Losing a beloved pet is one of the biggest heartbreaks we can face. It is an emotionally challenging time for pet owners. No matter how sad the moment can be, it is often unavoidable.
When the dreaded time comes, many pet owners are left wondering: do veterinarians cremate pets? The short answer is yes, some veterinarians do. If you have recently lost your pet and are wondering if vets offer cremation services, then this post is for you. Here, we will guide you in understanding the cremation process and your options after your pet passes away. Our goal is to provide comfort during this painful time and help you make the best decision for you and your pet.
What Is Pet Cremation or Aquamation?
Pet cremation is the process of reducing a pet's body into its basic elements. It is a respectful way of saying farewell to a beloved pet after it has passed away.
Cremation involves the application of intense heat to reduce the pet's body. Aqua action is similar, but uses water and salts to create an alkaline solution to achieve the same goal.
After cremation or aquamation, the remains are known as ashes or cremains. It takes place in a pet crematorium, aquamation facility or crematory. After cremation or aquamation, the ashes can be carefully collected and returned to the owner. This will let you keep their ashes with you in an urn. You can also bury them in memorial gardens or pet cemeteries. Cremation and aquamation are ways of honoring your pet's memory and celebrating the special bond you shared.
If you want to say goodbye to your pet in a dignified manner, you can look at different cremation or aquamation services. Some such services include individual and communal cremation or aqumation. We will read more about these types later on.
Do Veterinarians Do Pet Cremation or Aquamation?
If you have decided on cremating or aquamating your pet, your next query should be if vets perform this process. The answer is yes, some do. Veterinarians perform and supervise the cremation/aquamation process for pets. Many vets even offer complete end-of-life services, from in-home euthanasia to memorials.
What Does a Veterinarian Do for Pet Cremation or Aquamation?
Seeing as vets are experts on animal bodies, they are highly knowledgeable about the pet cremation/aquamation process. Reputable veterinarians can determine the best temperature or process for cremating your beloved pet. In addition to fire-based cremation, many vets also offer water-based cremation services. The water-based cremation is known as aquamation.
You can opt for three types of aftercare services for your pet:
Individual aquamation/cremation
Communal aquamation/cremation
Individual Aquamation/Cremation
If you want your pet's ashes returned to you, then you should choose individual or private aquamation. It usually takes around two weeks to get back your pet's ashes after the entire process.
Vets and their staff will prepare your pet for the aquamation or cremation procedure. You can often have the option of viewing, but it depends on the center you choose. Also, many vets offer memorial services and keepsakes to always keep your furry buddy close to you.
Individual pet cremation services start at $300. This cost can vary depending on the size of the pet.
Communal Aquamation/Cremation
If you are looking for a less expensive service, you could go with a communal cremation. In this service, vets cremate multiple pets at the same time and in the same chamber. This means you will not get your pet's ashes returned to you after the cremation. Instead, the ashes will be respectfully scattered at sea or in a designated area.
Communal cremation starts at $200 and may increase for larger animals.
Aquamation
For a greener cremation option, you can choose aquamation. This uses around only 10 percent of the energy used in alternative options. This alkaline-water-based cremation does not release any greenhouse gasses.
Vets combine temperature, water flow, and alkalinity from potassium hydroxide for this process. This combination breaks down the organic material, and the process takes about 19 hours to complete.
After aquamation, only bones and teeth remain, which are then turned to ashes. You can retrieve your pet's remains if you choose individual cremation. For communal cremation, the ashes are respectfully spread around places.
Aquamation can cost around $200 to $450. This cost can vary depending on the pet's weight.
Why Should You Choose an Aquamation/Cremation Facility with Experienced Veterinarians on Staff?
Veterinarians focus on ensuring animal well-being. This makes them compassionate healthcare workers. As such, they are concerned about a pet's welfare, even at the end of its life.
Experienced vets know the importance of peaceful transitions for pets. They are knowledgeable about animal bodies and qualified for cremations. Veterinary clinics also have specialized techniques and equipment.
All these factors can ensure that your beloved pet will be in good hands during cremation.
Related Questions
Q. Who Will Transport My Pet’s Body to and From the Aquamation/Cremation Facility?
Aquamation/Cremation facilities may offer transport services for your beloved deceased pet. Trained drivers transport your pet gently and respectfully to ease your pain during this challenging time. You can also take your pet to the facility yourself if you want.
Q. What Else Can Pet Aquamation/Cremation Facilities Offer?
Most Aquamation centers and crematoriums offer memorial items such as clay paw prints and fur clippings. These items can help pet owners celebrate their magical bond with their beloved pets. Moreover, the memorial items can guide pet owners towards healing during this difficult time.
Conclusion on Do Vets Cremate or Aquamate Pets
We hope that we have successfully answered whether and how vets can perform pet cremations and aquamations. Expert and compassionate vets sympathize with your pet loss and know what to do next. They can be a great help for grieving pet owners in choosing their desired type of aftercare process.
You can take your time and go for the option that feels right for your peace of mind. Individual cremation or communal? Traditional cremation or aquamation? - vets can mitigate these confusions.
Besides cremation, vets also offer end-of-life care, ethical euthanasia services, and memorial items to commemorate the time spent with your pet. Take your time and choose the option that feels right for your peace of mind.
At Peaceful Veterinary Care, you can find excellent aquamation services for your precious pet through Peaceful Waters Aquamation. Our expert staff will lovingly and respectfully prepare your adored friend for a final goodbye. We also provide aftercare mental health support and grief counseling to help mourning pet owners after the loss of a pet.
For more information, you can call us at 858-249-8707 or email us at contact@peacefulvetcare.com.