Many people treat their pets as members of the family. The death of a beloved pet, therefore, is a very difficult time. When your pet passes away at home, you may not know what you should do next or what your options are.
Planning ahead is also for pets
It is best to ask yourself what you want to do with your pet’s remains while that pet is still alive and healthy. This gives you an opportunity to evaluate all the factors that may be involved in this difficult decision.
If you haven’t already given this consideration, the first thing to think about is your own feelings about death and remembrance. Your goal will likely be to preserve the memory of your pet. Therefore, your decision for your pet’s disposition should be based on how you think that memory will best be preserved.
You have options
Call your vet, as they have been through this many times and can assist you through the process, no matter the final disposition of your pet.
You may just wish for your pet’s body to be transported from your home. Some people simply leave the decision of the final disposition of their pet up to the veterinarian. By doing that, you never know how your pet was laid to rest, which may be troubling to you and your family as time passes.
If your pet is under the care of a veterinarian at the time of his or her passing, you can call the vet to help guide you through your options and resources.
You may like to bury your pet yourself on your property. Or, you may like to make arrangements for a memorial service, cremation, or to permanently memorialize your pet in some special way.
If you would like your pet laid to rest in a cemetery, you have options. New Hampshire pet cemeteries include:
- Proctor Animal Cemetery in Nashua (through the Humane Society of Greater Nashua)
- Rolling Meadows Pet Cemetery (through the NH SPCA) in Stratham
- McGuire Pet Cemetery in Londonderry
Some human cemeteries do allow pets to be buried alongside their human families, so it may also be worth calling the cemetery you have chosen for yourself to ask the rules.
There are also pet crematories throughout New Hampshire that can usually pick up your pet’s remains from a veterinarian or from your home. Some veterinarians provide cremation services. A few do so at no extra charge if they have euthanized your pet or if he or she dies at the vet’s office.
Making some decisions while your furry or not so furry friend is still on your lap, will ultimately make this challenging time a little easier.
You Can Easily Start Planning Now.
