After the loss of a beloved pet, we inevitably have to face the practical and difficult matter of figuring out what to do with our pet's remains. Many people opt for a traditional burial, an ideal option for creating a formal, outdoor place to visit and reflect fondly on the memories of your pet.
Some people choose to bury their pet in their backyard, but it is important to understand the process and requirements of backyard pet burial. Research the rules and regulations with both your state and county. Rules vary from county to county and from state to state. The other option is burying your pet in a pet cemetery. This can option can help you ensure that the burial process goes smoothly and correctly and that the remains of your pets are taken care of and the graveside tended to as necessary.
There are many benefits to laying a pet to rest in a pet cemetery. The professional staff at a pet cemetery will usually walk you through the burial process, from choosing the plot, to selecting the casket, and also the planning of a graveside service if you wish. This is very helpful when you're grieving and in a state of mind that can make it very difficult to make important decisions. Also, the cemetery will have staff to maintain the grounds, assuring that where your dear friend is buried will always be well taken care of.
One of the most important benefits of using the services of a pet cemetery is the fact that they can handle the remains of your pet for you. Handling your pet's remains can be very, very difficult and painful and often best left in the hands of a professional. You can turn the remains over directly from your veterinarian to the pet cemetery and let them handle the rest, including the placement of your pet memorial stone, which serves as a great relief for many pet owners.
However, there are some downsides to using a pet cemetery. The first thing to consider is whether the pet cemetery is located in close proximity to your home, so that it's convenient for you to visit your pet's grave when you need to. This can be a deterrent to some, who want to be able to visit the burial site anytime they are feeling sad or nostalgic about their dear pet companion. This is an important point to consider in the first initial months after the loss of a pet.
Another significant consideration with a pet cemetery is the expense. There is the cost of the plot, the pet headstone, pet casket and usually other incidental expenses.
Either way, the decision is yours and comes down to a matter of personal preference. Some people need their pet to be nearby, and so opt for a backyard burial with a pet memorial marker to honor the life of their pet. Others, however, prefer the option of putting the burial services in the hands of a trained professional as they grapple with their grief over the loss of their beloved pet. This is where a pet cemetery serves its truest purpose, as the professionals operating them step in to assist a pet owner in his or her time of need as they say goodbye to a loving, trusted pet companion.
