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Burial Options

A flower filled garden at St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in New Providence, New Jersey, offers dog owners, regardless of their religious affiliation, a final resting place for their pets.
Created some 40 years ago, the pet cemetery is believed to be the only one located on church grounds in the United States.
"People's pets become part of their family and it helps their grieving to have a prayer and a special place to bury them," says church rector Margaret Hodgkins.
Deciding on a burial option for your dog is a deeply personal one based on your religious beliefs, emotional needs and past experiences.

While it’s something most of us don’t like thinking about, it’s wise to decide ahead of time which burial option is best. Making a decision after your dog passes away, when you’re stricken with grief, may cloud your better judgment.

Below are a few traditional options available.

Cremation. Pet funeral directors say cremations -– a process where a body is reduced to ashes by burning -- account for about 80 percent of their work.

Three types of cremations are offered. Individual cremation is just like it sounds. Only one animal is placed in the retort, and ashes are returned to the owner.

A private cremation involves the incineration of several animals but they’re kept separated in the chamber so ashes can be returned to the right owner.

Lastly, a common cremation is where the bodies of many pets are burned all at once. The ashes are not returned.

Brenda Drown of the International Association of Pet Cemeteries and Crematories (IAPCC) in Ellenburg Depot, New York, says reputable crematories allow you to tour the facility and be present during the process.

“Some crematories even have a window where you can watch through to make sure it’s your pet going in and your pet coming out,” she says.

Ashes can later be placed in an urn, buried or spread in a special place. Companies can even convert ashes into a keepsake diamond or planting medium for growing a living memorial.

Pet Cemetery. While you’re checking into burial grounds, you might be surprised to learn that a few have special sections where the ashes of owners can be buried along with their dogs.

Before deciding on a cemetery, Drown advises owners to ask two important questions:

Is there a maintenance fund in place? With each burial a small fee is charged to insure funds are always available for upkeep of the grounds and roadways.

Is the land owned by the company and dedicated as a pet cemetery?
If the answer is yes, go a step further. Call the county recorder’s office and verify the deed shows the property is dedicated as a pet cemetery.

A dedicated piece of property legally prevents it from being used for another purpose, says Drown. Otherwise, the proprietors or corporation could sell the land and exhume your dog.

Backyard Burial. Check your local or county ordinances regarding backyard pet burials. Also consider how long you plan to live in your home. If you moved in a few years, would it bother you to leave your pet’s body behind?

Body Disposal. For a modest fee, your veterinarian will dispose of your dog’s body. Often times the carcasses are sent to a landfill or incinerated.

A word of caution: I worked at a veterinary hospital in California where the receptionist told clients their pets’ bodies were cremated. They weren’t. The bodies were sent to the county dump. She hid the truth because she felt it saved owners from the extra pain and anguish of knowing what really happened.

If you’re told the bodies are cremated, ask for the facility’s name and number. Call to verify that your hospital uses them.

~ Staff, SeniorDogs.com

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