After-care choices for your pet
By Dr Siân Burwood MA VetMB MRCVS – Small Animal GP and Veterinary Writer
Making the decision to euthanase a beloved pet is one of the hardest things that a pet owner will ever have to do, and it can take up so much mental effort that it’s a shock to remember that once your pet is gone, there is still a body that needs to be cared for. Some pet owners find they have very definite ideas about what they wish to happen to their pet’s body after death, others will have never even considered this and so the choices seem overwhelming. This article aims to give you an overview of what some of those options are so that you can decide what is right for you ahead of time, so that on the day of euthanasia you only have to focus on your pet and saying goodbye.
What happens to a body after death?
After death, when the pet’s heart has stopped beating and their brain has shut down, the body will start a natural process of decomposition. Immediately after death there is complete muscle relaxation, and it is normal to see emptying of the bladder and/or bowel. Within half an hour the temperature of the body drops to match that of the room or outdoor air. Rigor mortis describes a normal stiffening of the muscles that starts 1-4 hours after death and peaks after 24 hours. The body starts to visibly change and decay after 48 hours. This is the reason why it is important to know what you wish to happen to your pet’s body after death.
What are my options after my pet has been euthanased?
After euthanasia (whether at home or in a veterinary practice) there are two main options for after-care of your pet’s body.
- Home burial
In the UK it is legal to bury a small domestic pet at home (as long as you are the owner of the land). The main consideration with burials is that they should not pollute groundwater supplies; this is usually more of a concern for large animals but should be considered if you live in a sensitive or vulnerable area. There are no minimum requirements advised by the government for this, but is it widely recommended by local authorities that any grave is at least 1m/3 feet deep to prevent scavenging by wild animals. Dogs over 40kg should be buried deeper than this.
Before deciding on home burial it is worth considering:
- Are you likely to move from this house in the near future?
- Will the soil allow you to dig down at least 1m?
- Was your pet treated with any hazardous drugs (such as chemotherapy) prior to death that might pollute groundwater?
- Are there any underground cables or pipes in the garden?
You are not charged to bury your pet on your own land.
- Cremation
Many pet owners choose cremation for their pets. You can arrange this directly with a crematorium of your choice, or at Paws Over the Rainbow we can arrange this for you and will transport your pet there on your behalf on the same day. The crematorium we use is Kings Hill Crematorium in Shenton on the Leicestershire/Warwickshire border. You can find a link to their website below which shows they offer a large and varied selection of urns, caskets and keepsakes which they are able to tailor to your specific requirements and are all displayed in their reception. Prices are available to view on websites but should you have any queries about anything specific please don’t hesitate to contact us.
https://www.kingshillcremations.co.uk
In the UK there are no specific pet cremation laws, but the crematoria are bound by regulations relating to the environment and handling of animals. Reputable crematoria such as the one we use are members of the Association of Pet Crematoria and Cemeteries (APPCC) and follow their guidelines.
If you choose cremation as the right option for your pet, there is then a further choice to be made as to whether you would like their ashes returned to you or not.
Routine/communal cremation
If you chose the routine or communal option, your pet’s body is cremated alongside that of other pets. If Kings Hill cremation carry out the communal cremation, they will then spread the ashes over their surrounding fields.
This is the right option for many families where they feel that memories, photos and other physical objects are what they need to remember their pet best rather than ashes. Whilst there is a charge, this is typically much lower than individual cremation.
Individual cremation
Individual cremation is where your pet is cremated on their own, and their body remains separate from all others from the point of collection until the ashes are returned to you. The ashes can be returned to you in a variety of different presentations, whether in a casket or memorial that you keep, or in a scatter tube or box that allows you to use or scatter the ashes as you wish. This option is more expensive than routine cremation.
If you request Paws Over the Rainbow to arrange an individual cremation for you, you are able to collect the ashes directly from the crematorium by private pre-arranged appointments only. Ashes will normally be ready for collection within 48-72 hours. You can also choose to have them hand delivered back to you. You can expect the ashes to be returned to you within approximately 10 working days, (roughly 2 weeks) and there is an extra for this.
Why do I have to choose what to do with my pet’s body?
You need to choose what happens to your pet after death because they belong to you even after passing. Even if you do not wish for burial or for ashes to be returned to you, this is still a choice that must be made, authorised by and paid for by yourself. Typically if a pet owner does not wish to bury their pet or have ashes returned to them, routine cremation is the appropriate option.
Other memorial options
Whilst care of the body itself after death is broadly limited to burial or cremation, there are many other ways you can memorialise your pet to help you feel close to them. Some can be carried out by ourselves or the crematorium, others would need to be organised by yourself once ashes are returned to you.
Fur clippings
Our pets’ fur can be one of their defining features – a lovely colour or particular texture that makes you think of them. Taking a small clipping of that fur can be a lovely way to remember them.
Paw and nose prints
Paw and nose prints are as unique to each pet as fingerprints are to us. After death, impressions of these can be made in either ink or clay as a wonderful memory.
Garden memorials
Burial may not be the right option for many families, but taking your pet’s ashes and incorporating these into the soil under a favourite or newly planted garden plant can be a lovely way to feel they are still close to you. You may like to keep this knowledge just for you, or place a memorial statue or plaque over the top.
Scattering ashes
You can scatter your pets ashes on your own land without permission, but need to ask permission from the landowner to scatter anywhere else. Knowing a piece of your pet is still in their favourite place can be very comforting.
Woodland or cemetery burial
Some pet crematoria have their own cemeteries or woodland burial sites. If you cannot or do not wish to bury your pet at home, this can be a great option so you can have a place to visit and remember your beloved pet.
More unusual options
Ashes from your pet can be incorporated into many different things, from jewellery to tattoo ink. If you find an option like this that appeals, make sure you are sure that all environmental and healthcare guidelines and laws are being followed.
For reflection
After euthanasia there is a decision to be made about how to care for the mortal remains of your beloved pet, but what that decision is is unique to every family. Burial or cremation are the main options, and cremation can be further divided into whether or not ashes are returned to you. At Paws Over the Rainbow, we are here to help you navigate this decision, and work with our trusted crematorium to provide this service should it be the right one for you.
If you’d like to talk, ask questions, or just need support, we’re always here. Call us on 07942 077180 or email info@pawsovertherainbow.co.uk