In this article, we’ll explore a topic that many people find deeply difficult to confront: the loss of a pet. No one wants to face the idea of this. Your pet is an integral part of your family. Therefore, it is important to be able to pay tribute to them.
Preparing your pet’s funeral
To cope with the loss of your pet, it’s important to discuss it with those around you. However, in this section, we are presenting different alternatives that are available to you. For example, your vet or a pet funeral home can advise you on the different funeral options. Whether your pet died after a long illness or suddenly, it’s important in the grieving process to know that their body will be treated with the utmost respect and professionalism.
When you notice that your pet is nearing the end of their life, you can start to ask questions about the procedures, how the body would be handled, and even question about the funeral. Daring to ask questions and talk about death allows you to prepare, because ultimately, the most frightening aspect is the unknown.
Choosing between burial and cremation for your deceased pet
Preparing for a pet’s funeral is important to cope with the loss of a pet. The decision to bury or cremate a pet belongs to the owner, and it is an important one.
Burying your pet in your backyard
In France, it’s no longer possible to bury your pet in your backyard. The law prohibits it for health reasons.
Burial in a pet cemetery
Nevertheless, it’s possible to bury your pet in a pet cemetery. This is a solution quite similar to that of humans. You can contact your vet or your local town hall directly to find an approved cemetery.
Choosing cremation
When it comes to cremation, various cremation services exist, allowing pet owners, if they so choose, to collect their deceased pet’s ashes or to be present at the cremation. There are generally two types of cremation in France:
Individual cremation: this allows you to collect the ashes either through your vet or directly from the crematorium. It is also possible to be present at the time of your pet’s cremation.
Group cremation: Your dog, cat, or other pet will be cremated with other animals, with respect and dignity. Therefore, returning the ashes is not possible.
Pay tribute to your pet: an important step
The bond that we establish with our pets is unique and special. To ease your grief and honor your pet’s memory, it is best to pay tribute to your faithful companion.
Plant a tree
You can plant a tree or a flowerbed in memory of your deceased pet. Also, if you choose cremation, you should be able to scatter their ashes there. This tree or flowerbed can serve as a place of remembrance. It can be a place to reflect on the happy times you shared.
Choosing a funeral urn
A funeral urn allows you to keep your pet’s ashes there and pay tribute to them. Some people prefer to scatter their deceased pet’s ashes near a tree, in the sea, or in nature, while others choose to keep the urn at home.
You can find urns in all shapes, sizes, and materials. They can be made of wood, porcelain, ceramic, or marble. However, the size will also depend on your pet’s weight. Crematoriums generally offer their own urn models and should be able to advise you best, based on your preferences.
Opt for a cremation jewel
Cremation jewelry is a great way to keep your pet’s memory close to you. It allows you to keep part of your faithful companion’s ashes. These are usually available in silver, gold, or stainless steel and there is a wide selection of cremation jewelry.
Getting help with your grief
Talk to other families
It is possible to share your experience with other grieving families and find support from people who share your pain. This support can be a good way to express your pain, all while feeling completely understood.
Psychological support
For some people, this ordeal is so painful that their daily life becomes extremely difficult. They lose interest in what’s around them and don’t find happiness in anything anymore. Some pet owners do not dare ask for the help that they really need. Either because they don’t feel legitimate or because they are scared that they will not feel understood. However, there is no shame to feel, losing a pet that we love unconditionally is difficult. This phase should be taken seriously.
You can ask for tips from your vet or directly from a psychologist.
Lastly, in recent years, coaches specializing in pet loss have been supporting owners after the death of their little companions.
Should you adopt another pet?
You have probably heard grieving pet owners say they don’t want to adopt another pet after the death of their companion. This is either because they don’t want to relive the experience of grief and all the suffering it entails, or out of guilt, they don’t want to have a feeling of betrayal towards their deceased pet.
Again, this decision rests solely with the owner of the deceased animal. Adopting a new pet should not be considered a replacement of your beloved companion.
Every pet is unique, with their own temperament and quirks. When you’ve grieved the loss of your pet and feel ready to adopt another pet, remember that shelters are often overcrowded, filled with adorable fur balls who have been waiting for a family for far too long.
Adopting another pet gives a rescue dog or cat the chance to finally experience the tenderness and warmth of a loving home.
If you want to delve deeper into this subject, read this Letsgetpet article: Adopting a kitten after the loss of your previous cat