Pet Loss: Cremation and Cemeteries

Losing a furry family member can be as devastating as losing a human family member or friend. The bond that grows from the unconditional love has saved many from emotionally debilitating circumstances.  It’s easy to look forward to the excited tail wagging and bright eyes as you walk through the door, especially if it has been consistent for years. Which is why, many find it very painful when they lose their four-legged best friend and want to give them the same send off they would for their human family- whether that be a cremation or cemetery.

More and more people are choosing to memorialize their pets, opting for more than the backyard burial. According to Bloomberg Business Week, there are approximately 700 pet cemeteries, funeral homes and crematories offering services for pets across the U.S.

There was a time when people hid their grief because many couldn’t understand the emotional impact of the loss; after all it was only a dog or a cat. In fact, owner of Shugart’s Deceased Pet Care in Atlanta, Donna Shugart-Bethune, said it was almost like an underground operation because people wouldn’t want their neighbors to know and asked her father to come in an unmarked car.

Now many options exist, from balloons to memorial services. And as many from various backgrounds - men, women, wealthy and working class are choosing to say good bye the way they would to their humans.

Choosing a facility is not an easy task, however Pet Loss Professionals Alliance, offers guidance on the questions to ask as well as organizations that follow a certain level of professional conduct and services.

Saying good-bye is a personal choice – do it in whatever way you believe would honor your relationship with your furry family.