What to do after the loss of a pet?

Question

I'm just wondering if anyone can help me out. I have an old chihuahua whom I adore! I know it'll be YEARS before I need to really research this, but I was thinking; the last death of a pet I experienced, my mom took care of all the arrangements. I'm in San Diego... does anyone know of a service for cremation? I want just her in an urn when the time comes. Thanks guys.

Thank you for those people who actually care. For the rest of you there are things I'd like to say but won't because someone has to take the higher road. Thanks for being rude, ignorant, and uncaring!

Answer 1

Most vets and many animals shelters can provide cremation services. With my dogs, I save their tags-just a memento is all I need, not the entire body. In Dallas it costs around 300 for a single cremation (to get your dogs ashes back) and I'd rather spend the money on the animals I have or make a donation to an animal charity in the missing one's name.

I have an old chihuahua who I adore as well and someone at work was making fun of how much I love her....and I told that person how sorry I felt for them because they clearly didn't have enough experience with love to understand who good it is to love anything and anyone. Our animals open our hearts when people can't.....

I have been present for the death of several of my dogs, and sharing that moment with them only made the bond deeper. There is truly much animals can teach us.

Answer 2

My dog of 13 years died just three months ago so I recently had to deal with this. I was fearful it being a half rott/half shepherd what I would do because I wanted him to die at home. The best thing to do is to talk to your vet. If it is determined when it was time that the dog needs to be put to sleep, many vets are willing to come to your house to do it, also at that point either the vet will take the animal once it has passed or the funeral home will arrange to pick it up immediately afterwards, before the vet leaves. For the remains there are several types of cremation in which you can get the ashes back (if ashes are not to be returned then they do group cremations. Some places do Communal cremations were several animals are cremated at the same time but their ashes are suppose to be kept apart. Then there are completely private cremations where yours is the only animal being cremated. When you pay for a completely private cremation you are often allowed to put in favorite toy or blanket in with the pet, many crematories also allow for people to view their animal going into a private cremation so the people are assured their pet is being privately cremated. I chose private cremation for my dog (charge is usually by weight as that detwermines how long the process takes.). I put in his favorite toy, they took a plaster print of his paw, I received his cremation certificate which noted the day he was cremated who was the director and that his remains were returned to me. Often if you can find a director that does this in association with a Pet Memorial Park they will provide all the extra services. Your vet a good place to start, here is a list of pet crematories nationwide http://www.nepanetwork.com/keepsakes/petcem1.htm ..........with George (my dog) I fortunate enough to have a local animal advocate that ran a pet memorial Park and crematory available. Good Luck, pre planning is important so you can concentrate on your pet when the time comes.

Answer 3

Most vets have cremation services available. Your vet should be able to handle all arrangements. Typically, the cremation service picks up the deceased pet from the clinic, and then returns the cremains in an ern. The clinic should inform you when your pets cremains are back and you pick them up.
There are also pet services that provide caskets and even pet cemetery services. You have alot more options for your pet these days. Your veterinary clinic should be prepared to help you when the time comes.

Answer 4

When the time comes, and I hope it is a long time from now, you will visit or call your Vet and they will help you with arranging for the cremation and the purchase of the urn.

You may want to keep this link for future reference, as I find myself still returning even though 3 years+ have passed since the loss of my pet companion Misha - www.rainbowbridge.com.

Answer 5

When we had to put our beloved beagle, Herman to sleep, our vet gave us the option of getting him cremated or not. We could also have him cremated separately or with other animals. We chose to get him cremated solo. The vet had an arrangement with a local animal cremation/cemetery place. They handled it all for us and returned the ashes to us within a week along with a certification they were his ashes only.
Some vets also make house calls to put beloved pets to sleep at their home in familiar surroundings to make the transition better for the animal and family.
Call you vet and they can get you better information.
I hope this helps a bit and good luck.

Answer 6

Here's a place where you can get urns. I would think they could at least tell you some recommended places to go for cremation. Also, your Vet should know. I had to have my German Shepherd Dog euthanized and my Vet arranged for her to be taken to the crematorium and then I picked her ashes up at the Vet's office.
I am sure any crematorium provides containers, some designed for spreading ashes and others more permanent containment.

I really appreciated my Vet for making the arrangements with me Via his office.
http://www.specialtypetproducts.com/Merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=MDT&Category_Code=urns

Answer 7

When our German Shepherd died our Vet provided his cremation and gave him back to us in a nice urn to bury him in. It costs more, but you can get different urns and stuff.....you just need to ask if your vet provides this - and/or look for one that does.

Answer 8

Vets can arrange cremations of dead dogs that have passed away.

Answer 9

Don't cremate the dog. Bury him in the ground like any normal human being. If you want a new one, get one.

Answer 10

Most vet places, have details local to your area you can investigate. After all, you do want the best you can offer your pet, after it has moved on. :)