including birds, rabbits, rodents, and reptiles, the process usually takes about 45 minutes. However, larger animals, including cats and dogs, may require several hours.

Additionally, you can choose from a variety of options regarding the privacy of your service. An individual, or private, cremation means only your pet will be cremated at the time. Provided only by request, this service ensures owners receive the remains of their pet. You can also consider a partitioned service, in which several animals are cremated at the same time with partitions between them. Finally, a mass cremation involves multiple animals with no partitions between the remains. This is the default option when owners don’t indicate a preference, and it usually does not allow you to receive the ashes of your pet.

What Can You Do With the Cremated Remains?

If you choose pet cremation, you can receive your pet’s remains in a box or urn after the process is complete. You may choose to store the ashes in a permanent urn, or scatter the remains in a special location. Some owners will even memorialize a few ashes in a piece of jewelry, such as a necklace or ring.

 

Dealing with the passing of a pet is never easy. That’s why the professionals at Oahu Pet Crematory in Kailua, HI, offer their compassionate pet cremation services to veterinary clinics across the island. With more than 27 years of experience, this caring team will handle picking up the animal and delivering the ashes to owners. They also offer a selection of urns. To learn more about this pet crematory, please have your vet call (808) 371-7531 today.